War Child charity brings all-star roster of developers together for HELP: THE GAME
Rovio contributes two new titles ‘Anthelion’ and ‘Splash Bash’ to indie games bundle now available on Steam – all profits support children affected by conflict
Games industry leaders have stepped up to support the children’s charity War Child with HELP: THE GAME, a collection of original PC games released globally through the games distribution service Steam. The result of a global game jam with eleven different development teams – each donating six days of their time to create original games – all profits from HELP: THE GAME go toward War Child’s work supporting children suffering from conflicts around the globe.
In addition to Rovio’s Stockholm studio, which produced two new titles Anthelion and Splash Bash, the other participating studios are Bossa Studios, Creative Assembly, Curve Digital, Hardlight, Modern Dream, Spilt Milk Studios, Sports Interactive, Sumo Digital, Team 17 and Torn Banner. The games bundle is published by SEGA Europe.
War Child is the only specialist charity devoted to children affected by conflict. There are more than 230 million children living with the effects of war globally. More than half of all people affected by conflict are children, but less than 5 per cent of humanitarian funding is spent protecting and educating them. Children are the most vulnerable and are at risk of violence, abuse and trauma. They miss out on school and become separated from their families. The charity believes children in emergencies need more than simply food, shelter and water – they need education, livelihoods and protection as well.
“It’s fitting that the games business has taken this project to its heart as, after all, every child should have the right to play but not all get that chance,” says Rob Williams OBE, CEO of War Child UK. “We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has agreed to get involved and we hope their efforts will not only raise much-needed funds, but also awareness of our work amongst a vast audience of gamers across the globe.”
“I am honoured that we got to be a part of this important charity work,” adds Patrick Liu of Rovio’s Stockholm team. “Funds raised from HELP: THE GAME will help children around the world. Contributing to this project has been a lot of fun, but also a duty to the next generation of players and game developers. After all, it’s children we’re talking about, what could be more important than that?”
Check out the gameplay trailer for Anthelion:
And here’s a peek at Splash Bash:
HELP: THE GAME is available through Steam, priced at £9.99, $14.99 and €14.99. Go to the War Child web site for more information.
PRESS CONTACT
Patrick Liu
General Manager
Rovio Sweden AB
Mobile: +46 768 08 75 59
patrick.liu@rovio.com
Rovio Entertainment Ltd. is a global entertainment media company. Headquartered in Finland and with studios across the world, Rovio is the creator of Angry Birds™, the casual mobile game that changed an industry and became an international phenomenon. Today Angry Birds is not only the most downloaded game of all time, it is a renowned entertainment brand that has branched out into animation, licensing and more. The Angry Birds Movie is out now around the world. www.rovio.com
