Partner Spotlight: Gaming for Good

Dietmar Hermjohannes on dolphins, digital creativity, and the power of collective action for ocean conservation

Our Partner Spotlight series celebrates the individuals behind the companies that make Healthy Seas possible—not just through financial support, but through shared purpose, personal passion, and bold ideas.

In this edition, we’re proud to feature Dietmar Hermjohannes, Founder & Managing Director at GAMOMAT, a German game studio that’s proving how digital-native industries like gaming can be powerful allies in the fight to protect our oceans.

GAMOMAT joined Healthy Seas as a partner through its Gaming for the Climate initiative—an innovative program launched in 2021 that channels a portion of game revenues toward environmental organizations tackling the climate crisis. Their support has enabled the delivery of some of our most impactful projects, including cleanups and outreach.

And behind the company is a team driven not only by creativity, but also by a deep appreciation for nature. We invited Dietmar to share his thoughts on the ocean, the role of business in conservation, and how gaming can help drive change.

Q&A with Dietmar Hermjohannes, Founder & Managing Director at GAMOMAT

Tell us briefly about your organisation.

GAMOMAT is a proudly German game studio on a mission to thrill slot fans with unforgettable gaming experiences. Our story started in the land-based sector, before GAMOMAT boldly evolved into an online force creating iGaming content that entertains.

Today, our portfolio boasts of over 150 dynamic slot titles across real money and social casino verticals, shining on screens across more than 30 countries and in 27 languages. Behind every release is a team of around 100 creators, designers, and visionaries who don’t just build games—they live and breathe them. A deep passion for gaming fuels everything we do.

What does the ocean mean to you personally?

I love the ocean, especially when big waves crash onto the shore. I can sit for hours by the coast, enjoying the scenery. In La Gomera in Spain, with its unique winds, sunny weather, and high waves, I spent four hours just listening and watching. I felt a similar magical connection during a vacation in southern France, also by the Atlantic. I think the oceans are incredible.

What is your favourite marine animal and why?

My favourite marine animal is the dolphin as they are elegant, fascinating and amazing creatures.

Earth or Mars? (where would you prefer to live and why)

Earth, without a doubt! It’s a wonderful planet where I can always enjoy the beauty and nature. I am a truly enthusiastic Earth dweller, which is why I want to preserve and protect this planet. The richness of plant and animal life is simply breathtaking.

Which is your favourite place? And why?

That’s a good question! I find everything about the ocean fascinating; I love the water, especially when big waves hit the beach. One particularly magical place for me is the island of Ko Chang in Thailand. I often found myself by the water there, taking walks along the beach where there’s little tourist infrastructure and no jet skis—it’s simply beautiful.

This year, I visited Thailand again and found the Thai islands absolutely magnificent. I also adore mountains and have been hiking in Bhutan.

Standing on a peak and gazing into the distance—there we were at 4,200 metres, and we could see the giant Himalayas standing over 7,000 metres tall. Impressive!

But I also love being at home. When I look out the window, I see a small forest and everything is green. If I had to choose among all the places on Earth, I would actually say my home is my favourite. I find it great here. We live on the outskirts of a village in the north-west of Germany, surrounded by nature, and I find it extremely beautiful. I am able to gaze into the greenery, and I love the variety of greens. If I had to choose, it would be home, and why? Because it’s peaceful and naturally beautiful. We’re very privileged to live here.

What is one small habit everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution?

One small habit that everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution is being mindful about how we dispose of plastic products. Using reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags, and containers, we can significantly reduce the demand for single-use plastics. In doing so, we can all contribute to generating less plastic waste that sadly often ends up in our oceans. It’s the small steps in our daily lives that can collectively make a big difference.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about marine pollution?

The most surprising thing I’ve learned about marine pollution is the sheer scale of microplastic debris in the ocean. I was astonished to discover how these tiny particles, often originating from everyday products like synthetic clothing and personal care items, have infiltrated global marine ecosystems. It’s incredible to think that something so small can have such a big impact, affecting marine life and even entering the human food chain. This realisation has made me more conscious of the products I use and the materials I consume, reinforcing the need for individual action against pollution.

If you could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

If I could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, it would be this: Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, teeming with remarkable biodiversity and playing a crucial role in regulating the climate. Protecting them is not just an environmental responsibility but a fundamental obligation to ensure the well-being of future generations. Every action counts, from reducing the use of plastic to supporting sustainable practices and advocating for strong conservation policies.

What’s the most incredible transformation you’ve seen as a result of ocean cleanup efforts?

The most incredible transformation I’ve witnessed as a result of ocean cleanup efforts has been the work done by the volunteers at Healthy Seas. It’s truly inspiring to see so many individuals dedicating their free time to making a tangible difference in our oceans. The sheer scale of what they have achieved is astounding — some projects have reported the removal of up to 1,000 kg of nets from the sea, the highest figure I’ve come across. It’s a reminder of what great positive impact we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.

How has your work with Healthy Seas changed your perspective on sustainability?

Working with Healthy Seas has profoundly changed my perspective on sustainability by highlighting the power of proactive and collaborative efforts in environmental conservation. Before this involvement, I understood sustainability in a broader sense—but seeing firsthand the tangible outcomes of focused, collective action has been eye-opening. The dedication of the volunteers and the effectiveness of their projects have shown me that sustainable practices are not just theoretical concepts but achievable goals that can lead to significant environmental restoration.

How do you see your industry evolving to support ocean sustainability in the next decade?

Ocean sustainability is one of the most important challenges of our time, and I believe the iGaming industry is uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully for years to come. We have the reach, resources, and creativity to support environmental causes — and increasingly, the responsibility to do so.

While gaming is often seen solely as entertainment, initiatives like our Gaming for the Climate project show that we can be a force for good. Launched in 2021, the initiative channels a portion of GAMOMAT revenue from selected games to organisations dedicated to climate action and environmental protection — including marine conservation.

By aligning popular games with ocean-focused messaging or supporting marine conservation through in-game campaigns, we have an opportunity to engage players at scale and raise awareness in a way few industries can. We’ve already seen strong engagement — including from a German client who told us they specifically want to promote our Gaming for the Climate slots due to the values behind them. These conversations highlight a growing appetite for purpose-driven content, and I believe we’ll see more operators and providers embed sustainability into their roadmaps.

If we can inspire others to act — and amplify the message across our networks — then we’re not only entertaining, we’re helping to protect the planet.

GAMOMAT x Healthy Seas: Gaming for the Planet

With their Gaming for the Climate initiative, GAMOMAT is redefining what corporate environmental support can look like—reaching millions through games and translating that energy into real-world marine conservation. Their continued support helps us scale our operations, expand our impact, and tell stories that bring the ocean closer to everyone.

Join the Movement

Your company doesn’t need to be in fashion or automotive to make a difference. Ocean conservation is everyone’s responsibility—and opportunity. Join Healthy Seas in transforming awareness into action.

Let’s make waves together.

👉 Curious to hear more voices from our partners? Catch up on other inspiring interviews from the series featuring Hyundai, Friedmans, Aquafil, and DWS.