SimCity Goes Green Thanks to Oil Giant BP
Think you know how to save the world? Test your theories in EA's virtual city.
Not In My Backyard is a common refrain from those resisting the - they say - ugly wind turbines that turn wind energy into electricity, one of the steps being taken in an effort to harness the Earth's power and to cut back on dirty energy. But will these green energy haters feel the same when that backyard is in a video game?
EA and oil giant BP have announced that they will be working together to include climate change education in the mega-publisher's new city-builder SimCity Societies.
The game will let players use whatever energy source they like when building their cities, but by including the ecological repercussions in the assessment of how efficient the energy source is, the companies are hoping to introduce an element of environmental responsibility without being heavy-handed and while still letting players weigh the pros and cons of their actions.
"With SimCity Societies, we have the opportunity not only to demonstrate some of the causes and effects of global warming, but also to educate players how seemingly small choices can have a big global impact," EA's Steve Seabolt said in the announcement.
SimCity Societies will be out for PC on 15 November.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare