‘Fortnite’ Raises Over $70M In-Game For Emergency Relief In Ukraine
Who says video games bring out the worst in people?
In a show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, gamers on Fortnite have raised a staggering US$70 million to support the nation’s defense against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, announced that players have raised the incredible amount via “real-money” in-game purchases made from March 20, and will continue raising funds through April 3.
As per the BBC, these include cosmetic in-game items or any virtual currency bought to be used within the video game.
On just the first day of the project, the video game raised over US$35 million in aid for the nation. Plus, Xbox has pledged all proceeds from the console version of the game for the same period, too.
According to Epic, instead of waiting to amass all its donations before sending the money to Ukraine, it will send the funds days after “transactions are reported.”
This means the creator is using its own resources to ensure the donations reach Ukraine more quickly, instead of waiting for players’ purchases to clear.
The money received will be donated to charity organizations in the country, including Direct Relief, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nation Children’s Fund, and the World Food Program. “They are on the ground providing emergency aid, including health support, food and clean water, essential supplies, legal aid, and shelter,” the company shares.
Together we’ve now raised $70 million USD in humanitarian relief funds for Ukraine. Congratulations and thanks everyone + @xbox for joining this effort! pic.twitter.com/C09uffbjPF
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) March 25, 2022
