WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.705 Alright. Pause the game. Just for a sec. 00:00:02.705 --> 00:00:05.563 Games aren’t just fun. It’s more than that, right? 00:00:05.563 --> 00:00:10.089 They bring us together whether in a workplace or on a stream, or at a convention. 00:00:10.089 --> 00:00:13.505 At any given moment, there are millions of people like you and me 00:00:13.505 --> 00:00:18.216 playing, chatting, adventuring, dueling, side-questing, exploring. 00:00:18.216 --> 00:00:20.254 Millions of real people. 00:00:20.254 --> 00:00:23.001 Most of our gaming experience can be amazing, 00:00:23.001 --> 00:00:24.943 but let’s be honest, 00:00:24.943 --> 00:00:26.471 There are problems. 00:00:26.471 --> 00:00:32.441 Toxic corners of the community, abuse, harassment, bullying, isolation, depression. 00:00:32.441 --> 00:00:37.216 Behind the avatar on your screen a real person may be suffering alone in silence. 00:00:37.216 --> 00:00:41.166 It might be your friend, your kid, your coworker... 00:00:41.166 --> 00:00:43.497 or maybe that person is you. 00:00:43.497 --> 00:00:47.964 Too often It feels like we’re supposed to toughen up, play on, “get good.” 00:00:47.964 --> 00:00:50.657 But if someone is struggling, they don’t need to “get good.” 00:00:50.657 --> 00:00:52.507 They need to get help. 00:00:52.507 --> 00:00:57.238 Whether you’re a game developer, a fan, a player, a streamer, a competitor 00:00:57.238 --> 00:00:59.289 any part of this community 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. 00:01:03.989 --> 00:01:06.426 It's not about the person that you think has it worse than you, 00:01:06.426 --> 00:01:08.425 or the person you've heard stories about. 00:01:08.425 --> 00:01:10.842 If you or someone you care about is struggling, 00:01:10.842 --> 00:01:13.273 no matter how big or small it might feel, 00:01:13.273 --> 00:01:16.023 now you have someone to help and support you. 00:01:16.023 --> 00:01:17.649 That’s what we’re here for. 00:01:17.649 --> 00:01:20.775 The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is a text message-based, 00:01:20.775 --> 00:01:24.358 anonymous and confidential emotional support hotline, 00:01:24.358 --> 00:01:27.584 and it's created specifically for the gaming community. 00:01:27.584 --> 00:01:29.466 Because we're gamers, and creators 00:01:29.466 --> 00:01:31.066 and we want to help each other, 00:01:31.066 --> 00:01:32.976 whether that means offering emotional support, 00:01:32.976 --> 00:01:35.991 or finding the referrals and resources that you need. 00:01:35.991 --> 00:01:38.613 Maybe you’re feeling lonely and isolated, 00:01:38.613 --> 00:01:40.545 or recently lost a loved one. 00:01:40.545 --> 00:01:43.443 Are you experiencing harassment in your workplace or online? 00:01:43.443 --> 00:01:45.934 Struggling with crunch or burnout at work? 00:01:45.934 --> 00:01:48.953 Are you worried you or someone you know may hurt themselves? 00:01:49.433 --> 00:01:52.810 Have you suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse? 00:01:52.810 --> 00:01:55.325 You don’t have to go through these things alone. 00:01:56.253 --> 00:01:58.728 So how does it work? 00:01:58.728 --> 00:02:00.457 Well, you text us and we listen. 00:02:00.457 --> 00:02:03.087 Our hotline is 100% anonymous. 00:02:03.087 --> 00:02:07.160 We can talk about anything you need to and only what you want to. 00:02:07.160 --> 00:02:09.628 If you decide you could use additional resources, 00:02:09.628 --> 00:02:12.165 like support communities, experts, or legal aid, 00:02:12.165 --> 00:02:14.141 we can connect you. 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. 00:02:20.454 --> 00:02:22.853 If you feel that you need emotional support, 00:02:22.853 --> 00:02:26.360 you can start right now by texting SUPPORT to 23368, 00:02:26.360 --> 00:02:29.948 and our qualified responders will be there to listen to you, free of charge. 00:02:29.948 --> 00:02:33.907 If you need help, stop watching this video and get in touch with us right now. 00:02:33.907 --> 00:02:36.589 On the other hand, you might not need this hotline, 00:02:36.589 --> 00:02:38.522 at least not today. 00:02:38.522 --> 00:02:41.789 But maybe you can make sure it’s always available for those who do. 00:02:41.789 --> 00:02:44.236 Hotlines have been proven to save lives 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. 00:02:48.294 --> 00:02:51.556 If you believe that too, we need your support to make that happen. 00:02:51.556 --> 00:02:57.152 Donate! Your financial contribution not only keeps the hotline alive but is also tax deductible. 00:02:57.152 --> 00:02:58.748 Tell all your friends! 00:02:58.748 --> 00:03:02.606 The best way for people to know this service exists is to tell everyone you can. 00:03:02.606 --> 00:03:06.635 Share this video with your networks and be sure to follow and tag us @gameshotline. 00:03:06.635 --> 00:03:09.177 With a caring and engaged community by our side, 00:03:09.177 --> 00:03:10.738 made up of people like you 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 00:03:14.081 --> 00:03:19.233 but we are building a stronger, healthier, more supportive games industry for everyone. 00:03:19.233 --> 00:03:20.951 Reach out, get help, 00:03:20.951 --> 00:03:24.106 and let’s make this community a better place to work and play.