1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,705 Alright. Pause the game. Just for a sec. 2 00:00:02,705 --> 00:00:05,563 Games aren’t just fun. It’s more than that, right? 3 00:00:05,563 --> 00:00:10,089 They bring us together whether in a workplace or on a stream, or at a convention. 4 00:00:10,089 --> 00:00:13,505 At any given moment, there are millions of people like you and me 5 00:00:13,505 --> 00:00:18,216 playing, chatting, adventuring, dueling, side-questing, exploring. 6 00:00:18,216 --> 00:00:20,254 Millions of real people. 7 00:00:20,254 --> 00:00:23,001 Most of our gaming experience can be amazing, 8 00:00:23,001 --> 00:00:24,943 but let’s be honest, 9 00:00:24,943 --> 00:00:26,471 There are problems. 10 00:00:26,471 --> 00:00:32,441 Toxic corners of the community, abuse, harassment, bullying, isolation, depression. 11 00:00:32,441 --> 00:00:37,216 Behind the avatar on your screen a real person may be suffering alone in silence. 12 00:00:37,216 --> 00:00:41,166 It might be your friend, your kid, your coworker... 13 00:00:41,166 --> 00:00:43,497 or maybe that person is you. 14 00:00:43,497 --> 00:00:47,964 Too often It feels like we’re supposed to toughen up, play on, “get good.” 15 00:00:47,964 --> 00:00:50,657 But if someone is struggling, they don’t need to “get good.” 16 00:00:50,657 --> 00:00:52,507 They need to get help. 17 00:00:52,507 --> 00:00:57,238 Whether you’re a game developer, a fan, a player, a streamer, a competitor 18 00:00:57,238 --> 00:00:59,289 any part of this community 19 00:00:59,289 --> 00:01:03,989 If you need someone to talk to, the Games and Online Harassment Hotline is here for you. 20 00:01:03,989 --> 00:01:06,426 It's not about the person that you think has it worse than you, 21 00:01:06,426 --> 00:01:08,425 or the person you've heard stories about. 22 00:01:08,425 --> 00:01:10,842 If you or someone you care about is struggling, 23 00:01:10,842 --> 00:01:13,273 no matter how big or small it might feel, 24 00:01:13,273 --> 00:01:16,023 now you have someone to help and support you. 25 00:01:16,023 --> 00:01:17,649 That’s what we’re here for. 26 00:01:17,649 --> 00:01:20,775 The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is a text message-based, 27 00:01:20,775 --> 00:01:24,358 anonymous and confidential emotional support hotline, 28 00:01:24,358 --> 00:01:27,584 and it's created specifically for the gaming community. 29 00:01:27,584 --> 00:01:29,466 Because we're gamers, and creators 30 00:01:29,466 --> 00:01:31,066 and we want to help each other, 31 00:01:31,066 --> 00:01:32,976 whether that means offering emotional support, 32 00:01:32,976 --> 00:01:35,991 or finding the referrals and resources that you need. 33 00:01:35,991 --> 00:01:38,613 Maybe you’re feeling lonely and isolated, 34 00:01:38,613 --> 00:01:40,545 or recently lost a loved one. 35 00:01:40,545 --> 00:01:43,443 Are you experiencing harassment in your workplace or online? 36 00:01:43,443 --> 00:01:45,934 Struggling with crunch or burnout at work? 37 00:01:45,934 --> 00:01:48,953 Are you worried you or someone you know may hurt themselves? 38 00:01:49,433 --> 00:01:52,810 Have you suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse? 39 00:01:52,810 --> 00:01:55,325 You don’t have to go through these things alone. 40 00:01:56,253 --> 00:01:58,728 So how does it work? 41 00:01:58,728 --> 00:02:00,457 Well, you text us and we listen. 42 00:02:00,457 --> 00:02:03,087 Our hotline is 100% anonymous. 43 00:02:03,087 --> 00:02:07,160 We can talk about anything you need to and only what you want to. 44 00:02:07,160 --> 00:02:09,628 If you decide you could use additional resources, 45 00:02:09,628 --> 00:02:12,165 like support communities, experts, or legal aid, 46 00:02:12,165 --> 00:02:14,141 we can connect you. 47 00:02:15,236 --> 00:02:20,454 The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is an inclusive resource for anyone no matter how you identify. 48 00:02:20,454 --> 00:02:22,853 If you feel that you need emotional support, 49 00:02:22,853 --> 00:02:26,360 you can start right now by texting SUPPORT to 23368, 50 00:02:26,360 --> 00:02:29,948 and our qualified responders will be there to listen to you, free of charge. 51 00:02:29,948 --> 00:02:33,907 If you need help, stop watching this video and get in touch with us right now. 52 00:02:33,907 --> 00:02:36,589 On the other hand, you might not need this hotline, 53 00:02:36,589 --> 00:02:38,522 at least not today. 54 00:02:38,522 --> 00:02:41,789 But maybe you can make sure it’s always available for those who do. 55 00:02:41,789 --> 00:02:44,236 Hotlines have been proven to save lives 56 00:02:44,236 --> 00:02:48,294 and so we believe that keeping this hotline free for the people who need it is crucial. 57 00:02:48,294 --> 00:02:51,556 If you believe that too, we need your support to make that happen. 58 00:02:51,556 --> 00:02:57,152 Donate! Your financial contribution not only keeps the hotline alive but is also tax deductible. 59 00:02:57,152 --> 00:02:58,748 Tell all your friends! 60 00:02:58,748 --> 00:03:02,606 The best way for people to know this service exists is to tell everyone you can. 61 00:03:02,606 --> 00:03:06,635 Share this video with your networks and be sure to follow and tag us @gameshotline. 62 00:03:06,635 --> 00:03:09,177 With a caring and engaged community by our side, 63 00:03:09,177 --> 00:03:10,738 made up of people like you 64 00:03:10,738 --> 00:03:14,081 we will not only be there for those who need it most when they need it most 65 00:03:14,081 --> 00:03:19,233 but we are building a stronger, healthier, more supportive games industry for everyone. 66 00:03:19,233 --> 00:03:20,951 Reach out, get help, 67 00:03:20,951 --> 00:03:24,106 and let’s make this community a better place to work and play.