Participants
Claire Rozain: Co-Founder of Youthwave Games
Isabella Madrid Malo: Content Manager at Dots.eco
What is this episode about?
In this episode of the Land, Oceans, and Business podcast, we dive into the intersection of gaming and sustainability with Claire Rozain, co-founder of Youthwave Games. Claire shares her journey of creating mobile games in Africa that not only entertain but also raise awareness about critical issues like water scarcity. We explore how the gaming industry can be a powerful tool for education and social impact, the importance of integrating sustainability into business practices, and the role of businesses in addressing global environmental challenges. Claire also discusses her personal commitment to sustainability and how she incorporates eco-friendly practices into her daily life.
Questions covered
- Tell us more about you and about your business!
- How did you become so passionate about sustainability? What’s the story behind it?
How are you implementing the theme of water scarcity in your game? - Do you think sustainability is essential for businesses in the current market?
- What trends do you see in the gaming industry when it comes to green innovation?
- What do you think is the potential for the player’s experience in blending the real world with virtual worlds?
- In your personal life, what steps do you take to incorporate small (or big) sustainable practices?
- How can people get connected with you?
Podcast Audio
Podcast Transcript
Isabella: Hi, everyone! Welcome to the Land, Oceans, and Business podcast. For those tuning in for the first time, welcome to our world of sustainability and business. And for our returning listeners, welcome back. Today, we have a special guest, Claire Rozain, co-founder of Youthwave Games, a mobile games developer creating games in Africa that address issues like water scarcity.
We’re excited to dive into topics ranging from sustainable business practices to eco-gaming trends. And as usual, we’ll get personal with Claire’s sustainability lifestyle, which is always my favorite part. So, let’s get started. Claire, welcome to the Land, Oceans, and Business podcast. We’re thrilled to have you here.
Claire: Thank you so much, Isabella. I’m really excited to be here, and I’m a big fan of the podcast, so thank you for having me.
Isabella: Of course! Let’s start by giving our listeners a bit more context about who you are.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself and your business?
Claire: Absolutely. Hello, everyone. My name is Claire, and I’m the co-founder of Youthwave Games, a studio I co-founded with Isdine Ibrahima Gnorra. We’re a French-Beninese studio, and we publish games with the goal of not just entertaining the world, but also educating and inspiring players. Our games are entirely developed in Africa by local talents and often address important issues like sustainability, including water scarcity.
Water scarcity is a crucial topic for us because it’s an environmental challenge that affects more than 2.2 billion people worldwide, including in Africa. I recently traveled to Senegal and spent time in Morocco, where I witnessed firsthand the struggles of accessing clean water, especially in small villages. In the 21st century, this is something we must all work to combat. We need to raise awareness and team up to make a difference.
Isabella: Thank you, Claire. Yes, water is such a critical issue right now. They say water is the new gold, and it’s shocking to think that some countries still don’t have access to clean water. I love how you’re using gaming to educate and inspire. The gaming industry often focuses on entertainment alone, but you’re taking it a step further by incorporating a conscious effort to make a difference.
I’m curious, when you say you’re creating games about water scarcity, what does that look like within the game?
Claire: Great question. Our first game, “The Quest of Water,” is about five months old. We’re a small team of four: myself, Isdine, Chris, who is based in Vienna, and Rita, based in Morocco. We started with this small game, which operates on a model of 50% ads and 50% in-app purchases. Importantly, we plan to direct a portion of the ad revenue to donation links seamlessly integrated within the game.
The game itself has a narrative focused on water scarcity. As players navigate through the game, they gain resources and insights about the issue, helping to raise awareness. We hope this will inspire players to contribute directly to organizations working to address water scarcity in Africa and around the world. We decided to base our studio in Africa because I truly believe that the next big gaming success stories, like Supercell, will emerge from the continent. Africa is full of sharp talents, and even though the gaming industry here is still young, there’s so much potential.
Water scarcity is a global issue, not just an African one. For instance, I was in Barcelona recently, and even there, in Catalonia, water access issues are becoming more prevalent. By creating games that highlight these challenges, we hope to make players more aware and encourage them to take action.
Isabella: That’s amazing. I completely agree that awareness is the first step, and once people are aware, it’s easier to take small actions that can make a big difference. I love the whole concept behind your game.
How did you personally become so passionate about sustainability? What’s your story?
Claire: My passion for sustainability started with my parents, who are both scientists. They began as researchers and teachers and always emphasized the importance of conserving resources and appreciating nature. My mother, a biologist, played a big role in shaping my awareness of these issues.
When I was younger, my sister and I traveled through China, from Shanghai to Beijing, including places like Shenzhen and Xi’an. This was about 10 years ago, so I’m a bit older now, even though I still look young! During that trip, we saw many villages struggling with access to basic resources, including water. These experiences left a lasting impression on me.
Later, while studying in Morocco and during my recent trip to Senegal, I encountered similar challenges in small villages. It’s clear that we are putting immense pressure on our resources, and businesses have a responsibility to act. We need to play a role in protecting the environment, especially since industries like gaming consume significant amounts of data and electricity. We need to give back and reduce our impact.
This has been a passion of mine since my early years, and I feel that gaming is the perfect medium to create positive change. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to build my own studio with a talented team that shares my belief in Africa’s potential and the power of gaming to raise awareness on important issues.
