Gamers in the West Midlands are being invited to explore an immersive online experience from the RSPCA which considers what life might be like for animals in 2050.
From robot pets and nature retreats only accessible by the rich, to lab-grown meat and artificial intelligence allowing humans to communicate with animals, 'Animal Futures' brings to life five possible futures for animal welfare in the West Midlands; and explores the consequences - for animals, people and the wider planet. The experience, produced by leading creative digital agency Unseen Studio, launches the charity’s new Animal Futures Project and is based on groundbreaking research commissioned by the RSPCA.
Players are invited to explore the five scenarios and consider their role in changing the world for animals today, to create a better future for them and us. The RSPCA warns that "chilling" futures could lie ahead for animals, and ourselves, unless we act now - but that people in the West Midlands have the potential to make a difference.
RSPCA CEO Chris Sherwood said: “We need to rethink our relationship with animals - whether that be in the West Midlands, across the country, or the wider world.
“We know the fate of animals, whether on farms, labs, in homes or the wild, is inextricably linked to our own. Our Animal Futures project examines how factors from climate change and loss of natural habitats to rapid technological and demographic changes, could shape the world for both animals and people.
“Some of these worlds may seem bleak, or even downright chilling - the good news is that animals’ futures are in our hands. But time is running out.
“Many of the scenarios explored are already happening now. We are seeing extreme heat leave cattle dying of starvation in fields in the Southern hemisphere, the rapid and unsustainable growth of lower welfare farming causing huge animal suffering as well as harming the health of people and the planet, and loss of nature on an unprecedented scale.
