The German Animal Welfare Federation has developed an online game that, for the first time, allows players to experience practical animal welfare and the day-to-day work of many animal rescue organisations in Germany. “Animal Rescue Tycoon” is a free-to-play map within the online gaming universe of Fortnite. In it, players rescue animals from emergency situations, set up a rescue centre and organise the care, accommodation and provision for their charges. The majority of the revenue from the game goes directly towards the work of the German Animal Welfare Federation.
“Animal welfare activists do incredible things every day to save animals’ lives. With this game, we want to make this everyday work a little more tangible – and in doing so, specifically reach young people who have had little contact with organised animal welfare so far,” says Dominik Brauckmann, fundraising officer at the German Animal Welfare Federation. “Players not only experience why professional animal welfare work needs support, but also contribute to it directly themselves: Through in-game purchases, but above all through payments per minute of play, the work of the German Animal Welfare Association is supported.” Over 550 animal shelters and similar facilities are affiliated with the umbrella organisation. In its own facilities, such as the Weidefeld Animal Welfare Centre, practical solutions are developed for the protection of animals in distress.
Game missions based on real-life experiences
The gameplay of “Animal Rescue Tycoon” is similar to games such as “The Sims” or “Zoo Tycoon”, in which a functioning structure must be built up step by step. Players control a character who is called upon for a wide variety of animal welfare missions. As the game progresses, they must then overcome digital challenges that animal welfare organisations also face in reality – such as rescuing animals like cats, pigeons or foxes from distressing situations, or providing appropriate shelter and care for exotic wildlife that has suddenly turned up. The game missions are based on real-life experiences and the specialist expertise of the German Animal Welfare Federation. The game can be played by up to four players, and even beginners can get started straight away.
Animal welfare discussions via a dedicated Discord server
A dedicated Discord server complements the game, allowing players to ask questions, provide feedback and engage in discussions about animals and animal welfare. Players can also gain insights into real-life animal welfare cases and keep up to date with the latest news from the animal welfare sector. “Animal Rescue Tycoon” is being continuously developed and will be expanded in future to include new animals, story elements and gameplay features.
Note to editors: Further information and free access to the game and the Discord server can be found here: https://www.tierschutzbund.de/helfen/anders-helfen/gaming/aktuelle-projekte/animal-rescue-tycoon/