Isabella: Yes, gaming is a powerful tool for raising awareness. It allows for so much creativity and potential to give back to the planet. Businesses, especially in the gaming industry, have a responsibility to go beyond traditional models and consider the impact they can make.
You’ve seen firsthand the issues that need addressing, which often isn’t the case for people in more privileged parts of the world. Growing up in Colombia, I’ve seen the effects of the climate crisis, such as extreme droughts and rains, and I believe this experience gives me a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability.
This leads me to my next question: Do you think sustainability is essential for businesses today?
Claire: Absolutely, 100%. Sustainability shouldn’t just be a buzzword or a tool for greenwashing. It’s essential for businesses to be involved. Regulations are coming, so it’s better to be prepared now rather than later. Beyond that, consumers are demanding it. You’re not just creating products for yourself or to increase revenue; you’re creating them for people who care about these issues.
I read a recent survey that found 73% of global consumers are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact, and 81% believe companies should help in that effort. In Europe, regulations are increasing, and businesses that don’t adapt may find themselves falling behind from both a legal and consumer perspective.
Sustainable practices aren’t just about preservation; they’re also about innovation. For example, Dots.eco is finding innovative ways to integrate sustainability into monetization models, building brand loyalty with consumers who favor eco-friendly products. This is something that cannot be ignored.
Isabella: That makes total sense. If consumers are asking for it, businesses must find sustainable ways to respond. It’s not just about planting 1,000 trees once and moving on—that’s greenwashing. Sustainability should be integrated into the core of the business, and it should be part of a long-term strategy.
Big businesses, in particular, have a greater responsibility due to their larger environmental footprints. But every business, no matter its size, plays a role. As consumers continue to demand more sustainable practices, businesses will need to adapt or risk being left behind.
I’m curious about the gaming industry, given its rapid growth. What do you think is the potential for blending real-world issues with virtual gaming experiences?
Claire: I think the potential is enormous. Games like Fortnite have already shown the way, raising millions through LiveOps events dedicated to sustainability. Many companies, like Wooga and Playtika, are also connecting real-world issues with in-game experiences.
As gaming continues to grow, especially with the rise of user-generated content, players want to see an impact in the real world. They want to participate in green initiatives, support recurring events like tree-planting campaigns, and not just one-time efforts.
The opportunity is there, and it’s just a matter of getting the right people in place to make it happen. This is particularly important as new audiences emerge in regions like South America, where there is a strong commitment to environmental issues. We need to consider these markets when developing games and creating meaningful experiences.
Isabella: Absolutely. It’s a ripple effect. When one gaming studio starts incorporating environmental rewards, education, or in-game donations, others follow. This creates a wave of change across the industry, leading to a macro impact.
The work you’re doing with Youthwave Games and the initiatives at Dots.eco show that we can make a difference. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the real-world impact of these efforts, whether it’s through donations or increased awareness. For me, this is deeply personal as well. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability, and it’s why I love this work so much.
Now, let’s switch gears to my favorite part of the podcast—your sustainable lifestyle. What steps do you take to incorporate sustainability into your daily life?
Claire: First, I’d say there’s no such thing as a small step. If everyone makes small changes, they add up to a big impact. It’s like voting—every vote counts. I became a vegetarian about a year ago, inspired by my sister, and I’m conscious of my carbon footprint. I bike a lot, try to limit my flights, and avoid attending events that require long-haul travel if possible.
Tourism, for example, has a significant environmental impact, so I try to minimize my travel. And through our games, I hope we can encourage better habits, like reducing plastic waste. I’ve seen firsthand the amount of plastic waste that washes up on shores in Africa and Brazil, and it’s something I want to help change.
Isabella: It’s so important to have the right mindset. Simple changes, like using a reusable water bottle, can make a huge difference. There’s no such thing as a small step—when you start adding them up, they lead to big results. Educating others and showing them that there’s a better way is crucial.
I understand that sustainability can be expensive, especially for lower-income countries, which is why there’s more pressure on those of us in higher-income countries to make these changes. I’m really happy to hear about the steps you’re taking.
Claire: Yes, even small actions can have a big impact. Just reusing a water bottle instead of buying plastic ones can make a difference. It’s all about having the right mindset, and if we all adopt it, we can create real change. I’m excited about the impact your podcast is making, too. Businesses have a unique position of privilege and influence, and they can drive significant change.
Isabella: Thank you so much, Claire. Before we wrap up, how can people connect with you?
Claire: We have a page for our game where people can follow our updates. You can also reach me on LinkedIn—I’m always happy to talk about sustainability and how we can improve our games to be better for the planet. Additionally, I’m part of a community called the Was On Society, which has a Slack group. Any of these are great ways to get in touch.
Isabella: Amazing! Thank you so much, Claire, for this incredible conversation. I’m so glad we could make it happen, and I’m excited to see this episode go live.
Claire: Thank you, Isabella. It was a pleasure to be here.
Isabella: The pleasure was mine. Have a great day!
Claire: You too. Bye-bye!
If you liked this episode, check out the rest of them here. You can find our podcast on Spotify and Youtube @Land, Oceans, & Business.
