Russia openly attacked and invaded Ukraine on February 24 after weeks of mounting tensions between the two countries, with hundreds of Ukrainian citizens reportedly killed by bombings and Russian militia as a result. As the world watches this historical and terrifying event unfold, efforts have begun to aid civilians and organizations on the ground floor and those displaced, like the Ukrainian Red Cross. Many of these efforts have come from studios within the video game industry, some in the form of charity drives, others with public displays of support for Ukraine.
Game Informer will continue to update this story.
Fortnite
Epic Games announced that from March 20 through April 3, all proceeds from its popular battle royale, Fortnite, would be donated to humanitarian relief for people affected by the war in Ukraine.
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) March 20, 2022
One day later, the Fortnite Twitter account revealed that Fortnite players had already raised $36 million.
Together we’ve already raised $36 million USD for humanitarian relief for Ukraine. The funds will go to @UNICEF, @WFP, @Refugees, @DirectRelief. pic.twitter.com/JQESsGxDVt
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) March 21, 2022
Update: As of March 22, Fortnite (and its players) have raised $50 million in humanitarian relief funds to support people affected by the war in Ukraine.
Update: As of March 25, Fortnite, and the Fortnite player base making purchases in the Fortnite Item Shop and elsewhere, have raised $70 million in humanitarian relief funds to support people affected by the war in Ukraine.
Update: As of April 4, which is the last day that Epic Games is donating Fortnite proceeds to Ukraine humanitarian efforts, the Fortnite community and Xbox have raised $144 million.
Our deepest thanks to everyone who joined us in supporting humanitarian relief efforts for people affected by the war in Ukraine.
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) April 4, 2022
Together with the Fortnite community and @Xbox, we raised $144 million USD for @DirectRelief @UNICEF, @WFP, @Refugees and @WCKitchen. pic.twitter.com/lPAa8lmfJn
Wargaming
World of Tanks developer Wargaming announced on April 4 that it will be leaving Russia and Belarus. The publisher-developer studio also revealed that after conducting a strategic review of business operations worldwide, it has decided "it will not own or operate any businesses in Russia or Belarus."
"Effective March 31, the company transferred its live games business in Russia and Belarus to local management of Lesta Studio that is no longer affiliated with Wargaming. The company will not profit from this process either today or going forward. Much to the contrary we expect to suffer substantial losses as a direct result of this decision. We will be completing the operational transition with all due speed while remaining in full compliance with all laws and ensuring the ongoing safety and support of our employees. During the transition period, the live products will remain in Russia and Belarus and will be operated by the new owner. Wargaming has also started the process of closing its studio in Minsk, Belarus. We will be providing as much severance and support as possible to our employees affected by the change. Despite the magnitude of this decision, we as a company are confident in the future of our business and are committed to delivering quality games to our players."All In! Games
Chernobylite developer The Farm 51 and its publisher, All in! Games, announced a new DLC pack for Chernobylite on March 21. Titled Chernobylite Digital Charity Pack DLC, the total net income from this DLC will be donated to the Pure Heart Foundation, "a non-profit charitable organization established in 2013 that works with underprivileged communities focusing on humanitarian aid and youth projects," according to a press release.
The Pure Heart Foundation is distributing donated humanitarian and medical aid to those in need, including hygiene products, nappies, baby food, phones, sleeping bags, and medicine. The charity pack will be available from now until March 14, 2023 on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. It costs $3.99 and more details about it can be found here.
Humble Bundle
On March 18, Humble Bundle announced its Stand With Ukraine Bundle. Running through March 25, with over 120 games, books, and software, 100% of this bundle's proceeds will be donated to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. Games include Back 4 Blood, Metro Exodus, Fable: Anniversary, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, The Long Dark, and more.
More details about this Humble Bundle can be found here.
Square Enix
Square Enix, the publisher and developer behind the Final Fantasy franchise, announced on March 14 that it has donated $500,000 to The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to support the people of Ukraine affected by Russia's ongoing invasion of the country, which has resulted in war.
— Square Enix (@SquareEnix) March 15, 2022
Riot Games
On March 5, Riot Games, the publisher-studio behind Valorant and League of Legends, announced that from March 5 to March 12, all proceeds from battle pass sales for Valorant, Legends of Runeterra, Teamfight Tactics, and Wild Rift, as well as the new Bee skin line in League of Legends, will be donated to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and the surrounding region.