The entertainment industry is in the middle of a huge shift, driven by monumental advancements in technology and growing commitments towards better energy efficiency.
Streaming services, gaming consoles, and other tech related to the entertainment industry rely heavily on energy-intensive operations. Sustainable energy sources are shaping how this sector functions, reducing its environmental footprint and opening up new possibilities for innovation.
Climate change continues to dominate global conversations, and the entertainment industry is facing increased pressure to adopt greener practices.
We look at how sustainable energy is influencing entertainment tech, and the challenges it faces.
The Energy Demand of Entertainment Technology
The entertainment sector, particularly video games and streaming, consumes a lot of energy. Netflix conducted a survey a couple of years ago and found that the energy consumption of data centers and networks ranges from 2 to 3 percent of the global electricity consumption.
Similarly, cloud gaming services like the XBox Cloud Gaming require large data centers to process and stream gameplay. According to Berkeley Laboratory, data centers will consume 12 percent of the total power in the U.S. by 2028 due to an increase in streaming and gaming demand.
Video game consoles and PCs are becoming more and more powerful, justifying Moore’s Law, which states that the processing power doubles every year.
Sustainable Energy is Changing Entertainment
Here are some ways sustainable energy solutions are making a dent in the entertainment and gaming industry
Renewable-Powered Data Centers
Users, gamers, and viewers of streaming services require uninterrupted service with no downtime or fluctuation of speed.
To ensure everyone has this service, many tech giants, like Microsoft and Google, are transitioning to renewable energy to power their data centers. They are utilizing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. The demand for services and users in general is increasing every year, making such measures important for sustained performance.
Gaming platforms reliant on cloud technology stand to benefit significantly from these advancements. The push toward renewable energy aligns with broader industry goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy efficiency.
Energy-Efficient Hardware
Hardware manufacturers are responding to the sustainability challenge by designing energy-efficient devices. For example, modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X incorporate power-saving features and eco-modes that minimize energy use during idle periods.
Interestingly, the PlayStation 5 by Sony is so powerful that even after four years of release, it provides top gaming performance. The next version of the PlayStation would not be coming for another three to four years.
Also, gaming PC component manufacturers are investing in low-power GPUs and processors, ensuring that high performance doesn’t come at the cost of excessive energy consumption.
Sustainable Production Practices
Sustainability is influencing the development of entertainment technology. Companies are adopting eco-friendly production methods, using recycled materials for devices, and implementing take-back programs to reduce electronic waste.
Sony, for example, aims to achieve a net-zero environmental footprint by 2050, a goal that includes integrating sustainable materials into its product lineup and reducing emissions across its supply chain.
The Ethical Concerns in Gaming
While the gaming industry embraces sustainability, it must also confront pressing social concerns like video game addiction. Excessive gaming has been linked to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, particularly among younger players.
The ongoing video game addiction lawsuit, for instance, addresses concerns about gaming addiction and its impact on mental health, raising important questions about the industry’s responsibility toward both users and the environment.
As TorHoerman Law notes, popular video game titles use psychology and feedback loops to keep video game players engaged. These practices induce more gameplay and need to be checked.
The Broader Impact of Sustainable Energy
The adoption of sustainable energy isn’t limited to reducing emissions; it also aligns with consumer expectations. A survey by IBM found that 71 percent of global consumers prefer brands that prioritize environmental sustainability. This shift in consumer values places additional pressure on entertainment technology companies to demonstrate their commitment to greener practices.
Moreover, sustainable energy initiatives contribute to energy equity, making technology more accessible in regions where traditional energy sources are scarce or unreliable. By investing in renewables, companies can expand their reach while fostering social and environmental progress.
Better For The World
By providing answers to some of the most important problems facing the entertainment technology sector, sustainable energy is transforming it. The transition to sustainability is opening the door for creativity and accountability in gaming, streaming, and other industries with renewable energy-powered data centers and energy-efficient gear.
It will be crucial to address more general concerns, like energy fairness and user well-being, as the sector develops.
The entertainment technology industry may usher in a greener, more inclusive society through cooperation, innovation, and a common dedication to environmental responsibility.