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Games for Carers is a new collaboration between game developers and UKIE, and it will give away more than 80,000 games to NHS staff on the frontline of the pandemic (via VGC).
The UK games industry is giving away free #GamesForCarers to thank our #NHSheroes.
NHS workers can use their email to get free games https://t.co/S9sZPrsvgu #PlayApartTogether pic.twitter.com/R50gu874DC
— Ukie (@uk_ie) April 29, 2020
In the United Kingdom, the coronavirus crisis has placed intense pressure on the country’s healthcare system. At the time of writing, there are over 161,000 confirmed cases, causing 21,700 fatalities since the first case was recorded in March. The virus spread rapidly throughout April, with 8,600 new cases reported on April 10. Yesterday, the country observed a minute’s silence for the key workers who have lost their lives to the virus while caring for the most vulnerable people in society.
Games for Cares aims to offer games for free to frontline NHS staff, for when they are able to relax and spend some time at home, or for their families who are also feeling the strain. “With Ukie able to reach out to its contents and Keymailer offering to help out with distribution, we’re now looking at around 80,000 codes available when the site launches on Wednesday, with more on the way should they be needed,” said Chris Scullion, a writer for VGC who put his idea in motion.
Developers and publishers like Bethesda, Curve Digital, Electronic Arts, Konami, Spilt Milk Studios, and Xbox Game Studios will all contribute to the initiative. The UK government has commended the creativity and generosity of this collaboration, with Creative Industries Minister Caroline Dinenage expressing her “delight” for the support.
“The UK games industry has been proud to play its part in conveying these vital public health messages during this national emergency. Now our community has united again to say thank you to the truly extraordinary people who make up the NHS frontline team,” said Dr Jo Twist, CEO of UKIE. “Games companies of all sizes and players everywhere recognise their exceptional dedication and hope this initiative goes some way to help them to understand how respected and valued they are.”
