itch.io is standing with #BlackLivesMatter and everyone protesting racial injustice and police brutality in the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, and so many others at the hands of police. The store has put out a call for developers who want to include their games in a Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality, with proceeds from the bundle going towards the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Community Bail Fund.
“We live in a time of racial injustice, inequality, and police brutality against black people,” itch.io’s founder, leafo, said in announcing the bundle. “I hope that everyone takes a stand in any way that they can. We’re inviting creators all across our platform to join us in supporting organizations that are working directly with those affected.”
The bundle will be pay-what-you-want with a $5 minimum, with itch.io waiving its cut to ensure as much of the money spent on each bundle as possible can be contributed. It’ll be available from June 5 through June 15, with all developers invited to join in.
Since leafo put out the call earlier today, hundreds of devs have already put their projects forward. The bundle won’t be limited to videogames; any project page on itch.io is valid, and a number of tabletop games and experimental projects have already been submitted,
Numerous other game publishers have spoken up in support of #BlackLivesMatter and put their money where their mouths are. Square Enix, Ubisoft, EA, Devolver Digital, EVO, Bungie, Games Done Quick, and numerous others have made donations to various organisations supporting the movement. Humble today announced a $1 million fund to help publish games made by Black developers.
If you want to add your support, blacklivesmatter.carrd.co has a good selection of resources for getting involved.
