Nairobi is set to be the proud host of the first-ever Green Games Summit in Africa, slated for the weekend of February 24, 2024.
The summit, organised by the Playing for the Planet Alliance and the Pan Africa Gaming Group (PAGG), will see leaders from the video games industry, UN representatives, and government officials coming together.
The event is set to take place just before the UN Environment Assembly’s 6th session and aims to leverage the influence of the gaming industry, which boasts 3.4 billion players worldwide, to contribute to environmental sustainability.
One of the highlights of the two-day event at the Nairobi Game Development Centre will be the Green Game Jam, showcasing 78 games striving to mobilise 1 million people for real-world environmental action.
In addition, the summit will shine a spotlight on exemplary African studios, including Usiku Games, Internet of Elephants, and Mekon from Kenya, and Sea Monster from South Africa.
Speakers at the summit include industry heavyweights such as Trista Patterson of Microsoft Xbox, Kieren Mayers of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO of SYBO, Jake Manion, Group Creative Director at PAGG, and Lebo Lekoma from Sea Monster in South Africa.
Chairperson of PAGG Jay Shapiro expressed delight in hosting the global gaming industry for this significant summit in Nairobi, acknowledging Africa’s importance as the future of gaming.
The Playing for the Planet Alliance, facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has seen members make commitments encompassing the integration of green initiatives in games, emission reduction, and active support for global environmental initiatives.
At the same time, the Pan Africa Gaming Group (PAGG) brings together leading independent game development studios and publishers in Africa, focusing on creating culturally relevant content for the continent’s youth.
This inaugural Green Games Summit in Africa is a significant milestone for the gaming industry and environmental sustainability on the continent, and it’s an event not to be missed.
