Over onitch.io, 358 creators and development teams recently came together to release a massive bundle of games, with all proceeds going to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund—a charity dedicated to providing access to pediatric cancer centers, life-saving surgeries, and mental health treatment during the ongoing crisis in Palestine. With 8 days left before the bundle is no longer available, itch.io and the cadre of generousindiedevs have already raised almost $400,000 for the PCRF, 80% of their $500,000 target.
Available now, and costing just $8, the itch.io Palestinian Relief Bundle contains 213 video games, 103tabletop RPG rulebooks, and a grab-bag of art books, zines, comics, novels, game assets, and game development tools. With over $1600 worth of content for less than many of these games cost on Steam, the bundle is a great deal in support of an undeniably noble cause.
Itch.io’s Palestinian Relief Bundle is Extremely Varied
With so much to choose from, the bundle’s mix of experimental microgames,visual novels, bonafide indie classics, hidden gems, and weirdo walking sims can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, while not everything on the bundle is a masterpiece, each game is a labor of love with something to offer the curious gamer. Still, there are 213 games in the bundle and some stand out more than others.
The Palestinian Relief Bundle’s Big Hitters
Like any good indie bundle, much of itch.io’s Palestinian Relief Bundle is made up ofrelatively unknown gamescontributed by small one- or two-man development teams. Even so, a number of extremely successful game developers and development teams have also submitted their games to be included in the bundle.
Arguably the most well-known game in the bundle,A Short Hikestands out as a particularly notable inclusion. It offers a charming walk through a gorgeously lo-fi national park setting, with light puzzling and a design ethos that encourages players to get distracted and wander off the beaten track.A Short Hikehas gained a reputation since its release as a uniquely lovely experience.
Other notable indies in the bundle include:
The Palestinian Relief Bundle’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the bigger names, a number of interesting smaller projects are included in the bundle. One of the more notable of which isBrush Burial, a grimy, brutal immersive-sim set in a strange, hostile fantasy world. Playing as Fennel, a knife-wielding swamp devil with a knack for climbing and a deadly tail, players are tasked with exploring a large open-ended environment, uncovering the world’s mysteries, and making their way through the game’s various challenges. With an absorbing setting, interesting movement mechanics, and tonnes of atmosphere,Brush Burialis well worth checking out for fans ofThief,Cruelty Squad, andPseudoregalia.
Other notable hidden gems include:
Everything Else in Itch.io’s Palestinian Relief Bundle
Beyond video games, the Palestinian Relief Bundle contains a number of other interesting items. Surreal party gameBirds Love Dirtis a charming flock-based dirt-em-up, and the crunchy ultra-complex TTRPG60 Years in Spacegives players the chance to delve into the nitty-gritty ofdeep space exploration. Also included in the bundle are a number of tilesets, textures, asset packs, mechanical source codes, and music licenses designed to give budding game creators some help in taking their first steps into game development. Digging even deeper into the bowels of the bundle, gamers can even find audio dramas, embroidery patterns, and fonts.
There’s Something in Itch.io’s Palestinian Relief Bundle For Everyone
With so much variety, the itch.io Palestinian Relief Bundle is a no-brainer for the curious gamer looking fornew and unique gaming experiences. With all proceeds going to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and over 300 different items included, the Palestinian Relief Bundle’s price and noble cause makes it well worth checking out.
