UK-based gaming charity organization, Safe In Our World, has launched their Four Billion Gamers campaign to promote better mental health messaging in games.
The Four Billion Gamers message is simple: you are not alone, and support is there for those who need it.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people experience loneliness, and 1 in 7 live with a mental disorder. The global gaming audience is projected to pass four billion by 2029, or about half the global population.
By leveraging gaming to spread awareness and support, the developers and publishers can support their gamers through mental health struggles.
In most cases, it’s as simple as a literal signpost, banner, or poster in a game, using the Safe In Our World logos and “You are not alone” messaging. The soccer management sim Football Manager features exactly that on their perimeter boards around the field.
The sci-fi addiction game 30 Days: A Sobriety Simulator, includes a scannable QR code on a Safe In Our World poster.
“Games have an extraordinary ability to bring people together, but someone can still feel alone while playing,” said Sarah Sorell, charity director. “We want every player to know there is help and hope, and somewhere they can turn. Four Billion Gamers is an invitation to the industry to help us share that message.”
Developers and publishers and community managers can register their interest by filling out a form at the Safe In Our World website.
Over the seven years since its inception, Safe In Our World has provided over $450,000 worth of mental health training and awareness. The charity has helped connect over 500,000 people with the information, tools, and training through the Safe In Our World website.
