Gears of War helps combat loneliness

High rates of suicide and mental health disorders have created one of the most serious public health crises today: it has been said that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were already facing “an epidemic of loneliness”. Gears of War has always been synonymous with belonging, so on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, our message and promise is simple: never fight alone.

Today, we are proud to announce that The Coalition will donate 1% of the net income from all games and products of Gears of War to organizations that work to prevent suicide and combat loneliness through mental health supports. As part of the 1% pledge, The Coalition will make a donation to Humanly to support suicide prevention efforts in Mexico. This is a commitment that our studio makes to give back to the community and thereby create real-world impact. We are proud to announce Crisis Text Line as our first partner. As we continue to grow and evolve this program we look forward to partnering with more organizations around the world.

Crisis Text Line provides free, high-quality crisis intervention and mental health support by text, 24/7 in the US, UK, Canada and Ireland. In the United States, support is available in English and Spanish. This is possible thanks to the empowerment of a community of volunteers trained to help people when they need it most. Text ‘PAUSE’ to 741741 or WhatsApp (443)-SUPPORT to connect with volunteer crisis counselors who are available 24/7 to help you help you or your friends get through any mental health crisis.

“In 2021, we had 1.3 million conversations with people who texted us and needed help with issues like: anxiety, depression, and suicide. We are proud to partner with The Coalition and with the franchise Gears of War to increase access to mental health support services and suicide prevention. These types of partnerships are critical to addressing the mental health crisis in the United States and realizing our vision of a more empathetic world where no one feels alone,” said Dena Trujillo, CEO of Crisis Text Line.

Globally, the suicide rate is alarmingly high. In the United States, suicide rates and feelings of sadness and hopelessness continue to rise, especially among young people. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, and it is completely preventable.

Themes such as pain or the trauma of a loss have been part of our games. We create a connection when we process difficult things together, and Gears of War it has always focused on belonging and connection. Our Never Fight Alone initiative allows us to not only talk about what it means to be there for others, but to take action every day.

If you want to support the Never Fight Alone program, you can do so in several ways:

• First, and most important of all, we invite you to take a moment to connect with your friends and family today to see how they are doing. A small gesture, like a text, DM, Xbox message, or even a call can be a great way for someone to feel loved or loved.

• Save the message “Write PAUSE to 741741” on your phone to have it as a contact whenever you need it.

• Join the conversation about suicide prevention, offer words of support and share with your friends the Crisis Line Text Line with people who may be having a difficult time or follow our channel of Twitter @GearsofWar with the hashtag #NeverFightAlone.

• If you are in Mexico, show your support by purchasing the 2022 charity shirt Never Fight Alone of Xbox Gear Store or of gameplanet. Designed by our great friend, Luke Preeceall proceeds from the purchase of this special edition t-shirt will go directly to Crisis Text Line.

• If you’re in the United States and you’re a Microsoft Rewards member, you can earn and donate points this weekend to Crisis Text Line when you play any Microsoft Rewards title. Gears of War. 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/neverfightalone