$144 Million for Ukraine Collected Through In-game Fundraising
Epic Games has donated Fortnite proceeds from the past two weeks to Ukraine. A total of $144 million was raised.
On March 20 this year, Epic Games launched a noble action. All proceeds from transactions made inside the game Fortnite (as well as via Microsoft Store) until April 3, that is, for two weeks, were donated to Ukraine. Quite quickly the collection picked up momentum and in just five days the community managed to collect 70 million dollars. Over the next nine days, the players more than doubled this amount. Eventually, the collection counter stopped at 144 million dollars.
The source
This amount consisted of profits from the sale of V-bucks, cosmetic pack and season passes, among others. What's interesting, it also included any codes redeemed during the period in question from products purchased in retail stores (via Variety).
Representatives of Epic Games do not hide their satisfaction with the generosity of players. Here is what we read in the message posted on Twitter:
Where will the money go?
In the same statement, it was also announced which organizations will participate in the distribution of this huge amount. These include Direct Relief (which provides medical aid to Ukraine), UNICEF, the UN Food Programme, UNHCR (the UN refugee agency) and World Central Kitchen, an organization founded by chef José Andrés that provides food to the world's neediest people.
Not just Epic Games
Of course, Epic Games is not the only company associated with the gaming industry that has decided to help Ukraine in the face of the Russian attack. Money was donated by, among others, Embracer Group (which includes THQ and Gearbox), Sony, Koch Media, Riot Games, Unity, Ubisoft, 11 bit studios and CD Projekt RED. All the details can be found in the summary message. We must admit, however, that the amount donated by Epic Games stands out against their background.
