'Grand Theft Auto V' Developer Gets Involved With Coronavirus Relief Efforts
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Featured Image Credit: Rockstar
Rockstar Games has announced that it's joining the fight against the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic in its own small way. The developer behind hits like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 has said that five percent of its revenue from all in-game purchases made in GTA Online and Red Dead Online between April 1st and the end of May will be donated to coronavirus relief efforts.
The new initiative will apply to regions where Rockstar Games has studios, including the UK, India, and North America. According to the company, all funds will be used to help organisations who are working around the clock to help fight back the ongoing spread of the virus and care for those who have been affected so far.
"Small businesses have closed their doors, and communities who rely on government-provided support that they cannot access are struggling. The road ahead will be challenging, and we want to help where we can," Rockstar wrote on Facebook.
"These funds will be used to help local communities and businesses struggling with the impacts of COVID-19, both directly and by supporting some of the amazing organizations who are on the ground helping those affected by this crisis. As things progress, we will share more on these efforts."
Given the ongoing success of both online games (particularly GTA Online), even five percent of all proceeds is likely to be a rather substantial number that could make a huge difference in the fight against the virus. GTA V alone is one of the best-selling games of all time, having shifted an astounding 120 million copies as of February this year.
Rockstar isn't the only gaming company getting involved in the battle against coronavirus, by the way. Plague Inc. developer Ndemic Creations recently announced it was creating a brand-new, free mode in which players actually fight back against a pandemic. It's also donating $250k (roughly £123k) to various relief efforts, including the World Health Organisation's Solidarity Response Fund.
Elsewhere, Razer and Nintendo have announced they'll be donating vital medical equipment to aid frontline workers. Oh, and The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt RED has confirmed it'll be donating over one million dollars (US) to help support all the brave, brilliant workers who are out there every day, putting themselves at risk to care for those who have been infected by the virus. You love to see it. You really, really do.
Topics: Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption, GTA V, Grand Theft Auto
