In celebration of World Mental Health Day 2019, a new video game based charity Safe In Our World has launched, dedicated to the aim of raising awareness of mental health issues amongst gamers and creators within the industry.
Founded by Gareth Williams, co-founder of LittleBigPR, along with Leo Zullo and Neil Broadhead, the managing director and communications manager respectively of Wired Productions, this new charity is designed to create a safe space in the gaming community for people to find relevant resources and information, discover and share stories surrounding the gaming industry, support players, creators and professionals while trying to destigmatize mental health conditions.
The first project that Safe In Our World is working on is the interactive experience Fractured Minds, developed by Emily Mitchell. The winner of the 2017 BAFTA Young Games Designer award at only 17, Emily’s new game is a reflection on her personal struggles with mental health issues, and how video games can have a positive effect on players.
Launching very soon on PS4, Xbox One, PC and the Nintendo Switch, Fractured Minds will only cost £1.59 / €1.99 / $1.99 and is being published by Wired Productions. The best part is that 80% of the game’s profits will be split evenly between a private fund that’ll support Emily in her future, along with supporting further Safe In Our World projects in the future.
Leo Zullo, chair and trustee of the charity, said in a press release: “The video games industry creates worlds for a huge number of vulnerable people, and it is our duty to help and support them. We can reach them and share this message if we work together; we can actually make a difference. Safe In Our World is the first step in these efforts, and we’re delighted with the response within the industry and the partners and individuals who are joining this initiative.”
Gina Jackson, Head of Games at the studio The Imaginarium and a fellow trustee in Safe In Our World, also said: “Safe In Our World takes its first steps today, and we’re delighted that Emily has allowed Fractured Minds to support the charity. It’s such a poignant experience, and one we’re humbled she’s allowing us to share with the world in aid of Safe In Our World.”
The charity has promised that more projects will be announced in the coming weeks, and that the website, which is live right now, will see more features added over time. It’s clear that Safe In Our World isn’t just a one time stunt for World Mental Health Day, but a full-blown initiative dedicated to the betterment of the gaming industry and its overall approach to mental health. Quite frankly, it’s been a long time coming, and we’re happy to see veterans from across the industry work together towards a common good.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.
