Niantic, the company behind ARG mobile hits like Pokemon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, has announced a broad set of company plans aimed at racial justice reforms, in light of ongoing protests over policing in America. The letter from CEO John Hanke outlines millions in donations and paid time off for employees to volunteer.
Hanke says the company will be donating a minimum of $5 million in proceeds from Pokemon Go Fest 2020 ticket sales. Half of that will go towards funding new projects from black creators to make more diverse content, while the other half will go towards US nonprofits. In addition, it will donate $100,000 to the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, and matching employee contributions up to $50,000.
You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.
Click To Unmute
Firearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023
State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight TrailerThompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - LoadoutLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Saeko Mukoda Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Seonhee Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Koichi Adachi Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Yu Nanba Character Spotlight Trailer
Share
LinkEmbed
Size:640 × 360480 × 270
Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop
Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
Sign up or Sign in now!
Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
HTML5
Auto HD High Low
Report a problem
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
enter
Now Playing: GameSpot Play For All Opening And Tim Sweeney And Epic Games Interview
The note also states that Niantic employees currently get four days per year to attend in-game events. Going forward, the company will add a fifth day and turn them all into Flex Days, allowing Niantic employees to use those days to volunteer in their communities.
We stand with the Black community & against white supremacy, racism, & police brutality & condemn the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Nina Pop & countless others. Here's how we’re committing to change #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/jfYGinhl2e pic.twitter.com/Y0P3f1E2PQ
— Niantic, Inc. (@NianticLabs) June 3, 2020
GameSpot Newsletters
Get the latest gaming news, reviews, and deals sent to your inbox, FREE!
Sign Up
Sign Up
By signing up to receive newsletters, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for signing up
In addition to those monetary and volunteer donations, the company is committing to new Diversity & Inclusion training with a focus on allyship. It will also be expanding its commitments to organizations like Treehouse and Gameheads, which focus on diversifying tech and teaching kids to develop games, respectively.
These initiatives are similar to ones announced by Electronic Arts following widespread protests regarding police brutality and racial justice. Several other companies have offered statements of support, and many games industry events and announcements planned for this week have been delayed out of respect for the protests.
GameSpot has officially kicked off Play For All--a celebration of all things gaming. Join us as we bring you the summer's hottest news, previews, interviews, features, and videos, as well as raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts and Black Lives Matter with the help of our friends from around the gaming world. Check out the Play For All schedule for more.
Play For All 2020 News And Events
E3 2021: Schedule, Participants, And What To Expect Halo Infinite Gameplay Debuts At Xbox Series X Stream Assassin's Creed Valhalla Reminds Me Of Playing Black Flag + Show More Play For All 2020 News And Events Links (2) GameSpot's Play For All: Here's How To Donate Ubisoft Forward Stream: All The Games Shown And Announced