Meet Huang Mao – a lifelong Civilization gamer turned sustainability advocate who’s rewriting the rules of digital empire-building. 🎮✨ At this year’s International Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy Economics, the Tsinghua University researcher dropped a truth bomb: ‘What if winning means NOT destroying the Earth?’
From Pixelated Forests to Real-World Impact
Huang, who’s been conquering virtual worlds since middle school, argues classic 4X games (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) teach outdated ‘growth-at-all-costs’ mentalities. ‘It’s like climate change speedrun mode,’ he told CGTN, referencing how games historically rewarded deforestation and unchecked industrialization. 🌳➡️🏭
The Māori Effect: Gaming’s Green Revolution
But 2026’s Civilization VI players are dancing to a different beat. Choosing the Māori civilization unlocks eco-friendly strategies – think ocean-based economies and forest preservation. ‘Suddenly, players ask: Why burn resources fighting neighbors when we can thrive together?’ Huang explains.
Zombies Unite Gamers for Climate Action
Here’s the kicker: Modders are creating apocalyptic scenarios where cooperation becomes the only path to survival. Imagine battling climate disasters or zombie hordes that force alliances. ‘These aren’t just games anymore,’ Huang says. ‘They’re sandboxes for building better futures.’ 🧟♂️🌍
