1 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Alright. Pause the game. Just for a sec. 2 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Games aren’t just fun. It’s more than that, right? 3 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 They bring us together whether in a workplace or on a stream, or at a convention. 4 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 At any given moment, there are millions of people like you and me 5 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 playing, chatting, adventuring, dueling, side-questing, exploring. 6 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Millions of real people. 7 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Most of our gaming experience can be amazing, 8 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 but let’s be honest, 9 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 There are problems. 10 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Toxic corners of the community, abuse, harassment, bullying, isolation, depression. 11 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Behind the avatar on your screen a real person may be suffering alone in silence. 12 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 It might be your friend, your kid, your coworker… 13 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 or maybe that person is you. 14 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Too often It feels like we’re supposed to toughen up, play on, “Get Good.” 15 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 But if someone is struggling, they don’t need to “get good.” 16 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 They need to get help. 17 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Whether you’re a game developer, a fan, a player, a streamer, a competitor 18 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 any part of this community 19 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 If you need someone to talk to, the Games and Online Harassment Hotline is here for you. 20 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 It's not about the person that you think has it worse than you, 21 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 or the person you've heard stories about. 22 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 If you or someone you care about is struggling, 23 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 no matter how big or small it might feel, 24 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 now you have someone to help and support you. 25 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 That’s what we’re here for. 26 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is a text message-based, 27 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 anonymous and confidential emotional support hotline, 28 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 and it's created specifically for the gaming community. 29 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Because we're gamers, and creators, and developers, 30 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 and we want to help each other, 31 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 whether that means offering emotional support, 32 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 or finding the referrals and resources that you need. 33 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Maybe you’re feeling lonely and isolated, 34 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 or recently lost a loved one. 35 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Are you experiencing harassment in your workplace or online? 36 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Struggling with crunch or burnout at work? 37 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Are you worried you or someone you know may hurt themselves? 38 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Have you suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse? 39 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 You don’t have to go through these things alone. 40 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 So how does it work? 41 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Well, you text us and we listen. 42 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Our hotline is 100% anonymous. 43 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 We can talk about anything you need to and only what you want to. 44 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 If you decide you could use additional resources, 45 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 like support communities, experts, or legal aid, 46 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 we can connect you. 47 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is an inclusive resource for anyone no matter how you identify. 48 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 If you feel that you need emotional support, 49 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 you can start right now by texting SUPPORT to 23368, 50 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 and our qualified responders will be there to listen to you, free of charge. 51 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 If you need help, stop watching this video and get in touch with us right now. 52 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 On the other hand, you might not need this hotline, 53 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 at least not today. 54 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 But maybe you can make sure it’s always available for those who do. 55 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Hotlines have been proven to save lives 56 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 and so we believe that keeping this hotline free for the people who need it is crucial. 57 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 If you believe that too, we need your support to make that happen. 58 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Donate! Your financial contribution not only keeps the hotline alive but is also tax deductible. 59 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Tell all your friends! 60 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The best way for people to know this service exists is to tell everyone you can. 61 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Share this video with your networks and be sure to follow and tag us @gameshotline. 62 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 With a caring and engaged community by our side, 63 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 made up of people like you 64 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 we will not only be there for those who need it most when they need it most 65 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 but we are building a stronger, healthier, more supportive games industry for everyone. 66 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Reach out, get help, 67 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 and let’s make this community a better place to work and play.