Gears of War Press Release 9-9-22

Gears of War Pledges 1% of Net Revenue for Suicide

Prevention/Partners with Crisis Text Line

September 9, 2022

Content Warning: 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.

Today, we are proud to announce that The Coalition will donate 1% of net revenue from all

Gears of War games and merchandise to organizations working to prevent suicide and combat

loneliness through mental health advocacy. This is a multi-year commitment our studio is

making to give back to our community and create real-world impact. We are proud to announce

Crisis Text Line as our first partner. As we continue to grow and evolve this program, we hope to

be able to partner with more organizations around the world.

Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis

intervention in the US, UK, Canada and Ireland by empowering a community of trained

volunteers to support people in their moments of need. In the US, support is available in both

English and 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.

Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high. In the US, suicide rates and feelings of sadness

and hopelessness are rising, especially with young people. Suicide is a leading cause of death

that is completely preventable.

Themes of loss, grief, trauma, and even suicide have featured heavily in our games. We build

connection when we process hard things together, and the beating heart of Gears of War has

always been about belonging and connection. Our Never Fight Alone initiative allows us to not

just talk about what it means to be there for each other but put our words into everyday action.

Fans who want to share in their support of the Never Fight Alone program can do so in a few

ways:

● First and most importantly, we encourage everyone to take a moment to check in on

friends and family today. A small gesture like a text, DM, Xbox message or even a call

goes a long way to letting someone know that you care.

● Save “Text PAUSE to 741741” in your phone so you have it as a contact whenever you

might need it.

● Join the conversation about suicide prevention, offer words of support and share Crisis

Text Line with people who may be struggling on our @GearsofWar Twitter channel or

follow along with #NeverFightAlone.

● Wear your support with the 2022 Never Fight Alone benefit tee from the Xbox Gear

Store or Game Planet and Gamers in Mexico. Designed by our close friend, Luke

Preece, all proceeds from the purchase of this special edition tee will go directly to Crisis

Text Line.

● Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points this

weekend to Crisis Text Line by playing Gears of War. Download the Microsoft Rewards

app on Xbox to earn points and donate today.

*About Crisis Text Line:

Founded in 2013, Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7, high-quality

text-based mental health support and crisis intervention, empowers a community of trained volunteers to

support people in their moments of need. Crisis Text Line is committed to creating an empathetic world

where nobody feels alone. Those seeking care can text CRISIS to 741741 to be connected to a live,

trained volunteer crisis counselor in English. Text HOLA to 741741 or text to 442-AYUDAME in WhatsApp

for Spanish. Visit Crisis Text Line on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Additional information is available

at www.crisistextline.org.

For more information on Never Fight Alone and our donation please visit