The carbon footprint of video games

A new report from the Carbon Trust, commissioned in support of the Playing for the Planet Alliance, sets out best practices for video game companies to measure and reduce their carbon emissions. Developed over 12 months in consultation with 10 games businesses and supported by Ukie, the report aims to clear up confusion around how the sector interprets carbon accounting frameworks and offers practical guidance to help companies take climate action.

The report recommends that all studios start by measuring their emissions, particularly scope 3 emissions, which include areas like data centres and player energy use. It encourages setting science-based climate targets aligned with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement and highlights the importance of player engagement, offering ten practical steps for reducing the carbon footprint of play. These include optimising hardware settings and raising awareness through in-game messaging.

Lead author Matt Anderson of the Carbon Trust said, “We hope this report helps businesses level up their climate action, with players also part of the journey.”

The report calls for more consistency, granularity, and transparency in emissions reporting. It urges companies to align their reporting to the GHG Protocol’s scope 3 categories, break down emissions by business unit or service, and clearly document methodologies, assumptions, and exclusions.

While action can be complex, especially for small and medium-sized studios lacking in-house expertise, the report highlights the urgency of progress. Only 12 out of 222 games companies studied have set or committed to science-based targets, though 56% of players believe the industry has a responsibility to address global warming.

To support action, a new carbon calculator will be piloted by Alliance members, and a free masterclass webinar featuring UNEP’s Sam Barratt and Carbon Trust’s Matt Anderson will take place on November 21st.

The report also identifies areas for future exploration, including the carbon impact of advertising, long-term console design decisions, the role of game engines in emissions mitigation, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud gaming.

Though not exhaustive, the report lays the groundwork for clearer boundaries, better data, and stronger industry collaboration, vital steps towards decarbonising interactive entertainment.

Read the full report here.