Mental health is a complex and oft-times difficult subject to approach. Those of us who identify with any sort of mental illness can feel any number of issues. Or, sometimes, we simply don’t feel at all. And, do you know what? That’s okay, because there is always somebody out there to help.
One such organisation is Safe in Our World. A charity set up by video game industry peoples who have pledged to help foster more positive mental health wellbeing. This isn’t just for the consumers, however. Publishers, developers, and retailers are all run by people, too. As such, they are as susceptible to feeling overwhelmed as the rest of us.
As such, Safe in Our World’s goal is for the whole industry to come together, to have that conversation and change people’s lives for the better.
Now, you maybe thinking, “great, really wholesome stuff, James. But what was that offer you mentioned?”
Well, to celebrate its first anniversary, Safe in Our World has packaged together it’s own games bundle!
Powered by Fanatical, the “Safe in Our World 1st Anniversary Charity Bundle” features no less than seven great games. Normally, these seven games [we’ll detail them in a second] would retail at around £88 in the UK. However, thanks to Safe in Our World, the whole bundle can be yours for a mere £4.65!
All the proceeds raised through the sale of the charity bundle will go directly to helping fund various charities.
Featured in the bundle, is;
Gris
Published by: Devolver Digital
Developed by: Nomada Studio, Devolver Digital
“Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality. As the story unfolds, Gris will grow emotionally and see her world in a different way, revealing new paths to explore using her new abilities.
GRIS is a serene and evocative experience, free of danger, frustration or death. Players will explore a meticulously designed world brought to life with delicate art, detailed animation, and an elegant original score. Through the game light puzzles, platforming sequences, and optional skill-based challenges will reveal themselves as more of Gris’s world becomes accessible.
GRIS is an experience with almost no text, only simple control reminders illustrated through universal icons. The game can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their spoken language”.
Safe in Our World
Avicii Invector
Published by: Wired Productions
Developed by: Hello There Games, Wired Production
“Belt up and blast into the rhythmic regions of unexplored space in AVICII Invector.
Created in collaboration with the late superstar DJ, AVICII Invector is a pulse-pounding, frenetic rhythm-action experience.
Soar through vocal melodies, sweep each fade and attack every beat in 25 of AVICII’s biggest hits, including global chart-toppers: Without You, Wake Me Up and Lay Me Down.
Fly solo or recreate the party feeling of an AVICII concert with heart-thumping, competitive gameplay.
Each track is built to perfectly match the on-screen visuals taking you through a musical odyssey of serene exploration.
Find your rhythm, feel the beat and keep the musical journey flowing”.
Safe in Our World
RiME
Published by: Grey Box, Six Foot
Developed by: Tequila Works, QLOC
“It’s time for RiME
Discover the beautiful yet rugged world of single-player puzzle adventure RiME. With this Steam key, players control a young boy who has awakened on a mysterious island after a torrential storm.
Witness wild animals wandering around the island as you venture deeper into long-forgotten ruins and a massive tower that beckons you to come closer. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome, and the guidance of a helpful fox, players must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower’s peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.
Wander across this mysterious island at your own pace and interact with wildlife, search for hidden items or simply take in the sights and sounds of Tequila Works’ creative world, inspired by the Mediterranean.
Make your way through the ancient ruins and its hidden marvels by solving puzzles with sound, light and shadow – use projection, perspective, platforming, and even time manipulation to progress.
Dive deeper into the young boy’s backstory by uncovering dozens of secrets and collectables on your travels”.
Safe in Our World
The Town of Light
Published by: Wired Productions
Developed by: LKA
“12 March 1938. Renée, 16 years old, is ripped out of her world, locked up and deprived of everything.
Her only fault was that she didn’t know what her place in the world was.
