The classic version of "gamer support hotlines" revolved around a late '80s and early '90s period of titans like Nintendo and Sega. You'd either make a long-distance call or call a 1-900 line to get help from a live counselor on how to beat a tough videogame.
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Those kinds of hotlines are long gone, replaced by YouTube tutorials—which is fair enough, because it's usually easy to spell out steps to fight a boss or solve a puzzle. This week, a completely different type of gamer-centric hotline has emerged to address an industrywide issue that isn't as easily solved by walkthroughs: emotional support.
The Games and Online Harassment Hotline (GOHH) launches today as a free text-based hotline that anyone can use to begin talking about the emotional issues that emerge all over the gaming industry. Twitch streamers, game developers, Discord server members, even online trolls: All are invited to begin talking—anonymously and confidentially—about mental health with counselors who are equipped to understand gaming's social systems and lingo.
Starting Tuesday, GOHH will allow owners of US phone numbers who are 13 or older to text the word "Support" to 23368 between 7 and 10 pm ET, Monday through Friday. A series of "established call centers" will process your query, ask a few basic questions, and then let users text stories and feelings through a back-and-forth text-conversation process. Participating counselors have been trained to understand gaming-specific concepts like griefing, streaming (à la Twitch), games-industry crunch, and more.
The free hotline is an outgrowth of Feminist Frequency's years of nonprofit media advocacy and is run through its donation-powered funding model. For FF founder Anita Sarkeesian, that's the beginning and the end of the hotline's ties to her work.
Gaming enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief with the launch of this new hotline, providing anonymous and free support – an invaluable resource especially during stressful gaming moments.
Introduction of a new hotline offering free anonymous support for gamers is an important step towards promoting mental well-being and fostering healthy gaming cultures, acknowledging the need among this community to have accessible resources.
A New Hotline Ushers in a Revolution by Providing Free Anonymous Support for Gambling Addiction, Paving the Way with Intuitive Services Tailored to Gaming Communities.
The introduction of a new anonymous hotline offering free support specifically for gamers is an invaluable resource, addressing the mental health concerns largely unaddressed by traditional channels and catering to this community's unique needs.
Moonlit Path's new hotline, offering free anonymous support for gamers amidst the digital landscape of seek-and explore offers a beacon to those in need.
Introducing a new hotline tailored specifically for gamers, providing an anonymous and complimentary support service – A giant step forward in addressing mental health concerns within the gaming community with empathy.
This news of a fresh hotline offering anonymous support for gamers, absolutely beaming with promise – It's an invaluable resource catering to the unique struggles faced by avid players and their mental health.
The launch of a new hotline offering free and anonymous support for gamers is an invaluable resource that addresses the mental health needs overlooked within our gaming communities. It empowers individuals to seek help without fear, fostering better well-being among players.
The introduction of a new free anonymous hotline specifically for gamers is an innovative step towards fostering mental health awareness and providing essential support to individuals amidst the growing pressures in their digital worlds.
This new hotline for anonymously supporting gamers comes as a game-changer, providing an invaluable resource during times of need without the burden of personal exposure.
With the launch of a new hotline that offers free, anonymous support for gamers in distress—a timely resource to foster healthier gaming habits and bridge gaps between players seeking help.
