The UVW has launched an interesting fundraising campaign via Itch.io where you can grab 127 indie games for very little money and do some good at the same time.
The last few years have been tough for employees in the video game industry. According to the global union United Videogame Workers (UVW), 33 percent of developers worldwide have lost their jobs, and it currently looks as though that number will rise even further.
That’s why the UVW has nowlaunched a fundraising campaign to help those in the industry who have been laid off. For a minimum of $10 (€8.50), you’ll receive a total of 127 indie games, and all proceeds go directly to those affected. Of course, you’re welcome to donate more if you’d like.
Playing for a Good Cause
You’ve probably never heard of most of the 127 games, but some of the titles have made a real name for themselves in the indie scene. Among them are hits like SkateBIRD and A Short Hike. You can find the complete list of all titles at donation page on Itch.io. The offer ends on August 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. .
(Click Here for the Donation Page)
Highlights at a Glance
- SkateBIRD: You control a funny bird who loves nothing more than zooming through the park on his skateboard, pulling off wild tricks, and competing against his feathered friends. (85 percent positive on Steam)
- A Short Hike: As a little bird, you run and fly through the idyllic and diverse Hawk Peak Provincial Park and experience a relaxing adventure as you climb to the summit. (99 percent positiveon Steam)
- Dead Finger Dice: In this roguelite, you play dice poker against bloodthirsty, demonic billionaires. (78 percent positiveon Steam)
- Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure: Arranger combines clever sliding puzzles with dungeon exploration, monsters, and cute graphics. (91 percent positive
You can watch a trailer for the promotion featuring additional games here:
More info on the fundraiser
Who receives the money and what is it for?Any developer from the U.S. or Canada who has been laid off or is currently underemployed may submit a request for a portion of the funds. The support is primarily intended for food, medical bills, medication, and rent. Companies are not eligible to request funds.
Keep in mind that in most U.S. states, the safety net for sudden unemployment is less robust than in Germany. For example, the German system of unemployment benefit I—which is based on your previous salary and is paid for 6 to 24 months after unemployment begins—is uncommon in the U.S. Instead, fixed amounts are typically provided.
Who manages the funds?The UVW is responsible for managing and distributing the funds.
How much has been raised so far?In the first seven days, the fundraising campaign raised $168,000. The UVW hopes to raise the same amount again in the remaining seven days. A total of 12,000 people have participated so far, with the largest single donation being $5,000.
The gaming industry remains in crisis. Thousands of developers fear for their jobs, and it doesn’t look like the situation will improve anytime soon. You can find out just how dire the situation really is right now in the link box above. There, we explain the current state of affairs at Bethesda and Ubisoft.
