The Philippine government, along with environmental advocates, launched the mobile game Animal Town: Cute City Builder to raise public awareness and support for biodiversity conservation.
Animal Town have players engage in a virtual environment where they collaborate with talking animals to cultivate a town dedicated to biodiversity protection. According to Jonas Leones, an undersecretary at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the game is designed not only to entertain but also to serve as a fundraising tool.
Players can support various conservation projects by making in-game transactions or viewing ads. The proceeds will go projects such as reforestation and wildlife protection measures.
Besides offering a platform about biodiversity and conservation, Animal Town is a full-featured game for players craving for a casual city-building simulation. Gameplay mechanics include a town-building component where players can construct housing and manage a thriving community inhabited by various animal species, each with unique fashion preferences.
Players can expand their town by adding residential and commercial buildings, go on expeditions to discover rare species, and run businesses. To further increase the town’s wealth, players also need to utilize the job system where villagers are employed and trained to enhance their productivity. Moreover, players can earn rewards and prizes by accomplishing the occasional quests and quizzes from the townsfolk.
The DENR is reportedly targeting Php810,000 in revenue this year from the app. Gamers who are interested can download Animal Town on Android and iOS platforms.