Apex Legends Adds Suicide Awareness Badge

Respawn Entertainment is doing its bit for wellbeing, as the developer has added a Suicide Awareness badge to Apex Legends. While first-person shooters might not seem like the easiest place to discuss mental health, it's no secret that the gaming industry is trying to be better in terms of raising awareness in larger platforms.

As of September 1, Apex Legends now includes a Suicide Awareness badge that's signified by the logo of a semicolon. Project Semicolon popularised the use of a semicolon as a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping raise awareness for mental illness.

Since then, the semicolon has become synonymous with those struggling with suicidal thoughts and those simply wanting to show their support.

Why is Respawn adding a Suicide Awareness badge to Apex Legends?

Respawn championed suicide awareness in an announcement video, where members of the team told their own stories relating to suicide. Head of Technology, Fred Gill, told a personal story about when his daughter was struggling with suicidal thoughts. Since then, both of them have inked semicolon tattoos to show solidarity.

Elsewhere, Animation Director Jon Maine revealed his father died by suicide when Maine was just 10 years old. Maine said that if his father had someone to talk to, he thinks he might be here today. Finally, Lead Game Designer Chin Xiang Chong discussed mental health and how players wearing the Suicide Awareness badge shows support for those struggling.

The Apex team concluded by asking players and fans alike to look after each other - with a particular highlight of these times when we're still in the midst of COVID-19 and mental health could be at the forefront of some people's minds.

How can you get the Suicide Awareness badge in Apex Legend?

New to 2021, Respawn has been giving out free badges, with an aim of extending conversations around a particular cause. Previous badges have included the Black Lives Matter badge, the Stop Asian Hate badge, and the LGBTQ+ Pride and Progress badge.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, which tries to raise awareness and promote resources that can help those feeling in crisis. The Suicide Awareness badge will be available to all Apex Legends players who log in this month. With calls for games to do more in a community that be sometimes criticised for being isolated, the Suicide Awareness badge is the latest in a positive step for the popular shooter.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. The CALMzone offers support to anyone who needs it.