Wednesday, November 20, 2024
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Safe In Our World celebrates 5th birthday with in-game activations in five games – RuneScape, Pokémon GO, Peridot, Southfield, and Gori: Cuddly Carnage

Video games mental health charity, Safe In Our World, is celebrating its fifth birthday this year by partnering with Jagex, Niantic, Radical Forge, and Wired Productions for five in-game activations across their hit titles.

The “5-for-5” campaign was created to raise awareness of the life-saving resources available from Safe In Our World. With around 60% of gamers reporting that gaming improves their mental health, the charity was keen to find a way to reach those who may be using video games as a way to manage their mental wellbeing. By running in-game activations across five unique games with active and engaged communities, Safe In Our World aims to meet those most in need of its support in a safe and familiar environment.

“We regularly create and share mental health resources to inform, educate, and support people in the games industry and wider gaming community, but getting the word out to gamers is crucial,” explains Rosie Taylor, Content & Community Manager at Safe In Our World. “We’re very grateful to the developers we’ve partnered with for the opportunity to connect with and support their communities.”

Fans of RuneScape, Pokémon GOPeridotSouthfield, and Gori: Cuddly Carnage can expect to see all kinds of Safe-In-Our-World themed activity in their games including…

  • All-new Geofenced Billboards appearing across the UK and USA in Pokémon Go from October 10th.
  • An exclusive new charity froggy skin in RuneScape, created by the students of Hertfordshire & Essex High School & Science College on Jagex’s celebration of International Women’s Day, 2024. This new skin will be available from 14th-20th of October.
  • A brand-new wellbeing focused experience in Peridot web AR.
  • A radical new Safe In Our World skin pack in Gori: Cuddly Carnage.
  • A cosy Safe In Our World hoodie for Bud, available in Southfield at early access.

Alongside its 5-for-5 campaign, Safe In Our World is also celebrating the addition of three new faces to the charity. Jess Rutland, Business Development & Marketing Manager; Em Aspinall, Communications & Events Manager; and Trustee Board member, Erla Arnadottir. 

“It has been yet another year of extraordinary achievement and growth for the charity and we have redoubled our efforts in offering essential mental health support, training, and resources to those in need,” says Charity Director, Sarah Sorrell. “I also want to extend my sincere thanks for the contributions and collaboration throughout the sector, without which our life-saving work would not be possible.”

As the charity continues to expand and grow, it opens up applications for its Ambassador Class of 2025 – a cohort of 25 representatives working together to champion its message across various platforms, events, and within the work they do. An annual program, those interested can sign up for this year’s class here. 2024 also marks Safe In Our World’s first official foray into table-top role-playing with the launch of The Gatekeeper; an eerie, 80’s inspired D&D one-shot created for the charity’s annual Press Pause fundraiser.

Last, but certainly not least, Safe In Our World is pleased to announce that it has teamed up with Niantic to publish an all-new resource for players of social-focused games. The Positive Play Guide is a free, downloadable booklet showcasing amazing community stories and chock-full of information to supplement players’ wellbeing. The guide can be accessed here.

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