In an attempt to keep players home and self-isolate amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Square Enix has made its 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris free on Steam for limited time. Even though the freebies are apart of a “Stay Home and Play” campaign, these games will continue to be apart of player’s game libraries. The games will be available from now up until March 23rd, 11:59 p.m PDT. “We’re warmed by stories of communities banding together to support those in need during uncertain times, and by honoring directives intended to protect the most vulnerable among us,” Square Enix explained in a blog post on their official website. There are two ways for people to get these games, one which involves going through Steam itself or through the Square Enix website. Going through the Square Enix website means that people will need a Square Enix Members Account, but they are also free to sign up for.
Nvidia is also giving PC gamers a chance to help with coronavirus efforts by using the Folding@home application, which lets people donate unused computing power to help with researching the coronavirus. Many other games are also being offered for free on the Epic Games Store for limited time, with the list constantly changing and having new additions. Many other companies are putting forth a helping hand into coronavirus research and relief any way they can such as donations, money raising, and events to help people stay entertained at their homes in this time to social distancing. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a large line up of highly anticipated cancellations, postponements, and changes related to the fast spread of the coronavirus. Most notably, E3 2020 has been canceled, Pokemon Go implemented changes to encourage social distancing between bored players.