Major video games companies support Australian wildfires relief effort

Several leading video games companies are contributing to the Australian wildfires relief effort.

Bushfires fuelled by record-breaking temperatures and severe drought have ravaged over 10.7 million hectares since September, predominantly in the south-east of the country.

They’ve killed at least 28 people, an estimated billion animals and destroyed thousands of homes, drawing global attention and sympathy.

Ubisoft Australia has donated AUD $30,000 to the Australia Red Cross Disaster and Recovery Relief Fund.

“We’ve heard the calls requesting we create in-game items to encourage donations, however this takes considerable development time and we feel immediate action is required,” it tweeted.

Meanwhile Call of Duty: Modern Warfare studio Infinity Ward has said the proceeds from an existing DLC pack with be donated to the relief efforts.

“As part of our efforts to help provide relief toward the devastating bushfires in Australia, we’re donating 100% of Activision’s net proceeds from each purchase of the Outback Pack, which we’ve re-named the Outback Relief Pack, across all platforms through January 31.”

And Destiny developer Bungie is to launch a limited-edition T-shirt fundraising campaign this week, with half the proceeds set to be donated to wildlife rescue organisation WIRES and half to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.

The t-shirt will come with an exclusive Destiny 2 in-game emblem and be available for pre-order on Bungie’s online store between January 16 and February 18.

Developer and publisher Crytivo (The Universim) said last week it’s donating 100% of revenue from its online store and 30% from all its Steam sales in January and February to the relief effort.