GAMOMAT founder Dietmar Hermjohannes discusses how the company’s pioneering Gaming for the Climate initiative is redefining responsible gaming by helping protect the planet through support for global conservation projects.
Great Grizzly was the fifth game to join your Gaming for the Climate initiative, could you explain to those who may be unaware of this initiative what it is all about?
Our Gaming for the Climate initiative launched in December 2021, and I am incredibly proud of it.At its heart, the initiative is about leveraging the power and reach of gaming and turning it into meaningful environmental action. A portion of the GAMOMAT revenue generated from each carefully chosen game goes directly to organisations that are fighting climate change and/or championing conservation efforts around the world. I really wanted this to be more than a symbolic gesture, something that creates a legacy. The idea is to create a tangible impact by building in environmental themes within the gaming experience. Games that are part of the initiative are not just fun to play, but connected to a specific environmental cause. Our most recent addition, Great Grizzly, celebrates and protects the majestic environment these animals call home.
By weaving these environmental narratives into the gameplay, we’re going beyond just entertainment. Our mission is education, inspiration and building a community of conscious players who take pride in protecting the planet. Each game added is a step closer to making a better future for us all.
Could you walk us through how the whole process works – from choosing the right initiative to the game launch?
It would be a pleasure as there is a huge amount of planning that goes into each game that joins our Gaming for the Climate initiative. I think it all begins with product management as this is where the team explores themes, ideas, and the types of mechanics we want to include. Once that foundation is set, game design starts their magic. Our creative team works tirelessly to build realistic, compelling worlds players can immerse themselves in. Great Grizzly encapsulates this perfectly, reflecting the raw beauty of North America’s wilderness while championing the natural world we’re trying to protect.
The next step is a rigorous selection process to choose the right environmental initiative to support. It’s not just about picking a cause that sounds right – it must actually align with the game theme, and our values. We’ve built a framework to evaluate potential partner organisations, analysing their impact, efficiency, focus on climate and habitat protection, and their strength in driving lasting change.
We’re also focused on building long-term partnerships. The nature of the initiative is consistent donations rather than ad hoc so we’re part of the project to maximise the impact over time. Once the game is ready, we initiate a launch campaign that communicates the story behind the cause to drum up interest with the issues we face. Perhaps the most rewarding is seeing these partnerships spark conversations that shine a light on our Gaming for the Climate initiative. The way it’s been received brings me deep satisfaction. This is down to the fact that the success of this initiative doesn’t just come from us – it’s a true team effort. It’s amazing to see the longevity of the initiative—once a game is released, it continues to raise funds for the associated charity. Our first game, Book of Oasis, is still going strong after five years.
How does this initiative fit into GAMOMAT’s overall company ethos?
For me, the world is a genuinely wonderful planet. There is constant joy to be sought from the natural beauty all around us. Being an absolutely enthusiastic Earthling is why I care so deeply about preserving and protecting our planet. My mission was to have this philosophy woven into the very fabric of GAMOMAT’s identity.
I’m in a fortunate position as part of an owner-managed, medium-sized company, to instill strong values that put people and the environment first. Ecological and social sustainability are deeply embedded in our corporate culture. We see environmental protection as one of the most important responsibilities of our time, and our charitable commitments reflect that. Whether it’s supporting climate protection projects, reducing CO₂ wherever possible, or using sustainable packaging made from recyclable materials – we strive to deliver on our promises.
For us, sustainability is a long-term responsibility. We know Earth’s resources are finite, so we’re conscious of our role in preserving them. This is why our commitment to environmental and social causes is more than just one-off projects that fizzle out. We want to contribute to the bigger picture – one where we can ensure the planet remains liveable for future generations. Gaming for the Climate exists to do just that. It gives us a progressive path to connect our passion for game development with a greater purpose.
Are there further releases around this initiative planned for next year?
Without a doubt. While we plan to introduce new Gaming for the Climate titles, we’re focused on expanding the initiative through the right partnerships and at the right time. Plans are already taking shape for the next launch. We always have an eye out for the next potential project to deliver high-impact change, although nothing has been finalised yet. It’s been very rewarding to see the initiative grow. Since launching in 2021, we’ve already released five games, each intrinsically linked to a meaningful environmental cause. Our current catalogue includes Book of Oasis that is supporting Healthy Seas remove marine litter, especially fishing nets, to foster cleaner oceans. Monkey Mania is partnered with Borneo Orangutan Survival, who are dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Bornean orangutan.
The next game to join the initiative was Lava Lions in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation. AWF protects wildlife across the African continent. Alexandria Fire is supporting WeForest’s inspiring mission of ‘Making Earth Cooler’ by reducing CO₂ emissions worldwide. Then there’s the aforementioned Great Grizzly, helping the vital mission of protecting habitats for North America’s iconic grizzly bears. Through our collaboration with Vital Ground, a nationally accredited land trust, GAMOMAT contributes a portion of its revenue from every session of Great Grizzly to conserving and connecting key habitats – not only for grizzly bears but also for countless other wildlife species. Together, these efforts are driving awareness, and we’re proud to work with each of our partners.
How important is it that the industry looks to give back to local communities, given the public perception of the sector?
I think it’s one of the most significant things we can do. As an industry, we have the reach, the resources, and the creativity to make a difference – and I believe we also have a responsibility to use those assets for good. At times, the public perception of gaming can be one-dimensional, but initiatives like Gaming for the Climate show that we can be a force for positive change, not just entertainment. By giving back – whether through environmental action, local community support, or broader social initiatives – we can row back against that perception.
What would you say has been the biggest achievement of the scheme?
For me, it’s all about raising awareness. We’re increasing visibility around environmental issues through something people genuinely enjoy: games.
Our initiative has consistently shown that gaming has the power to inspire advocacy, education, and action. Gaming for the Climate has played a part in redefining the role the industry can have in sparking climate change conversations. The work we’ve done with these awesome conservation organisations is only just getting started and there is much more to come. Entering our fifth year, our industry peers are taking note and looking at how they too can integrate socially responsible initiatives into their operations. Seeing that momentum gather pace is something very special.
Have you had any other companies reach out to you that want to do something similar?
Yes, as mentioned in the previous question, our initiative has caught the imagination. There’s been positive feedback and I believe when you’re part of an industry as economically significant as ours, there’s a duty to give something back.
We’ve proven to be a successful business, and therefore took this path to give something back to society. Interestingly, one of our regulated German clients recently told us they specifically want to highlight our Gaming for the Climate slots because of the initiative behind them. These organic conversations show there is a growing appetite for purpose-driven gaming – and if we can inspire others, then that is a wonderful achievement that will benefit all.