Content Warning: Suicide. self harm.
Rising suicide rates and mental disorders have fueled one of our most serious public health crises of the moment – we’ve been said to be facing “an epidemic of loneliness” even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Gears of War has always been about belonging, which is why our message and promise on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day is simple: Never fight alone.
We are proud to announce today that The Coalition will donate 1% of net proceeds from all Gears of War games and merchandise to organizations dedicated to preventing suicide and combating loneliness through the advancement of mental health use health. This is a multi-year commitment our studio is making to give back to our community and make a real impact. We are proud to announce Crisis Text Line as our first partner. As we continue to grow and develop this program, we hope to partner with more organizations around the world.
Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 free, high quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention in the US, UK, Canada and Ireland by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. In the US, support is available in both English and Spanish. Text “PAUSE” to 741741 or WhatsApp at (443)-SUPPORT to reach volunteer crisis counselors who are available 24/7 to help you or a friend with a mental health crisis.
“In 2021, we had 1.3 million conversations with copywriters who needed help with issues like anxiety, depression and suicide. We’re honored to work with The Coalition & the Gears of War franchise to improve access to psychological support and suicide prevention services. Partnerships like these are so critical to addressing America’s mental health crisis and realizing our vision of an empathetic world where no one feels alone,” said Dena Trujillo, CEO of Crisis Text Line.
The suicide rate is alarmingly high worldwide. In the United States, suicide rates and feelings of sadness and hopelessness are increasing, especially among young people. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death that is completely preventable.
Themes such as loss, grief, trauma and even suicide feature heavily in our games. We build connections when we work through difficult th ings together, and the beating heart of Gears of War has always been about belonging and connection. Our Never Fight Alone initiative allows us to not only talk about what it means to be there for one another, but to put our words into daily action.
Fans wishing to share their support for the Never Fight Alone program can do so in a number of ways:
- First and foremost, we encourage everyone to take a moment today to check on friends and family. A small gesture like a text message, direct message, Xbox message, or even a phone call is enough to show someone you care.
- Save SMS PAUSE to 741741 in your phone so you have it as a contact whenever you need it.
- Join the conversation about suicide prevention, offer words of support, and share the Crisis Text Line with people who may be struggling with ours @GearsofWar Twitter channel or follow #NeverFightAlone.
- Show your support with the 2022 Never Fight Alone Benefit T-Shirt Xbox Gear Store or game planet for those in Mexico. Designed by our close friend, Luke PreceAll proceeds from the purchase of this special edition t-shirt go directly to Crisis Text Line.
- Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn points and donate to Crisis Text Line this weekend by playing any Gears of War game. Download the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox to earn points and donate today.
For more information on Never Fight Alone and our donation, visit gearsofwar.com/neverfightalone
