Spoilers and possible triggers relating to bullying and suicide in the video above.
For a game embedded in the fantasy of time travel, Life is Strange handles a lot of real-life issues. Grief, abuse, drug-use, bullying, depression – each takes center stage as protagonist Max Caulfield tries, and sometimes fails, to help the people around her. It doesn’t take the power of time travel to listen to a friend in need or to be there to help someone through a devastating loss, but as the game suggests, those are the sorts of things that make everyday heroes out of us.
Now Square Enix is recognizing those simple acts of heroism with the #EverydayHeroes campaign. It’s working in collaboration with PACER’S National Bullying Prevention Center to raise awareness of both the harm bullying can cause and the way small acts of kindness can make all the difference in the world.
For every tweet that uses the #EverydayHeroes hashtag between now and January 19th, Square Enix will make a donation to the organization. The company isn’t asking participants to tweet in recognition of the people that helped them through hard times, though – it’s asking participants to talk about the times they were a hero for someone else.
“Tell us a story about how you overcame adversity, stood up for what’s right, or helped a friend in need. Join our cause by sharing your own #EverydayHeroes moments on social media. “
It might be embarrassing to call yourself a hero. Generally, we’re expected to do good for its own sake, not for the sake of recognition. But what’s the harm in reminding yourself of the times you’ve made a positive difference in someone else’s life? We all know that it’s dangerous to go alone – that’s why we’re here. So why not take a second to recognize the times you’ve reached out, and support a good cause in the process?