wildlife conservation borderlands 3

E Authors

3 min read

·

16-10-2024

39

0

Share

Borderlands 3: A Wild Ride for Wildlife Conservation?

Borderlands 3, the action-packed looter shooter, is known for its over-the-top violence, quirky characters, and vast, desolate landscapes. But did you know that the game also incorporates elements of wildlife conservation?

While the focus is undoubtedly on blowing things up and collecting loot, the game's developers have subtly interwoven the concept of environmentalism into the game's narrative and world-building. This article explores how Borderlands 3 tackles wildlife conservation, analyzing the game's features and their potential impact on players' understanding of this critical issue.

A World in Need of Protection

The game's vast, sprawling environments, from the arid deserts of Pandora to the lush jungles of Promethea, teem with unique and sometimes bizarre creatures. However, these environments are also facing threats, including the destructive mining operations of the Hyperion Corporation and the rampant pollution caused by various factions. This raises the question: How does Borderlands 3 address the issue of wildlife conservation in its narrative?

According to a 2019 article in the journal Games and Culture by David T. Z. et al., "Borderlands 3… uses the game's lore and world-building to subtly emphasize the consequences of unchecked resource extraction and environmental exploitation." The authors further point out that "the game's depiction of wildlife suffering from habitat loss and pollution serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of neglecting environmental concerns."

The Role of Vault Hunters

In Borderlands 3, players take on the role of Vault Hunters, mercenaries tasked with seeking out and securing powerful artifacts known as Vaults. While the focus is on action and loot, the game subtly encourages players to consider the consequences of their actions on the environment.

For example, the game features side quests that involve protecting specific species from threats like poachers or habitat destruction. One such quest involves a group of scientists studying the ecosystem of a specific area, and players can choose to help them by clearing out hostile creatures and ensuring the safety of their research outpost.

A Deeper Dive into the Game's Messaging

Although Borderlands 3 isn't a conservation-focused game, its subtle messaging adds depth to the player experience. The developers have cleverly incorporated environmental concerns into the game's narrative, using the destruction wrought by corporations and factions as a backdrop for player actions.

The game's focus on resource extraction and the negative impact it has on the environment, coupled with the inclusion of side quests that promote conservation, can potentially inspire players to think more critically about the real-world implications of environmental damage.

The Limitations and Potential

While Borderlands 3 does a good job of incorporating elements of conservation into its narrative, it's important to note that it's still primarily an action-packed shooter. The game's focus is on violence and loot, and environmental concerns are often treated as a secondary element.

Despite these limitations, the game's subtle messaging about wildlife conservation can still have a positive impact on players. By showcasing the consequences of unchecked environmental exploitation and encouraging players to take action to protect the environment, Borderlands 3 can potentially raise awareness about the importance of conservation and inspire players to engage with these issues in real life.

Beyond the Game: Real-World Connections

The message of conservation in Borderlands 3 can resonate with players outside the game. It provides a starting point for discussions about real-world environmental issues, such as habitat loss, pollution, and the impact of resource extraction. It also prompts players to consider their own actions and how they can contribute to protecting the planet.

In conclusion, while not a conservation-focused game, Borderlands 3 cleverly incorporates elements of wildlife conservation into its narrative, encouraging players to think critically about environmental issues and inspiring them to take action to protect the planet.