Get more than 100 games for just $10 in a new bundle supporting laid-off game devs
The Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle, launched on Itch.io by the United Videogame Workers union and Necrosoft Games, offers over 100 games for $10 to raise money for game developers affected by industry layoffs. The bundle addresses the ongoing crisis of workforce reductions across the gaming sector, highlighted by Microsoft’s decision to cut 3,200 employees and close four studios in July—a particularly significant event in a month marked by continued upheaval.
All proceeds from the bundle are directed to a hardship fund administered by the union, providing financial assistance to eligible developers facing hardship due to layoffs. The fund supports essential needs including food, healthcare, and housing costs, with eligibility details and application information available through the initiative’s FAQ. This collective effort represents the gaming community’s response to the persistent employment crisis affecting industry workers.
The bundle initiative underscores the broader challenges facing the games industry, where large-scale layoffs have become increasingly common. By combining charitable fundraising with product sales, the bundle provides both immediate financial relief to affected workers and an opportunity for gamers to support developers during economic hardship. The collaboration between the union and Necrosoft Games demonstrates grassroots organizing within the industry to address worker welfare, offering a direct channel for community support to those impacted by corporate restructuring.