Fortnite fundraiser nets $144 million for Ukraine humanitarian relief efforts

Fortnite players have helped raise almost $150 million for Ukraine humanitarian relief efforts.

Epic Games recently committed to donating “all its Fortnite proceeds” for a two-week period to supporting people affected by the war in Ukraine.

It was joined by Xbox, which also pledged to donate its “net proceeds” from Fortnite during the same period.

Just one day after announcing the donation plan, Epic said $36 million had been raised. The figure rose to $100 million as of March 29 and the fundraising drive concluded on Sunday with $144 million raised.

The money will go to four humanitarian relief organisations: Direct Relief, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations World Food Programme, and the United Nations Refugee Agency.

World of Tanks developer Wargaming announced on Monday that it will end its operations in Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement issued to VGC, the company – which was founded by Russian Victor Kislyi in the Belarus capital of Minsk – said it has decided it will “not own or operate any businesses” in Russia and Belarus, following a strategic review.

Many companies, including platform holders Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, have suspended sales of their products in Russia.

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Others have made significant donations to the humanitarian appeal in Ukraine including Embracer Group, 11 bit studios, Bandai Namco, CD Projekt Red, Supercell, Ubisoft, Unity and The Pokémon Company.

Indie developers from across the world also contributed games to a large bundle designed to raise money for Ukraine. The Bundle for Ukraine, which was available on itch.io and contained 991 items available for a $10 donation, raised $6 million.