PlayStation has dropped Climate Station on the PS5 and PSVR2, and, well… people have had something to say. The game, or experience, takes decades of climate science and drags it into an interactive and somewhat dramatic VR environment. Sounds nice in theory? Well, the gamblers aren’t really throwing the confetti.
Then, once the announcement was made, Sony’s Twitter was bombarded with replies. The gamut of reactions ranges from confusion to outright hostility. One fellow (@BobKnarly111) threw down: “Stick to games. Spend money on fixing your development studios instead of virtue signaling.” Up yours! Another player (#MooseKnuckle556) took the geopolitical route: “Is this available in China and India? The world’s biggest polluters?” I.e., they said exactly that!
Then there were the “woke propaganda” people. There were those like (@WilsonCore25330) who, more or less, threatened to switch to PC gaming and called it “woke, propaganda pushing narrative.” In contrast, @LokiJarson went the sarcastic route: “Buy this thing that uses electricity to learn about how using too much electricity is bad.” Fair point, but… bravo.
But, in fact, it did get some halfway decent reactions from @pixelluma “Climate change is no game, but this VR experience sure looks informative and fun! Let’s learn while we play.” Hugs and smooches.
Now, let’s actually talk about the game itself—or whatever it is. It’s an immersive environment to learn about climate science, enough to teach anyone… Interesting timing, huh? By the way, PSVR2 is struggling to find its feet, and then we get this? Some players like @jaxonreborn went on to say outright: “This is why PSVR2 is failing.” Others, like @K3Soulja, threw in some… interesting thoughts: “Looks boring why not make a first person experience where u put someone in a tornado.” Honestly? I mean, sounds fun.
Then there are those who want PlayStation to just focus on, y’know… games. @_notyourbuddy_ summed it up perfectly: “Concord. Marathon. Climate Station. What are you doing?” And meanwhile, @DominicMc4 barks for an actual remaster of Dark Cloud. Priorities y’all.
So the real question is: What is the deal with Climate Station? Is it a brazen educational tool, or is it simply another nail in the coffin of gamers’ bleak disposition towards the current PlayStation trajectory? Another spicy topic indeed! The controversy is at least keeping the little title afloat, even if it’s mostly being talked about with, “Why tho?”
PlayStation is ultimately doing something different. Has it worked? Well, the audience is speaking for itself. Maybe next time they’ll just drop a Spider-Man 2 DLC trailer and call it a day.
