RSPCA: Why organisation has teamed up with Wiltshire gamers

The experience, called 'Animal Futures,' is produced by the RSPCA and digital agency Unseen Studio.

It presents five potential futures for animal welfare in Wiltshire, exploring the consequences for animals, people, and the planet.

Animal Futures, an immersive, online experience produced by the RSPCA (Image: RSPCA) From robot pets to lab-grown meat and artificial intelligence allowing humans to communicate with animals, the scenarios depict a future shaped by climate change, technological advances, and demographic shifts.

The RSPCA warns of "chilling" futures for animals unless action is taken now.

Chris Sherwood, the RSPCA's CEO, said: "We need to rethink our relationship with animals - whether that be in Wiltshire, 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."

Mr Sherwood highlighted the current negative impacts of climate change and unsustainable farming, but also pointed out opportunities for positive change.

He said: "We are also seeing opportunities - lab-grown meat has recently been licensed for pet food in the UK, there are scientists using AI to decode the communication of animals from cats and pigs to sperm whales, and we are growing organs on microchips to replace animal testing.

Animal Futures, an immersive, online experience produced by the RSPCA (Image: RSPCA) "Technology could help us solve some of the most pressing animal welfare issues of our time, if we can only harness it for good."

In 'Animal Futures', participants can choose an animal companion - a fox, dog, or cow - to guide them through the experience and answer questions about their habits to find out how they can create a better world for all creatures.

The experience is based on a report from futures agency Firetail, commissioned by the RSPCA, which analyses scientific evidence, emerging trends, and interviews stakeholders from the animal sector and related fields.

The report warns of a "dismal future with irreversible and unintended consequences for all animals, including ourselves" without "urgent action," Mr Sherwood said.

Animal Futures, an immersive, online experience produced by the RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)He added: "Our Animal Futures project outlines the huge opportunities offered by grappling with these issues now in a way that protects animal wellbeing.

"Making animal welfare a mainstream concern of our time would not only help us tackle these challenges in a way that protects the world and our place in it, it presents important economic opportunities too."

People across the region and beyond can visit the RSPCA website to experience 'Animal Futures.'