The Great Barrier Reef Foundation has announced a partnership with Sankari Studios to develop and release “a new video game so anyone with a smartphone can help protect the Great Barrier Reef.”
KATOA Ocean is a free-to-play game that allows layers to earn points by exploring “underwater ecosystems, managing resources, completing quests and combating threats.” Designed to educate as well as entertain its players, KATOA Ocean teaches players about the threats facing the reef while they play.
Points earned in the game are converted into cash which goes directly towards funding the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s “work to regenerate 250 hectares of critical seagrass meadows on the Reef.”.
Great Barrier Reef Video Game
How does a free-to-play game convert points into cash? According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Sankari Studios, it’s all done via philanthropy. “Philanthropists convert in-game points into real-world funding…KATOA Ocean’s giving modality is supported by sponsorship and philanthropy dollars.”
On the Sankari Studios website, it states;
“Play and earn impact points that are underwritten by our company, sponsors, and philanthropic partners. Your points turn into real dollars that go directly to the conservation project you choose!”
In addition to any funding generated through the conversion of points, Sankari Studios will donate 10% of all proceeds from in-app purchases to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden said, “Seagrass meadows are a critical habitat on our Reef. They provide food, shelter and breeding grounds to threatened species including turtles and dugongs, they filter pollutants from the water and they remove carbon from our atmosphere.
“Like the rest of the Reef ecosystem, they are coming under threat from the impacts of climate change. Already we’ve suffered extensive losses of seagrass meadows. It’s not too late to save them, but time is running out.
“We’re excited to partner with Sankari Studios on KATOA Ocean so that all Australians, and Reef-lovers around the world, can help secure a better future for our Reef.”
KATOA Ocean launches on Earth Day, 22 April 2023 and will be available via GooglePlay and the AppStore. “Sankari’s team is comprised of seasoned experts in gaming and content creation. Prior games developed and managed by Sankari’s team include Call of Duty, Marvel / The Amazing Spiderman, James Bond, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.“
