A Guide to Finding Cruelty-Free Games
Video games have come a long way from their early days. They’ve evolved from arcade classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders into a sprawling, immersive virtual worlds with complex stories and characters. Unfortunately, some video games still rely on animal cruelty to tell these stories and create the gaming experience.
However, there are plenty of video game developers out there making great games without the use of animal cruelty. This guide will help you identify which video games are truly cruelty-free so that you can make sure your gaming is ethical as well as entertaining.
What Makes a Video Game Cruelty-Free?
A cruelty-free video game is one that does not rely on animal testing or exploitation at any stage in its production process. This means that all the materials and components used to create the game must not have been tested on animals, nor should any of the game’s features include scenes or characters based on animal cruelty.
It is also important to note that a cruelty-free video game does not necessarily mean that it is completely free from violence or other objectionable content. For example, some games may feature war as a major theme but still be considered cruelty-free if they do not use animals as part of their story or design.
How Do I Identify Cruelty-Free Video Games?
The best way to identify cruelty-free video games is to research the companies behind them. Many game developers are now committing themselves to ethical practices by signing the Cruelty-Free Gaming Pledge, a promise to never use animal testing or exploitation in their games. Look for these companies and check out their policies before purchasing any video game. Here are more tips to help you find cruelty-free games:
1. Look for games with strong ratings from PETA or other animal rights organizations.
PETA is a major player in the animal rights movement and has a whole section of its website devoted to cruelty-free gaming.
They provide ratings for games based on how ethical they are and make it easy to identify which titles are truly cruelty-free.
2. Check developer websites for statements about animal testing or exploitation.
Many developers have stated publicly that they do not use animal testing or exploitation in their games, so check out the official websites of your favorite developers before you buy a game.
3. Read reviews of the game carefully before buying it.
Reviewers may not always mention whether a game is cruelty-free, but they can often give clues as to how ethical its production process was by discussing themes and characters within the game itself.
4. Ask the developer questions directly.
If you’re still unsure about a game’s ethical practices, contact the developers directly and ask them about their stance on animal cruelty in gaming. Most developers are happy to answer questions from their fans and can provide more information about their production process.
5. Look for games with a “cruelty-free” label.
Some developers may choose to advertise their games as cruelty-free by adding a label or notice in the game’s description stating that it was made without animal testing or exploitation. Look for this label when browsing for new titles.
6. Support indie developers who are committed to creating cruelty-free games.
Many small, independent game developers are dedicating themselves to creating ethical games without animal testing or exploitation. Support these companies and their products whenever possible.
Conclusion
Video gaming doesn’t have to involve animal cruelty. With this guide, you have all the information you need to identify truly cruelty-free video games. By researching game developers and looking for certifications, you can make sure that your gaming experience is not only fun but also ethical. So get out there and start playing!
With the rise of animal cruelty in the world today, it’s more important than ever to be aware of what we are supporting as consumers. Identifying and buying cruelty-free video games is one way we can all do our part to help protect animals from unnecessary suffering. And with so many great companies producing great gaming experiences without relying on animal testing or exploitation, there’s no excuse to support any unethical practices. Make sure that you are doing your part by following this guide and choosing cruelty-free video games whenever possible
