The Ukrainian video game industry’s fundraising effort is quickly nearing its £250,000 objective. The worldwide gaming industry’s fundraising drive, initiated earlier this month to aid the Ukrainian people, has accumulated over £190,000 (€226,510/$250,533) thus far, aiming for £250,000.
The “Ukrainian Gaming Industry” endeavor has garnered £191,957 since its inception last week. Betsson Group stands as the largest contributor to date, pledging a total of £50,000, while Games Global and Microgaming have each contributed £10,000.
Alexandre Tomic, founder and chief executive of gaming enterprise Alea, has also pledged £10,000, while former industry expert Jonas Ornstein has donated £7,500 to the initiative.
Additional contributors include OLBG, Better Collective, Just for the Win, Enteractive, Funfair Games, FSB Technology, Sports Media Holdings, Fast Track, Cash Magnet, Green Jade Games, Continent8 Games, Clarion Gaming, Beyond Play, SBC, and VIXIO.
All proceeds will be directed to Choose Love’s Ukraine Crisis fundraising campaign, which seeks to support those displaced by the Russian incursion into Ukraine. The campaign has a goal of £2.5 million and has currently secured £1 million in pledges.
Its remarkable to have the backing of so many large corporations, as the video game industry has come together to gather funds for the Choose Love charity,” stated Karolina Perets, a leader in the Ukrainian gaming sector. “During these difficult times, we want to assist our friends in Ukraine, and the industry has been incredibly supportive of our endeavors.”
Choose Love added: “Last week, as your contributions continued to arrive, we dispatched two teams to the region to comprehend the requirements of those inside and leaving Ukraine and to connect with response groups…
“The funds are being directed towards two primary objectives – emergency assistance and long-term support and developing their capabilities. We are striving to ensure that both aspects benefit service providers in Ukraine and neighboring nations.
“We are providing financial aid to partners operating in Ukraine and nearby areas (Romania, Moldova, and Poland) and will furnish further details in the days ahead.”
Over the past week, numerous gambling firms have severed ties with Russian clients due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Genius Sports Group has ceased operations in Russia and Belarus, while online gambling firm LeoVegas has halted all wagering on sporting events in Russia and Belarus.
Parimatch Tech has also declared their intention to withdraw their franchise from Russia due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Established in Ukraine in 1994, Parimatch maintains its primary research and development hub in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.
Aspire Global has also severed its association with Sports Lotteries LLC, the Russian state lottery enterprise, due to “divergent business objectives.”
Concurrently, Aristocrat Leisure has declared that it has provided assistance to over two-thirds of its Pixel United mobile social gaming division’s Ukrainian personnel and their families amidst the ongoing Russian military operation in Ukraine.
Game developer Playson has likewise conveyed special gratitude to its Ukrainian workforce, noting that some have volunteered to serve in the Ukrainian armed forces.
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