A new Filipino-made mobile game called Animal Town is combining fun and conservation by letting players build animal villages while supporting efforts to protect Philippine biodiversity.
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From passing time while waiting in line, travelling in traffic, or simply sitting at home relaxing, cozy games have been enjoyed by players to unwind and pass the time. But what can be more fun than a game that highlights Philippine biodiversity and helps natural conservation? Well, Animal Town has all that gamified!
Make an impact by joining us in #GamingForGood as we learn more about Philippine biodiversity and its conservation while growing a cute, cozy village in Animal Town! (Video from BIOFIN Philippines)
Read more on https://t.co/GbmrGgK17K pic.twitter.com/xMpsf3d654
— Tiffany (@tiffany_glz) August 11, 2025
Besides featuring local biodiversity, it is also locally developed by ThinkBIT Solutions Phils., Inc., a Filipino-owned IT solutions company recognized for its expertise in game development, in partnership with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Forest Foundation Philippines, and BIOFIN Philippines to build funds for the national natural conservation budget.
Animal Town: Cute City Builder is a free-to-play, idle casual city builder game similar to Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and City Skylines. The mobile offline game is available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, which means that this game can be played anytime, anywhere!
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In the game, the player acts as a manager in charge of managing and growing a town of animals. But the villagers aren’t your ordinary animals, as the game features endemic creatures in the Philippines. The game functions similarly to real-world mechanics, where local leaders help villagers find a home and job while budgeting the town’s gold (funds) to level up the town for its residents.
Making a difference doesn’t require you to be an expert! Through Animal Town, anyone with a mobile device can get engaged with the conservation of our nature. (Photo from BIOFIN Philippines)
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— Tiffany (@tiffany_glz) August 11, 2025
Animal Town app developer Lord Gosingtian shares that “The game also serves as an educational tool to learn about the challenges and solutions to protect Philippine biodiversity.” While UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran further expounds that “Children learn so fast and positively attributing animals from the onset might just inspire today’s tiny tykes to ‘Level Up’ and do bigger things for a greener and bluer planet.”
Aside from keeping players informed about biodiversity and endemic animals, Animal Town further gamifies helping the environment by integrating quests that include real-world engaging and interactive conservation activities like gathering information, stopping illegal activities, and answering biodiversity trivia.
Since its launch in March 2024, the game has garnered 19,367 players globally and $367.41 in revenue. The finance mechanism for its conservation initiative works through in-app purchases and advertisements that allow players to enjoy additional features while helping fund natural conservation. “There are 46 million registered mobile app users in the Philippines, so even a tiny percentage of paying gamers can do a lot to support our country’s conservation initiatives,” DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga mentioned.
Eyes here, cozy gamers! Did you know that there’s a game similar to Animal Crossing that helps fund biodiversity conservation while you play? Check out Animal Town on https://t.co/GbmrGgK17K https://t.co/DJb3TNTjL3
— Tiffany (@tiffany_glz) August 11, 2025
With the help of Animal Town, public grants that support biodiversity projects under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) are funded and brought to life. “We will ensure that the funds are directed towards the conservation of our natural resources and remain committed to maintaining transparency in reporting their utilization to our valued players and partners,” said Forest Foundation Philippines Executive Director, Atty. Jose Andres Canivel.
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