Play for Türkiye is a volunteer group representing the diverse Turkish game development community of founders, developers, designers, communicators, academicians, and students that came together to relieve and aid the earthquake victims who were struck by the massive earthquake that leveled multiple major cities in Türkiye and Syria and affected millions. The volunteer group’s relief efforts’ latest step is the charity bundle now available on itch.io.
Itch.io is an open marketplace for independent digital creators, enabling anyone to sell the content they’ve created. Itch.io announced the charity bundle as part of the relief efforts on its Twitter account and invited developers to add their games if they are interested in participating.
Submitted games will go through a screening process to validate their goodwill and ensure their potential to get maximum reach to benefit the aid efforts. Submissions are open from 7 April 2023, at 3:00 PM to 21 April 2023, at 12:00 AM.
On the page, Play for Türkiye states that the money raised through the charity bundle will be distributed through the Turkish Philanthropy Fund (TPF) to charities active in Türkiye and Syria. Selected charities are Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and White Helmets.
Raised funds will be used to provide food and emergency medical supplies to people and animals. Support temporary relief and emergency supplies for displaced families. Provide support to front-line workers. Provide psycho-social and mental health support to survivors. Support long-term recovery, economic relief, and rebuilding efforts.
So far, Play for Türkiye collaborated with Humble Bundle for another Earthquake relief bundle and raised $3.5 million for the ones in need. They also work closely with international bodies, including GGJ and WIG, to raise awareness and get donations for the cause.
More information, details of the screening process, and answers to F.A.Q.s can be found on Earthquake Relief Bundle for Turkiye & Syria webpage on itch.io.
