Game developers are banding together to help Australia battle the terrible forest fires that have been ravaging the county for weeks. Multiple gaming companies both big and small have pitched in to help firefighters preserve the country’s wildlife and crucial flora and fauna. Here at Game Enthusiast we’ve highlighted a variety of ways gamers can contribute to charity events in the gaming community.
Outback Relief Pack
Infinity ward announced yesterday that the previously titled Outback DLC Pack for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is renamed to the Outback Relief Pack. All the net proceeds are being donated to relief efforts in Australia. The DLC includes a Crocodile Dundee looking Operator Skin, a Koala Gun Charm, and some more Australia-theme in-game goodies. The DLC costs 1800 CoD Points, or roughly $20 dollars.
— Infinity Ward (@InfinityWard) January 11, 2020
Destiny 2 T-shirt
Bungie is doing it’s part by designing a limited edition Destiny 2 T-shirt you can purchase. Along with the T-shirt, players will receive the Star Light, Star Bright in-game emblem. Fans (or charitable individuals) can pre-order the mystery T-shirt between January 16th and February 18th. The first half of the profits will go to the WIRES wildlife rescue organization, while the other half will be sent to the NSW Rural Fire Service. For more details you can check out Bungie’s devlog here.
Bushfire Rescue Tactics
It’s not just big gaming companies helping out though; every dollar counts. That’s why Australian developer Jez Kabanov made an indie game called Bushfire Rescue Tactics. In the game, you’ll control a variety of indigenous animals that are literally fighting fire, the enemies of this game. You can purchase the game for a minimum of $7 USD through here, but you could always give more if you want.
Attacking Fire enemies pushes them, make sure you check the direction of the wind so no one gets hurt. Defeat fires by pushing them into rocks, water, each other. That's how fire works right? Coming really soon now! #gamedev #BushFireCrisisAustralia pic.twitter.com/3PqUM1Ssnx
— Impbox (@impbox) January 10, 2020
Other ways you can help
Gamers can also join in on charity streams on Twitch. Many streamers gather their community and raise money through donations. And in a way, they’re more successful than Ubisoft donating $30.000; a couple of streamers combined raised over $200,000 USD, IGN reports. Indie gameplatform itch.io is organizing the Australian Bushfire Charity Jam where game developers make games that will be sold in a bundle. The proceeds of said bundles go to multiple charities.
These are just a few of the ways gamers and game developers can help out the country of Australia. If you are interested in giving directly to the New South Wales firefighting efforts visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website. It’s a tragedy what has happened in Australia and we hope to help by spreading awareness for donations in the gaming community. Be sure to follow Game Enthusiast on Facebook and check back for all of the latest news and media from your favorite gaming franchises.