Video Games have been quite the target of news media outlets this past year to hoist the blame of various sociopolitical problems upon, but every so often the social good of video games is often allowed to breach the surface of the public eye. Charity campaigns like Extra Life and Desert Bus have made great strides to use gaming as a platform to raise money for charities, and gaming-adjacent tools like Discord are being used to reach out to those in need like veterans adjusting to civilian life. Now, a new charity organization called Safe In Our World has been announced that seeks to inform people about mental health issues in the gaming industry.

Safe In Our World recently released a new video describing their organization on their official YouTube channel. Announced on October 10th, which is World Health Day, Safe In Our World has been started by gaming industry veterans Leo Zullo, Gareth Williams and Neil Broadhead. The Safe In Our World Website will aim to connect gamers and industry employees with resources commonly used to treat mental illness, as well as share news stories related to mental health and its intersection with gaming. In regards to the organization’s mission, Zullo had this to say:

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.”

The first big action being taken by Safe In Our World is the promotion of a new game called Fractured Minds. The game was created by the winner of the 2017 BAFTA Young Games Designer award, Emily Mitchell, who found much coping with her mental illness by creating video games. The game reflects her personal experiences with her mental issues in a creative and gripping way, and will be playable on PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Switch. 40% of the game’s proceeds will support Safe In Our World’s future endeavors, and another 40% will go back to a private fund for Mitchell. Safe In Our World certainly seems like it will be a great resource for those dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses, both in the industry and outside. As someone who deals with mental illness and often uses gaming as a source of escape, this is the perfect intersection of those worlds so desperately needed by many. What do you guys think about Safe In Our World? Let us know in the comments below!

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