“A danger to herself and others and a cause of public scandal,” wrote the police headquarters.The only horror you will find in this game is the truth: a blow to the solar plexus, much more intense than any supernatural presence
The Town of Light is a psychological adventure told in the first person. The story is set in Italy in the first half of the 20th Century in a place which really existed and has been meticulously reconstructed. Exploring and interacting with the environment you will relive the history of the main character through her confused viewpoint and on the basis of your choices, the story will develop in different ways”.
Safe in Our World
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Published by: Curve Digital
Developed by: The Chinese Room
“‘A deserted island… a lost man… memories of a fatal crash… a book written by a dying explorer’.
Dear Esther immerses you in a stunningly realised world, a remote and desolate island somewhere in the outer Hebrides. As you step forwards, a voice begins to read fragments of a letter: ‘Dear Esther…’ – and so begins a journey through one of the most original first-person games of recent years.
Abandoning traditional gameplay for a pure story-driven experience, Dear Esther fuses its beautiful environments with a breathtaking soundtrack to tell a powerful story of love, loss, guilt and redemption”.
Safe in Our World
Fractured Minds
Published by: Wired Productions
Developed by: Emily Mitchell
“Fractured Minds is an immersive artistic short game, exploring anxiety and mental health issues.
Winner of the BAFTA Young Game Designers Award, Fractured Minds is a game created by Emily Mitchell, then 17-years-old, with the hope of aiding understanding and awareness of mental illness.
Embark on a journey through the human psyche and experience six atmospheric and thought-provoking chapters, each symbolising a different aspect or challenge associated with mental health issues; from isolation to anxiety, with everyday situations being distorted beyond recognition.
Raw, emotive and earnest, Fractured Minds demonstrates that video games are capable of communicating vital messages in imaginative ways. It is a game that seeks to encourage empathy and champion support for the millions living with mental health issues.
Safe in Our World
Meadow
Published by: Might and Delight
Developed by: Might and Delight
“Heaven is a place called Meadow! Vast, teeming with life and now a unique social experience. Might and Delight invites you to frolic freely in the lush fields of Meadow – a unique multiplayer sandbox.
Unlike traditional titles from the Shelter franchise, in Meadow the more time spent embracing the gameplay features in the world, the more you receive. Owning any previous Shelter related title(s) or products will also unlock in-game content. The open landscape also provides ample room for exploration with new patches and additions promised.
Band together with other animals, form uneasy allies or choose to explore alone. Whatever you decide, the open park life is one you will want to immerse yourself in”.
Safe in Our World
So, how about that!
Eight really amazing games from some of the best indie developers and publishers out there! I can, personally, whole-heartedly recommend Avicii Invector, Gris, and Fractured Minds.
Invector is a perfect homage to the late DJ, blending his music and upbeat persona together with stunning visuals and addictive gameplay.
Gris is one of those hidden-gems you hear so much about. Whilst it may not be as touted as some others out there, Gris is just as impactful.
And, whilst it’s a mere 15 minutes or so in length, Fractured Minds is a staunch look into the reality of living with mental illness. I won’t say much more on it, but you definitely should give it a try if you’ve ever wondered how [or why] people think the way they do.
All eight of these games are worth a lot more than Safe in Our World is asking for them. However, the simple fact is, you could get this bundle for as little as £4.65! I should mention I have not been paid to write this post, nor is Any Button Gaming getting any sort of kick-back from Safe in Our World. As a long-time sufferer of mental illness myself, as well as an avid gamer, I thought I would merely share something good with you all.
One Last Thing From Me…
Regardless of whether you decide to buy this bundle, I do so hope you look after yourselves. the world is problematic at the best of times, and 2020 has only made things worse. You are worth it. You are loved. And the world would be a much worse place for your family, friends, pets, or even neighbours if you weren’t here. Never forget that. There is always somebody there to talk to.
I’d like to thank Safe in Our World for all the help they continue to provide for those in need. And a special mention to ABG friend, Squire of Twitch for tweeting about this worth-while cause. Without him, I wouldn’t have even known.
ABG’s Senior Editor (News), YouTube content creator/streamer.