Buying a few lines of code can help in the fight against homelessness, thanks to a Victoria gaming studio.
Codename Entertainment is raising funds through two of its video games for the Victoria Cool Aid Society's build homes campaign. Until Friday, those who play Codename’s Bush Whacker 2 can help the cause by buying virtual homeless dogs, while players of Egg Breaker Adventures can donate by purchasing virtual hats in the game. The virtual hats are $5 each. The two new hats in Egg Breaker Adventures are the Housing Hat and the Housing Hard Hat.
The virtual dogs are also $5 each. The dog Ruff has a Cool Aid colour neck tie and players can talk to the dog during game play to find out the importance of pets to people living on the street.
All of Codename’s share of the worldwide sales will be donated to the campaign that aims to build 360 apartments for people who are homeless in the region.
“Homelessness is an issue very close to my heart,” said Codename CEO Eric Jordan, a former Cool Aid director. “I wanted to break new ground by providing an opportunity for our players from around the world to make a real contribution toward ending homelessness in the region.
“I hope we’ll also inspire other local tech companies to create equally fun adventures for this great cause.”
Jordan estimated they could raise about $1,000 with the campaign.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said she was thrilled to see “Victoria’s largest private sector industry stepping forward and taking leadership to help solve Victoria's most pressing social problem.”
The local high-tech sector has an overall economic impact of about $4 billion, while the gaming industry estimates its overall revenue at $25 million a year.
