When I was in junior high and high school in west Texas, reps from Exxon came to class to give pro-petroleum industry lectures in social studies class at least once a year. They also did field trips to a petroleum "museum" that was entirely pro-fossil fuels.

It's appalling that software companies would blatantly push branded propaganda like this!

I miss when games weren't tainted by corporate advertising. We had good wholesome games like Yo Noid, Cool Spot, and Chex Quest!

What kind of ghouls are coming up with this bullshit? Speak about selling your soul to Mammon.

That does sound kind of messed up the way it is described in the article especially based on who is funding it. However, almost every city builder or factory game I've played involves use of fossil fuels for much of the game and you layer in better options as they become available.