Halo 5 is offering a new REQ pack, called the ‘Relief and Recovery’ REQ. The 10$ buy will include five permanent REQs that range from ultra-rare or better rarity, plus ten rare or better boost cards. From now to April 30th, Microsoft is donating all of the money from this REQ pack purchases to GlobalGiving’s Coronavirus Relief Fund. The official description for the pack reads, “You’ve got Spartans on the ground, and we’re not going anywhere… When fellow friends, fans, and family are in need, the Halo community is always ready to lend support.” According to GlobalGiving, the Coronavirus Relief Fund “will help stop the virus’s spread and give communities on the front lines of the crisis the resources they need to act quickly and protect the most vulnerable.” As of now, the donations have helped:
- Send doctors, nurses, and other front line responders to communities in need
- Get masks, ventilators, and other medical supplies to hospitals and clinics
- Deliver essential items to struggling families and older individuals in quarantined cities and refugee camps
- Feed children that rely on school meals
- Support hygiene awareness
At the same time, many other people have found ways to entertain themselves during this era of social-distancing. Many pro-athletes have taken to becoming Youtube Streamers, along with pro-racers using their free time to practice racing for their fans to watch, and even a live-streamed NCAA tournament for people to watch and bet on. Many other games have also modified their gameplay to help people practice social distancing, and have even gone as far as being free for a limited time on different stores.
In the midst of the global panic, many other games and companies have stepped up their efforts to help people. Minecraft has offered free educational content due to the closure of schools, along with Plague Inc. making a donation to Coronavirus research and relief, and Riot Games making a $1.5 million donation for Coronavirus relief in Los Angeles.