There's been a glut of games-related charitable activity in support of relief for the victims of the recent hurricane in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. For purely selfish reasons, I'm warmed by this response, as I grew up in New Orleans and my Dad and stepmother have been weathering the storm in their home in Baton Rouge by housing NOLA friends who've not yet learned the fate of their houses and neighbours. It's been quite distracting, so apologies on this end for not giving games my full attention over the past week.
If you're moved to help out while wiling away the hours in digital distraction, may I suggest a donation of your cash when playing through any of the titles listed below or looking at any of the following game-related websites. Thanks to all who have donated thus far, to the people who've put these efforts together and to those who have sent well-wishes.
Bungie (creators of the Halo series) have released a limited-edition T-shirt ("Fight the Flood" - I'm not so sure about that) which is available to purchase here. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
If you're in the online game EverQuest II, you can type /donate in the command prompt (much like you can order pizza from Pizza Hut) to send money to the American Red Cross.
As anticipated, the ever-charitable residents of Second Life have been holding events and memorial services for the victims of the hurricane where players can gather to remember, discuss and donate real-world and Linden$.
According to gamepolitics,
Sony is matching all employee donations. EA is matching employee donations at a 2:1 ratio
Furthermore, games weblog Kotaku sold all of its swag (the eBay auction ended yesterday) for the ARC and web comic PennyArcade is auctioning off original artwork (ends in 2 days).
