NRMA Insurance has unveiled a new world for the popular online game Minecraft, to help young Australians learn about preparing for natural disasters.

The free educational and interactive game, called Climate Warriors, is aimed at students aged between seven and 12.

It is set in a custom-built landscape inspired by Australian coastal towns, and uses NRMA Insurance real-world data and climate change research.

NRMA Insurance EGM Safer Communities Ramana James says the brand’s knowledge of future climate trends led to a desire to support young Australians around the country who may be affected.

“Climate change is having a significant impact on the frequency and severity of natural disasters like bushfires. Australia’s ability to deal with these natural disasters is drastically increased through community preparedness,” Mr James said.

“Climate Warriors provides an immersive digital learning environment to help teach the next generation of Australians about the importance of being prepared through a format they know and love. Through the power of play we want to ensure they are equipped for the future.”

Climate Warriors and a corresponding lesson plan is available free of charge to all NSW Government schools, through the Minecraft: Education Edition.

Minecraft, which features a 3D world in which players can build structures, has been hailed as one of the greatest games of all time and was purchased by Microsoft in 2014 for $US2.5 billion.

Microsoft Learning Delivery Specialist Andrew Balzer says Climate Warriors is unlike any other Minecraft experience and will provide Australian students with a unique learning experience.

“Minecraft is a game that is based on resource collection and management, but until recently it hasn’t had any environmental consequences based on player actions so Climate Warriors is one of the first worlds to introduce that,” he said.

Last year, NRMA Insurance launched an insurance-based board game, Help!, to teach players about protection of assets.