Tiny Robot Justice Squad Fights for Kids with Disabilities

It’s been my experience that many gamers are generous.

It’s been my experience that many gamers are generous. If there’s a cause that gets tied into video gaming, you can expect there to be a strong outpouring of support in our community. It’s one of my favorite things about being a gamer! So when I heard about Tiny Robot Justice Squad , I knew I had to share it with our readers.

TRJS is an upcoming PC title from Mind Relay, a solo developer based in the United Kingdom. An action-packed arcade shooter, the game takes place in the distant future; it’s the year 2754, and most of humanity has abandoned Earth and fled to the far reaches of the galaxy, escaping retribution from their former robot slaves who have been growing increasingly self-aware. An artificial intelligence known as ZEROV has taken the helm of an army of these robots, and is preparing to chase after the humans and take revenge. First, however, the plan is to exterminate any humans remaining on Earth. Only a ragtag bunch of cybernetic misfits known as the Tiny Robot Justice Squad can stop ZEROV and save the last remnants of humankind.

As much fun as that sounds, you’re probably wondering what that has to do with gamer generosity. Well, the even more exciting thing about Mind Relay is that it’s an unusual kind of company. It’s been incorporated as a special non-profit known as a Community Interest Company, and what that means is that all of the money earned by TRJS will benefit not its creator, but charities.

“Mind Relay is the first application of this specific business model to the games industry,” says Jay Young, the developer. “ Tiny Robot Justice Squad is the first game to be produced under the project, and when it is complete, all funds will go to the charity GamesAid.” GamesAid is an umbrella organization which distributes money to various charities. The money earned through sales of TRJS will be given to groups which benefit children who have disabilities or are otherwise disadvantaged.

As pleased as he is to be supporting such worthy causes, Young notes that “I really urge you to judge [the game] on its own merits. It is intended to stand alone, and be a genuine contribution to gaming.” TRJS offers three unique playable characters named Arthur, Shriek, and Filter, each with their own special abilities. Gamers battle with one of twelve different guns through seven varied levels, ranging from abandoned cities to haunted laboratories, and even into the depths of space. Weapons are powered by harvesting energy from defeated enemies, and as the game progresses, players are able to customize their character and abilities by collecting skill points. The 2D shooter is said to feature “explosions, big guns, big bosses, and quick-paced platform gameplay.”

Right now, TRJS is still being developed, but you can help Mind Relay achieve their admirable goals by supporting it on Steam Greenlight. Once completed, it will be available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Watch for all the latest news by following Mind Relay on Twitter, or by keeping up with the developer’s blog.