Game Industry Hardship Fund Raises $130,000 for Laid-Off Workers

A game industry hardship fund bundle has raised over $130,000 in five days to support laid-off game workers, surpassing its initial goal and now aiming for a new target of $200,000. The $10 bundle, featuring over 100 games and hosted by Necrosoft Games, has been purchased by nearly 10,000 people. Funds are distributed by the United Videogame Workers union, offering small grants under $1,000 and major expense support between $1,000 and $5,000. The initiative responds to ongoing mass layoffs, including recent cuts at Tencent-owned Lightspeed, Refactor Games, and Double Fine. Microsoft's restructuring, announced in July, plans to eliminate 3,200 roles in its video game division by the end of the fiscal year.