Minecraft recently launched Update Aquatic, making it possible for players to create incredible builds underwater and encounter a wide variety of sea life—some of which are friendly and others that are not.
To celebrate the in-game update, Minecraft teamed up with Rabahrex, Logdotzip and Stacyplays for a much greater mission that brings awareness to real-life environmental concerns over the destruction of coral reefs from overfishing, climate change and pollution. Minecraft's 'Coral Crafters' project involved making sculptures from BioRock, a material that promotes the growth of coral at a rapid pace. Additionally, donations to The Nature Conservancy’s ocean-saving cause take place when players choose to build with coral in the new Update Aquatic or purchase custom in-game content.
Conservation Gaming Campaigns
Minecraft's Update Aquatic Helps Players Support Real Oceans
Trend Themes
1. Conservation Gaming Campaigns - The use of gaming platforms to raise awareness and funds for environmental causes presents an opportunity for brands to engage younger audiences in social impact initiatives.
2. Interactive Educational Entertainment - The trend of games combining education and entertainment can be leveraged by companies to increase engagement and knowledge retention by users.
3. Virtual Social Activism - Virtual activism offers a means for people who may not have the resources to take direct action in-person to engage with causes that matter to them, and presents a new opportunity for brands to engage with socially conscious consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game - Video games companies can increasingly incorporate corporate social responsibility into gameplay through partnerships that contribute to social impact causes.
2. Environmental - Businesses in the environmental industry can leverage engaging campaigns to gather support and awareness for real-world environmental problems, and raise funds for conservation efforts.
3. Non-profit - Non-profit organizations can increase engagement for their causes with popular and interactive platforms like video games, encouraging participation and donations to their initiatives.