Health workers in the UK will receive free video games from Activision, Bethesda, Double Fine Productions, EA, Konami, Microsoft, and Sega among others for their work during the coronavirus pandemic.
As the BBC reports, the idea was pushed forward by Scottish video game journalist Chris Scullion.
“Games for Carers,” will let NHS workers download titles from a selection of more than 85,000 games — across a range of age ratings, genres, and platforms — to be used “either for when they get some well-earned down time, or to provide relief for their families.”
"We have worked closely with games companies to help keep people safe and I am delighted the sector is continuing to support the NHS in such an innovative way," said UK Minister for Digital and Culture Caroline Dinenage in a statement.
“The UK games industry has been proud to play its part in conveying these vital public health messages during this national emergency.
Now our community has united again to say thank you to the truly extraordinary people who make up the NHS frontline team.
Games companies of all sizes and players everywhere recognise their exceptional dedication and hope this initiative goes some way to help them to understand how respected and valued they are,” said Dr Jo Twist, CEO of Ukie, the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (a non-profit trade association for the video game industry).
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In order to download the games, NHS workers need to visit the dedicated Games For Carers site and enter their NHS email address.
The UK government has also been pushing promotional messages about coronavirus prevention in video games.
The publishers behind Candy Crush Saga, DiRT Rally 2.0, and Sniper Elite 4 have been featuring the government’s 'Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives' message during the pandemic.
