Regardless of how much we trashtalk online, us gamers are people too. With Japan, Home of one of the many game icons we have grown to hate or love has experienced its worst natural disaster in centuries, we just can’t help but feel affected by the calamity. So in a series of not so blatant calls for love and charity, certain game companies have decided to call it’s game communities to lend a helping hand to Japan, however indirect as it may be.
Here are some of the ways you may help out (aside from donating directly to Red Cross)
Bungie:
Bungie is currently selling “Ganbare Nippon” wristbands which would show the continued support for Japan. Also, they announced in their blog that they’d be donating all profits from all Bungie Store purchases to the Japan Quake Relief till April 30th 2011.
Zynga:
The company who has brought us the most addicting of Facebook games has recently partnered with Save the Children to help out in the Japan Relief Fund by providing virtual objects that players would have to pay for. 100% of the proceeds will go to the relief fund. Here’s the list of games and their virtual items for reference:
- Café World: Players cans place Japanese inspired decorations in their Café to benefit the initiative.
- CityVille: Citizens can plant a limited edition sweet potato crop to feed their population and stock their restaurants.
- FrontierVille: Players can buy a limited edition Kobe cow to place in their frontier.
- FarmVille: Farmers can plant a limited edition daikon radish crop that never withers.
- Words With Friends: Players can donate directly by clicking on a Save the Children button inside the game.
- YoVille: Players can purchase homes and furniture inspired by Japanese architecture and design.
- Zynga Poker: Fans going for a royal flush can donate by purchasing access to a VIP table.
- zBar: Players can donate directly by clicking on a Save the Children button inside the bar that sits across the top of their game on Facebook.
Sony:
Sony, through PSN is currently open for donations to help out Japan. You can log into PSN and click on the “Japan Aid” option and you can donate in $2, $5, $10, $25 and $80 increments.
So far those are the companies that I have seen who gave us gamers the opportunity to help out Japan. If you know other companies or communities who have been overlooked (which is certain since this post just covered three) please do share it on the comments! And I’d be updating this post with your name beside on your info).