Hi-Rez raising funds for Nepal with special Smite chests

Smite developer Hi-Rez Studios has unveiled the new Nepal Earthquake Relief chest, which it's now selling to raise funds for relief efforts in the earthquake-stricken nation.

"Gems" in Smite are an in-game currency that can be earned by redeeming codes, through in-game promotional offers, and of course by way of real-money purchases. The actual cost of Gems in dollars varies with the amount purchased—buying in bulk is always cheaper—but a pack of 400 carries a regular price of $8. The Nepal Earthquake Relief chest will be available until May 17.

Hi-Rez isn't the only game studio taking steps to raise money for Nepal: In April, Ubisoft's Far Cry team pledged to match donations to the Canadian Red Cross of up to $100,000 (that effort currently stands at around $70,000 raised), and last week CCP did the same with its latest Plex for Good campaign. That effort was actually extended yesterday to May 24 after the country was struck by a second major quake.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.