Over 100 Games Available in Itch.io Bundle to Support Laid-Off Developers

A new game bundle on itch.io, created by Necrosoft Games and the United Videogame Workers-CWA (UVW-CWA) union, offers gamers a chance to support developers affected by the ongoing labor crisis in the video game industry. This initiative, known as the Game Industry Hardship Bundle, features over 100 games, with all proceeds (after itch.io’s processing fees) directed to the UVW-CWA’s worker hardship fund, which provides financial assistance to laid-off developers in the U.S. and Canada.

Launched on July 30, the bundle has already generated over $20,000. It’s a pay-what-you-want model with a minimum price of $10, offering DRM-free PC versions of titles like A Short Hike, SkateBIRD, and my personal favorite, Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure. Developers who were laid off after January 2024 can apply for assistance through the fund. However, due to the UVW-CWA’s jurisdictional limitations, the fund is only available to laid-off developers, contractors, or freelancers in the U.S. or Canada, and you don’t need to be a union member to receive support.

The current landscape for video game developers is challenging, with layoffs becoming a harsh reality. Whether from large publishers or small studios, it seems no one is immune. According to the 2026 GDC State of the Game Industry report, over a quarter of developers have faced layoffs in the past two years, and in the U.S., that figure rises to about one-third. These layoffs represent more than just statistics; they affect real people whose livelihoods are at stake, often despite their successful contributions to the industry. This bundle and the fund it supports aim to provide crucial support during these tough times, highlighting the importance of community backing and the potential of unionization.

The bundle will be available until August 13.