Visual artist Julia Daser has created a video game titled The Life of Bees, which reflects on the global issue of bee Colony Collapse Disorder. As the disorder’s name suggests, it is a phenomenon resulting in the mass death of bee colonies that have been observed around the globe. In the United States alone, 42 percent of bee colonies collapsed in one year. This disastrous occurrence poses a serious risk to the delicate balances that sustain our world and will affect not only plant and animal life but also global food supplies that are crucial to humans.
In Daser’s game, players begin as almond and bee farmers before unlocking the perspective of a single bee in the colony. This allows the player to understand the consequences of what they consume every day more deeply. The game emerges as a powerful tool to advocate for bee conservation and the overall preservation of biodiversity in the face of agricultural needs. This is why The Life of Bees by Julia Daser is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Life on Land and Responsible Consumption and Production.
Daser had deliberately made the playable human character an almond farmer since much of their livelihoods rely on bees. In fact, a majority of American beekeeper’s revenues come from renting out their hives to almond farms. That amounts to more than 70 percent of all commercial honey bee colonies in the USA, providing beekeepers as much revenue as honey production itself. However, a 2020 Guardian report chronicles just how cruel this practice has proven to be. “It’s like sending the bees to war. Many don’t come back,” summarizes Nate Donley, a senior scientist for the Center for Biological Diversity, in the report. This is a cause for great concern since honey bees are dying across the planet due to myriad causes, including everything from parasites and diseases to habitat loss.
The Life of Bees runs on Unity, a popular game engine that allows the game to run across a wide variety of devices. This ensures that a large number of the public can have access to the game. Daser has also made the game available for free download on her website, a further testament to her commitment to engagingly educating as many people as possible about the global bee crisis.
The Life of Bees by Julia Daser is a compelling video game that serves as both an educational tool and a call to action for bee conservation. By immersing players in the dual perspectives of almond farmers and bees, the game highlights bees' critical role in agriculture and the severe impact of Colony Collapse Disorder on global food security. Daser's innovative approach makes this complex issue accessible and inviting, encouraging players to reflect on their own consumption choices and their effects on the environment. Through its interactive approach, The Life of Bees not only educates but also inspires action toward preserving our planet's essential pollinators.
As players navigate the game, they are not only entertained but also confronted with the pressing realities of environmental sustainability. Daser's commitment to making the game widely accessible underscores the urgency of her message. By offering The Life of Bees for free, she removes barriers to awareness and education, fostering a broader understanding of the ecological interdependence we often take for granted. This game is a testament to the power of digital media in raising awareness and driving meaningful change, proving that even in the realm of virtual experiences, we can plant seeds of real-world impact.
Find out more about The Life of Bees by Julia Daser and her other work by following her Instagram @julia.daser, or visiting her website. Download the free game here.