I find this paper false/misleading. They just translated one algorithm in many languages, without using the language constructs or specificities to make the algorithm decent performant wise.
Also it doesn’t mean anything, as you aren’t just running your code. You are compiling/transpiling it, testing it, deploying it… and all those operations consume even more energy.
I’d argue that C/C++ projects use the most energy in term of testing due to the quantity of bugs it can present, and the amount of CPU time needed just to compile your 10-20k lines program. Just my 2 cents
And I must say that MKW is pretty fun, I love roaming around the world just doing tricks and exploring hidden areas!
It adds something’s that I found lacking in MK8, I would only play MK8 for Cups or Online, now there is an environment which ties everything together, with Easter eggs and collectibles, and I can learn the tracks without the pressure of a timer or a race ending soon.