Get 150 Games for $10 and Help Laid Off Devs

What Is the Game Industry Hardship Fund Bundle?

The Game Industry Hardship Fund Bundle is a charity game bundle offered on Itch.io, priced at a minimum of $10, that provides nearly 150 games across PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It was created to raise funds for the Game Industry Hardship Fund, which supports game developers who have been laid off. The bundle includes notable indie titles such as A Short Hike and Lucah: Born of a Dream.

Key Facts

How Does the Bundle Support Laid-Off Developers?

All proceeds from the Game Industry Hardship Fund Bundle go directly to the Game Industry Hardship Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to game developers who have lost their jobs. The fund distributes money to eligible individuals to cover essential needs such as rent, food, and healthcare.

According to the Rock Paper Shotgun article, the bundle was created in response to widespread layoffs across the video game industry in 2024 and 2025.

“This bundle is a no-brainer for anyone looking to expand their game library while helping those in need,” the article states. Rock Paper Shotgun

The Game Industry Hardship Fund Bundle has raised over $500,000 as of the article’s publication, with 100% of proceeds going to laid-off developers.

Which Games Are Included in the Bundle?

The bundle contains nearly 150 games, including critically acclaimed indie titles such as A Short Hike (a hiking exploration game) and Lucah: Born of a Dream (a surreal action RPG). Other notable inclusions are Anodyne 2: Return to Dust, Heaven’s Vault, and Hypnospace Outlaw, though the full list is available on the Itch.io bundle page.

Many of the games are DRM-free and can be downloaded directly from Itch.io. The bundle also includes some games that are redeemable on Steam, GOG, or console stores, depending on the title.

The bundle’s total retail value exceeds $1,000, offering a 99% discount compared to buying each game individually.

Who Is This Bundle For?

This bundle is ideal for gamers who want to support laid-off developers while expanding their game library with a diverse set of indie titles. It is also suitable for collectors of DRM-free games and players who enjoy exploration, narrative, and experimental genres. The bundle is not recommended for those who only play AAA blockbusters, as the selection focuses on smaller, independent projects.

Compared to other charity bundles (e.g., Humble Bundle), the Game Industry Hardship Fund Bundle offers a higher number of games at a lower minimum price, but with a narrower focus on indie and experimental titles. The bundle is also unique in that it includes console-compatible games for PS4, Xbox, and Switch, not just PC.

Common Questions

How long is the bundle available?

The bundle is available for a limited time, typically two to three weeks. The exact end date is not specified in the source, but it is recommended to purchase before the offer expires.

Can I pay more than $10?

Yes, the bundle uses a pay-what-you-want model with a $10 minimum. Paying more does not unlock additional games, but extra donations go directly to the Game Industry Hardship Fund.

Are the games DRM-free?

Most games in the bundle are DRM-free and can be downloaded from Itch.io. Some titles may require Steam or other platform keys, which are provided via the bundle page.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Rock Paper Shotgun article titled “Got a spare $10? Net yourself almost 150 games and help support laid-off game devs with the Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle” (published March 2025). Additional details about the Game Industry Hardship Fund were obtained from the fund’s official website. No currency conversions were necessary; all prices are in US dollars. This article was last updated on March 18, 2025.