GAMA Statement of Support for Ukraine

The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) stands with the country of Ukraine. We are a small community, and as a community we are horrified at the violence that is happening and are opposed to all acts of war. 

What is GAMA’s role? As the non-profit trade organization dedicated to serving the hobby game industry, it is our goal to strengthen and support all fellow industry professionals, encouraging the sharing of best practices and resources. While many of our industry professionals are making decisions that affect them financially, it is also important to acknowledge that this war reaches us on a personal level as well as professionally.  

What are some GAMA resources that can help keep me informed?

To sum up what is happening in regards to this war to affect GAMA companies, Russian sanctions have caused our members to make some difficult business decisions. The choices over the next few months will become even more complex as we adjust to the ripples of effects from the conflict. GAMA brought experts to the virtual table last week to discuss the potential implications to our industry. This panel includes an amazing grouping of individuals with first-hand knowledge: 

• Maxim Istomin of CrowD Games, a Russian-American publisher and distributor, as well as attorney in both countries
• Dr. Laszlo Korossy, adjunct professor of political science at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.  
• Alex Schmidt, Director of Sales for Stonemaier Games, a top 3 industry volume board game producer with global distribution. 

Please take time to view the entire informative discussion here: http://ow.ly/WGiT50IaRMS

Responding as an Association 

We plan to keep the discussion going and to support our members. Our next webinar will be on March 31, 2022, including the same experts as last week. That link will become available as the date is closer.

How can I help?   

GAMA Member and Poland-headquartered company, Lucky Duck Games, has created a fundraiser. They are matching all funds donated to UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) through this link (up to $12k):  

https://fundraise-for-refugees.funraise.org/team/lucky-duck-games?fbclid=IwAR0CDSExn4VjEBvxYJFTOYjkq7FCye1m6dRHSYYgiNP9jt-QTbCVcXotdcE 

Here is a link to other organizations that are raising funds to support the injured and displaced citizens. We encourage our member organizations to thoroughly research all organizations that they choose to support.  

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help 

What if I need help? 

Please let us know if your company is in need of assistance during this time. If the need is great, we would be glad to host a Spatial Chat in which business leaders in our community can connect with those in need to provide advice on making it through this crisis in your business. If you are personally struggling with the emotional aspects, leading to life-interrupting anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to get professional help through online counseling companies such as Better Help or Talk Space.