Most people are aware of the devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan recently. With thousands still missing, billions of dollars in damage to the country, and resources stretched thin, many may be asking how they can help. After all, most of us wouldn't be here if we hadn't been affected by the Japanese gaming community in one way or another. Many of us have played games by Nintendo, Capcom, Konami, and Koei Tecmo just to name a few. We may have experienced the culture through the absurd action of rolling a katamari around a suburban town, or been drawn in by the beautiful aesthetics of any Final Fantasy game. Many of us feel that we've been to Japan, even if we've never set foot there.
Well Sony is asking gamers to give back. And they're providing an interesting way to do it.
In a recent blog post, Sony Computer Entertainment of America CEO Jack Tretton expressed his sympathy for his coworkers, friends, and family living and working in Japan. "The Japanese people, together with support and compassion from the global community, are beginning what will be a long recovery process," said Tretton. Sony's main offices are located in Tokyo, where a second earthquake struck following the original tsunami at Sendai. As such, they have been directly affected by the crisis in Japan. So what is Sony asking from you?
By making a contribution of $2, $5, $10, $25, or $50 from your wallet in the Playstation Store, gamers will be contributing directly to the American Red Cross - Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. But what's to be gained besides those oh-so-valuable karma points? Why, this super sweet PSN theme, of course! The theme includes a bright, hopeful wallpaper, and some small adjustments to your XMB here or there. PS3 owners can contribute and download the theme by accessing the Playstation Store as normal from the XMB. From there, either select the "Aid Japan" section on the home page, or if it cycles past it, under the New Releases category of the store. As Tretton noted in his post, "Every penny donated will go to the fund, which supports emergency relief and recovery efforts, including deploying personnel, sending relief supplies and providing financial resources."
Interested gamers are also encouraged to visit http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/csr/groupcsr.html for more information on how Sony is aiding relief efforts, orwww.redcross.org for more information about the Red Cross's efforts in the area or to donate directly.
As a side note, it gives me faith in the gaming community to see that out of the 1,200 plus gamers who have purchased and rated the theme on the Playstation Store, every single one of them have given it 5 out of 5 stars. So what do you guys think? In addition to the aid Sony has paid out of pocket for disaster relief, is this a good way for them to raise money for Japan? Do you plan to donate this way? Even though it's for a good cause, do you think the theme looks lame? You can be honest! (I kind of like it).
 Steven has been in a longstanding battle with videogames. He's pretty sure he's getting the upper hand. In his free time he writes, mostly fiction but also for a great little website called Video Game Henchmen. |
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Hey Steven, welcome to the site. Awesome writing! Look forward to check more of your stuff.
Thanks! Happy to be here!
I think it's a great idea! Japan needs help in any way they can and that's great that an organization like Sony is taking initiative and getting word out there. I'm not a PS3 gamer, do you know if any of the other gaming companies are helping out?
Nexon is also contributing 100% of proceeds from Nexon Cash purchases to the relief efforts. That's quite something considering that currency covers MapleStory, Mabinogi, Combat Arms and several other smaller games. And they're notoriously greedy.
You can aquire Japan players for the FIFA app on facebook and Playfish will donate the money to Japan
It's really great to see publishers going that extra step. Does anyone know if Valve is doing anything with steam?
http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=QuakeRelief2011
Bungie store has special wristbands. All proceeds from those and all profits from any item on the Bungie store through April 30th will be donated to the relief effort.
any help is appreciated.. the Japanese nation is a great nation full of devoted and hard-working people... i've donated a little myself, something i've never done before... just wish everyone could do a little more...