industry

Itch.io Bundle Organized by Necrosoft and CWA Has Raised $163,000 for Laid-Off Devs

An Itch.io Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle has raised more than $163,000 with seven days remaining and aims to near $200,000. The 127-game bundle, priced at a minimum $10, was created by Necrosoft Games director Brandon Sheffield and United Videogame Workers (CWA) to support laid-off developers. Funds are distributed by the union to U.S. and Canadian developers to cover essentials like food, healthcare, rent, and moving expenses, and the campaign has already helped pay a member’s moving costs. More than 11,000 people have contributed, including a single $5,000 donation, and the drive closes on August 13.

• The bundle has raised over $163,000 from more than 11,000 contributors with one week left; the campaign ends on August 13.
• The package contains 127 games for a minimum purchase of $10 and includes indie titles such as Skatebird, A Short Hike, and Arranger.
• Organizers are Necrosoft Games director Brandon Sheffield and the United Videogame Workers (CWA); proceeds fund the Game Industry Hardship Fund for laid-off developers.
• U.S. and Canadian developers can apply for union-distributed grants to cover food, healthcare, rent, moving expenses; the fund has already paid a Bethesda Game Studios union member’s moving costs.