The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced on May 20 that it has launched an online game called "Bee Survival: Save the Bees!" to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on bee survival in conjunction with "World Bee Day." The game was designed to convey the message that "protecting bees is about protecting our lives."
The Bee Survival game was created based on a report published by the WWF in April that analyzed the impact of climate change on bee populations. The report pointed out that extreme weather changes, such as heat waves and heavy rainfall, are accelerating the collapse of bee colonies, and that invasive species, which have spread due to rising temperatures, also pose a significant threat to bee survival.
In the game, players will directly face various threats to bee survival. They must fight against various factors that threaten survival, such as extreme weather like heat waves, heavy rain, and strong winds, as well as attacks from invasive species, while helping the bees collect nectar and fly safely.
The game consists of three stages: the "Flowering Period" when flowers bloom, the "High-Temperature Period" when temperatures rise, and the "Climate Crisis Period" when heavy rainfall occurs. As the stages progress, the risk factors and difficulty that hinder bee survival increase. Through this process, players will experience firsthand how serious the impacts of climate change and the spread of invasive species are on bee ecosystems, and naturally recognize the importance of ecosystem conservation and the need to protect bees.
In fact, the decline in bee populations is not just an ecological issue; it directly affects our tables. If essential crops such as apples and watermelons do not get properly pollinated, it leads to decreased production and rising prices. The WWF aimed to inform the public about this chain of crises and convey the necessity of responding to climate change and the importance of bee protection.
To celebrate the game's launch, the WWF will host an event until June 20. Gifts will be given to a total of 200 participants: the first 100 individuals who leave messages supporting bees after playing the game, and an additional 100 selected by lottery. This event is supported by the natural skincare brand Burt's Bees, which shares the campaign's intent and has donated some products.
The online game "Bee Survival: Save the Bees!" can be enjoyed for free by anyone on PC and mobile through the WWF campaign page.