Gears of War Pledges 1% of Net Revenue for Suicide Prevention

Attention: Suicide. Self-harm.

Soaring rates of suicide and mental health disorders have created one of our gravest current public health crises — it’s been said that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were facing “an epidemic of loneliness.” Gears of War has always stood for belonging, which is why on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, our message and promise is simple: Never Fight Alone.

We are pleased to announce today that The Coalition will give 1% from the net sales of Gears of War merchandise and games to charities working in mental health advocacy to combat suicide prevention and loneliness. The studio made this multi-year-long commitment to make a real difference in the world and give back to the community. Crisis Text Line has been announced as our first partnership. As the program grows and develops, we will be able partner with many more organisations around the globe.

Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text-based crisis intervention service that provides high-quality mental health care and support for people in need in the US. The program empowers volunteers and enables them to help in any time of their choosing. The US offers support in English or Spanish. Text ‘PAUSE’ to 741741 or WhatsApp at (443)-SUPPORT to reach volunteer Crisis Counselors available 24/7 to help you or a friend through any mental health crisis.

“In 2021, we had 1.3 million conversations with texters who needed help with issues like anxiety, depression and suicide. We’re honored to partner with The Coalition & the Gears of War franchise to increase access to mental health support and suicide prevention services. Partnerships like this are so critical to addressing the mental health crisis in America and reaching our vision for an empathetic world where nobody feels alone,” says Dena Trujillo, CEO at Crisis Text Line.

The suicide rate is shockingly high worldwide. The suicide rate and feeling of hopelessness and sadness are increasing in America, particularly among young people. Suicide is an entirely preventable death.

We have included themes such as loss, grief and trauma in many of our games. When we share difficult things, it builds connection. Gears of War’s heartbeat has been all about connection and belonging. Never Fight Alone allows us not only to talk about being there for one another but to put those words into daily action.

There are a variety of ways that fans can support the Never Fight Alone campaign.

• We encourage you to first and foremost, to reach out to your family and friends today. It doesn’t take much to let someone know you are thinking of them.

• Save “Text PAUSE to 741741” in your phone so you have it as a contact whenever you might need it.

• Participate in the suicide prevention conversation, share your support with others who might be suffering on our Crisis Text Line and offer words of encouragement. @GearsofWar Twitter channelFollow #NeverFightAlone on Twitter.

• Support the cause with this 2022 Never Fight Alone Benefit Tee from Game Planet or the Xbox Gear Store. This special edition Tee was designed by Luke Preece (our friend). All proceeds will directly go to Crisis Text Line.

• Microsoft Rewards US members can donate and earn points by playing Gears of War games. To earn and donate points, download the Microsoft Rewards app for Xbox.

For more information on Never Fight Alone and our donation please visit gearsofwar.com/neverfightalone