I think that, if you've got the game or not, donating directly to the Red Cross would be the better option.

well, obviously. But is this a thing that might become more common with games and gaming?

Supporting a charity is always a good PR move...

That's ... Rather nice actually. EA is obviously working on their public image - good for everyone.

Given how many publishers could really work on their PR, this might well start a trend.

They want to fool us into believing they actually have a soul :P

They are trying to reach a different demographic this way. I suppose not everyone who plays has ever bothered to donate to the Red Cross directly but may feel compelled to this way.

Didn't TF2 do something similar with the Japan Earthquakes?

FTA:

Once EA covers the costs of making this, 80% of its proceeds (minus taxes) will go to the Red Cross. It'll cough up a minimum of $100,000, though.


Meanwhile TF2 charity all of the money went to charity. If they really sincere the 100,000 bucks cost can be waived.

Well, I suppose that's kind of them, but pardon me for sniffing the air and smelling the tax dollars floating by the IRS.

Also, I was hoping for something along the lines of 'By removing Origin Client Need and releasing true standalone'.

magicka had a dlc that went to charity so ea meh remove the online crap and that's even better you can donate all the server costs you save to red cross

Awww, that's adorable. They want people to pay their tax writeoffs, how humane. Not. Go to hell, EA.

The Red Cross probably would appreciate a blood donation instead.

Yeah, assholes. And look at Humble Indie guys, those bastards are even worse!