WEBVTT 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Alright. Pause the game. Just for a sec. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Games aren’t just fun. It’s more than that, right? 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 They bring us together whether in a workplace or on a stream, or at a convention. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 At any given moment, there are millions of people like you and me 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 playing, chatting, adventuring, dueling, side-questing, exploring. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Millions of real people. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Most of our gaming experience can be amazing, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but let’s be honest, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 There are problems. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Toxic corners of the community, abuse, harassment, bullying, isolation, depression. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Behind the avatar on your screen a real person may be suffering alone in silence. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It might be your friend, your kid, your coworker… 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or maybe that person is you. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Too often It feels like we’re supposed to toughen up, play on, “Get Good.” 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But if someone is struggling, they don’t need to “get good.” 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 They need to get help. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Whether you’re a game developer, a fan, a player, a streamer, a competitor 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 any part of this community 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. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It's not about the person that you think has it worse than you, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or the person you've heard stories about. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If you or someone you care about is struggling, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 no matter how big or small it might feel, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 now you have someone to help and support you. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 That’s what we’re here for. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is a text message-based, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 anonymous and confidential emotional support hotline, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and it's created specifically for the gaming community. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Because we're gamers, and creators, and developers, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and we want to help each other, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 whether that means offering emotional support, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or finding the referrals and resources that you need. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Maybe you’re feeling lonely and isolated, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or recently lost a loved one. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Are you experiencing harassment in your workplace or online? 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Struggling with crunch or burnout at work? 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Are you worried you or someone you know may hurt themselves? 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Have you suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse? 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 You don’t have to go through these things alone. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 So how does it work? 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Well, you text us and we listen. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Our hotline is 100% anonymous. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 We can talk about anything you need to and only what you want to. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If you decide you could use additional resources, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 like support communities, experts, or legal aid, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 we can connect you. 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. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If you feel that you need emotional support, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 you can start right now by texting SUPPORT to 23368, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and our qualified responders will be there to listen to you, free of charge. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If you need help, stop watching this video and get in touch with us right now. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 On the other hand, you might not need this hotline, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 at least not today. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But maybe you can make sure it’s always available for those who do. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Hotlines have been proven to save lives 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. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If you believe that too, we need your support to make that happen. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Donate! Your financial contribution not only keeps the hotline alive but is also tax deductible. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Tell all your friends! 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The best way for people to know this service exists is to tell everyone you can. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Share this video with your networks and be sure to follow and tag us @gameshotline. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 With a caring and engaged community by our side, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 made up of people like you 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 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but we are building a stronger, healthier, more supportive games industry for everyone. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Reach out, get help, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and let’s make this community a better place to work and play.