The reveal trailer forPokemon ScarletandVioletwas released recently, but both the announcement and the Pokemon Presents event it was part of were affected by Russia’s attack on Ukraine.The Pokemon Companymade a deliberate decision to under-market the event in an attempt to display sensitivity during the ongoing crisis. Now,The Pokemon Companyhas released a statement on Ukraine and made a significant charity donation.Video games are often used as a form of escapism, but during this conflict, many video game developers, streamers, and players have been forced to respond to very real threats. A group ofgaming companies has provided aid to Ukraine, making a stand against the invasion by donating to humanitarian aid.RELATED:Escape From Tarkov Stream Interrupted by Russian Invasion of UkraineThe Pokemon Company has recently joined the list of gaming companies supporting Ukraine with a statement shared on its verified Twitter account. In the statement, the company directly addresses the impact the crisis has had on the displacement of families and the safety of children. The company goes so far as to describe the situation as “heartbreaking.” This isn’t the first time someone has noted that theUkraine-Russia conflict has forced many to fleetheir homes, but it matters that a company as large and well-regarded as The Pokemon Company is weighing in on the subject.
Apparently, The Pokemon Company is making an immediate donation of $200,000 USD to partners at the GlobalGiving non-profit organization. The money will be used specifically to bring humanitarian relief to those caught up in the biggest state-against-state attack since World War 2. Between this andThe Pokemon Company’s decision to under-marketthe recent Pokemon Presents event, it seems that the company has made its position on the conflict known. As it has only been a week since the beginning of the attack, it remains to be seen what The Pokemon Company’s next move will be.
As of writing, GlobalGiving has raised roughly four million dollars USD for its Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. According to the fundraiser page, over one million people have already fled Ukraine as a response to Russia’s invasion and millions more could follow suit. The COVID-19 pandemic and eight years of armed conflict in eastern Ukraine have also played a role in causing damage to the country.CD Projekt Red has also made a significant donationto provide humanitarian aid for displaced and affected Ukrainians. This means that The Pokemon Company appears to be in good company.
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