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Stray publisher raises money for actual cat charities

Credit: Annapurna
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London, UK
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The publisher of new hit video game Stray has partnered with several charities to raise money for real life homeless cats. I’m not crying, you are.

If you’ve somehow avoided the constant promos and viral videos of pets acting up at television screens, Stray is finally out on PlayStation and PC.

Published by Annapurna, the game puts the player in the furry pads of a cat as it traverses a dystopian cyberpunk city in search of its family. You can meow, elegantly jump between rooftops, and do that weird claw thing on carpets.

There’s way more to the whole experience, which has received pretty decent reviews across the board, but that’s the gist.

As though giving us the chance to fulfil the impossible dream of living out adventures as a cat wasn’t enough already, Annapurna is using the game’s hype to help generate funds and awareness for real life strays.

The publisher has partnered with several cat charities including the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS… not the UK health service) and the UK-based Cats Protection, which both aim to find homes and caring owners for our wild feline friends.

Gamers were incentivised to donate a minimum of £5 to be in with a chance of winning a free copy of Stray. While the NHS recently closed its competition, there are six codes still up for grabs in Cats Protection’s draw and the winners will be announced on July 22.

Those who wish to partake in a different way or have a wider reaching impact are encouraged to set up fundraisers through streams and other creative avenues.

Its website’s suggestions include sharing crafting skills, hosting a bake-along, performing an online gig, or indulging in some cat chat… whatever that is. Click here to learn more and sign up.

As the world’s leading entertainment industry, it’s encouraging to see gaming increasingly mobilising its audience for socially responsible causes.

In February, Guerrilla games partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 288,000 new trees, May saw Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney donate 7,500 acres of North Carolina in the name of conservation, and Post Malone is teaming up with Respawn entertainment for an upcoming Apex Legends charity event.

Given that Stray is a full price title currently available for free on PlayStation Plus, £5 isn’t exactly a hefty an investment to ask for. For anyone who already owns the game, I defy you to finish it in its entirety without searching up cat charities.

If you’re worried about missing out, the timed PlayStation exclusive will likely be coming to Xbox within the next six months.

Tech Editor London, UK

I’m Jamie (He/Him), the Editor in Chief at Thred. Keeping up with gaming and revolutionary technology is my forte, but when away from my keyboard, you’ll probably find me wrapped around a large Tango ice blast at the latest mediocre horror flick. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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