Exclusive: New video game puts corporate sustainability on the line

Oli Frost, a member of the team that created the game, spoke with Sustainability Economics News (SEN) about the creation process and the ideology behind it.

Oli Frost is a British satirist and musician renowned for his “novelty songs about the climate crisis.” He first gained attention in 2018 with his unique performance on Britain’s Got Talent, where he presented hip-hop tracks using a recorder.

Frost’s diverse portfolio includes creative projects like Lifefaker and Flopstarter, and he attempted to auction his personal data on eBay.

The idea for the game was shaped by the choices of companies such as Abrdn, and the influence these corporates have in the world. Making sustainable choices is necessary for obtaining a sustainable future. However, corporations often prioritize profit over their responsibility. 

Corporates have a huge responsibility in making choices when it comes to sustainable investing as these organizations are the reason behind a major chunk of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

Frost explained that the game’s concept was inspired by 1980s adventure games, where players were posed with choices and their selection shaped the outcome. This framework aims to mirror real-life decisions faced by corporations like Abrdn, emphasizing that these organizations have the power to choose a more sustainable future.

“The game doesn’t necessarily say that Abrdn is bad. It says Abrdn can make a choice to do the right thing. There is a positive outcome as well”, said Oli in the discussion with SEN.

Abrdn is currently the fourth most exposed asset manager to high-risk bonds, with over $3.6 billion invested in fossil fuel bonds from major companies such as Exxon, BP, Shell, and Total. The firm also holds bonds and shares in Ithaca Energy, a co-developer of the controversial Rosebank oilfield in the North Sea.