New Pinoy Facebook game takes on green cause

MANILA, Philippines - Finally, a Filipino game is on Facebook.

The popularity of interactive games on the social networking platform has inspired a Filipino company to take on the challenge of bringing its environmental advocacy to the gaming world.

No less than one of the country’s most popular costume players (cosplay), Alodia Gosiengfiao, has graced the game’s official launch to become its ambassador and endorser.

“The great thing about Alter Space is that it’s not just any typical game that you play. In a creative way, it actually teaches people to be conscious of the carbon footprint they produce, which means changing their habits for the good earth,” said the 22-year-old Gosiengfiao in an official statement welcoming the game on Facebook planet.

The popular gamer, who is also an artist, model and TV personality, also graced the game’s official press launch a few days before it debuted online.

“It’s really nice to be part of this wonderful project because as a gamer I take this opportunity to speak to the youth to help them be better citizens because the future of our planet is in their hands and if we don’t work together, nothing will happen,” Gosiengfiao said.

Even the Philippine national football team’s Anton del Rosario is championing the environmental cause.

“Our environment is not in a good state right now, especially with all the pollution around us. We can all feel its effect in our lives. People need to learn how to save energy, how to recycle, and to cut down on the things that aren’t necessary,” the popular Azkal player said.

Making a difference

Whether the celebrity appeals and influence on local gamers can pull social gaming enthusiasts to the innovative advocacy of educating people on the merits of living green and energy conservation through Alter Space remains to be seen. But officials of the company behind its creation, Aboitiz Power Corp., are optimistic that it could make a difference.

“Alter Space is the first environmentally themed Facebook application created by ingenious Filipinos for fellow Filipinos and all Facebook users in the world. It is our chance as Filipinos to stand out globally in altering our lifestyle to a more sustainable practice,” said Erramon Aboitiz, president and CEO of Aboitiz Power Corp.

In taking on this environmental advocacy, Aboitiz said it is an advocate of clean, renewable, and sustainable energy sources and currently 42 percent of its power-generating capacity is renewable. However, it believes that the company can only do so much.

“We firmly believe that the power of choice is in the hand of the consumers and the general public plays the most important and most powerful role in saving the environment,” he said.

“More than providing a fun gaming experience, Alter Space is a tool for teaching the public about specific practices and choices that apply in their daily lives to protect the environment,” he added.

Sebastian Lacson, first vice president and chief reputation officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, explained that the message that the game brings to the public is that the world needs to help protect the environment by reducing the carbon footprint.

“Essentially, carbon footprint is the amount of emissions generated by specific human activities. While we cannot stop ourselves from generating carbon footprint, we can always find ways to reduce this to the point where carbon emissions no longer pose a risk to our planet,” Lacson said. “By playing Alter Space, we hope that we can learn to apply simple practices that altogether will protect our environment from the effects of too much carbon emissions.” 

Lacson further explained that in choosing the Facebook platform as the access point for the game, the company hopes to reach the millions of Facebook users in the country.

An alternative space

“This is Alter Space — Your second chance at building a new world, a new life,” goes the game’s introduction on Facebook. “Only this time, be mindful of the choices you make because every small choice you make creates a bigger impact in your planet.”

Currently, the game has seven levels. Level one is Planet Paradise, a simulated world with everything you need — mall, fine dining, stores, fast food and a home. But to live in this world you need to make smarter choices to balance your happiness index with what’s good for the planet.

Would you turn on the electric fan or just open the windows for some air? Would you rather watch TV or ride a bike in a park? Using appliances may raise your happiness but increase your carbon footprint and contribute to triggering a heat wave. Like other social games, you can invite friends to join the fun and help each other out.

Lacson said the game is not selling game cards or anything on-site as it was not made for profit. It is purely for fun and educational purposes. Gamers earn points and level up solely based on pure play.

Depending on how users will take to the game, the company said it will decide if the game needs an update or there is a need to add more levels once users outgrow what it has now.

In the meantime, one could gather as much renewable energy to earn points and raise the personal happiness index by making smarter choices.