Published: March 31st, 2025

Authors: Paul Hooper (Manchester Metropolitan University); Christopher Paling (Manchester Metropolitan University); Fiona Rajé (Manchester Metropolitan University); Elina Tyynelä (Neogames Finland Association)

What is this report about?

This report is the first output from Work Package 3 (WP3) of the STRATEGIES project, which focuses on sustainable production in Europe’s game industries. The report aims to explore the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with game development, the hidden material and carbon impacts of the games industry, and challenges developers face in accurately assessing their emissions.

The report presents initial findings on games developers’ scope 1, scope 2, and relevant scope 3 emissions and discusses the early-stage development of a carbon accounting tool tailored for the industry. In addition, the research examines case studies from small European game developers, highlighting the complexities of GHG accounting and best practices in emissions reduction.

WP3 aims to develop methodological interventions for GHG accounting, assess the sustainability of material use in game production, and support the industry in meeting EU climate targets.

Future work will refine the emission estimates for the case study companies and work with them to develop carbon management plans, support the development of the carbon accounting tool, undertake a material use assessment for the case study companies, and contribute to a circular economy framework for game development.