The Power of Video Games To Do Good
By harnessing the power of the video game community, Gearbox uses video games to directly promote social good. Our players have made a positive impact throughout the world, from contributing to scientific discoveries to providing support to refugees. Gearbox Gives will continue our work to connect charitable and nonprofit partners with the interactive entertainment community — creating a powerful force for social good.
BORDERLANDS SCIENCE
Gearbox partnered with McGill University, MMOS, and The Microsetta Initiative to create Borderlands Science, a mini-game within Borderlands 3. Since 2020, nearly 4.5 million players have solved tens of millions of DNA sequencing puzzles, helping scientists map the human gut microbiome to advance research. As of 2024, Borderlands Science is the largest citizen science project of all time.
SUPPORTING FRONTLINE HEALTH CARE WORKERS
Borderlands 3 players responded to the unprecedented need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical professionals in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of players purchased digital masks for their character, with all proceeds donated to Direct Relief to support the acquisition of PPE for frontline health care workers.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic was at its worst, the Gearbox team stepped up and activated its community to support frontline healthcare workers. Direct Relief was deeply grateful for this generosity during the most critical time of the pandemic, and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of Gearbox Gives.” - Thomas Tighe, President and CEO of Direct Relief
Supporting Worldwide Relief Efforts
Our San Francisco team and Cryptic Studios, in conjunction with Wizards of the Coast, partnered to support global relief efforts for those in need. Neverwinter and Star Trek Online players purchased in-game items to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $110,000 in proceeds were donated to Pop Culture Hero Coalition, an anti-bully organization led by Deep Space Nine, and United Way, a global non-profit focused on providing every person with education, health, and financial stability.
“Your contributions mean everything to the Coalition’s work! You were foundational in helping us grow from a local, grassroots organization to a national leader in youth mental health, through YMCA of the USA. Thank you, on behalf of the children and teens we serve — we are saving lives, due to your support.” - Chase Masterson, Founder, and CEO, Pop Culture Hero Coalition / The Heroic Journey
“United Way Bay Area is grateful for your donation. The funds donated went toward our COVID-19 Community Relief Fund which helped us meet our community’s needs during a critical time by providing food, shelter, rental relief, and other basic needs to our neighbors. Donations like this allow us to continue our fight against poverty in the Bay Area.” – United Way
Aiding in the Fight Against Cancer
To support the fight against cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our San Francisco team, Cryptic Studios, and ViacomCBS Consumer Products teamed up with Groupees.com to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During the launch of Star Trek Online: Awakening on consoles, players had the option to purchase limited-time in-game bundles and donate. Over $58,000 in proceeds were donated to the Foundation.