Today is the last day of Chucklefish's campaign in support of Alexey Nechaev, the talented composer who worked on INMOST in 2019. Recently, at just 29 years old, Alexey suffered a severe heart attack, leaving him unable to return to work. His health worsened with the diagnosis of a heart defect, after balancing four projects simultaneously with tight deadlines. Despite his critical situation, "his immediate concern was finishing his work, instead of focusing on his health," the studio shared.

In response, Chucklefish, in collaboration with Hidden Layer Games, launched a special fundraising campaign. From August 29 to September 12, INMOST was available on Steam at a 70% discount, with 100% of the proceeds going towards Alexey's recovery and heart health charities. Half of the funds go directly to Alexey and his family, while the other half supports a heart health charity. The initiative was created to provide financial support to Alexey and raise awareness about heart health in the gaming industry.

In addition to purchasing the game, supporters were encouraged to buy the INMOST soundtrack, available on Steam, Bandcamp, and Apple Music. "Alexey receives 100% of the profits from any soundtrack purchase since its release, now and forever," Chucklefish highlighted, reminding that even those who already own the game can contribute to the composer's recovery through the soundtrack.

The campaign not only underscores the importance of financial support for professionals like Alexey but also serves as a call to action for better health practices in the industry. Chucklefish took the opportunity to emphasize the need for more sustainable work habits in game development, particularly avoiding the "crunch" culture, which is widely criticized in the industry. "We have the privilege of setting our own timelines, which allows us to prioritize our development team's well-being and prevent burnout," the studio explained. After the pandemic, Chucklefish adopted a four-day workweek, ensuring a happier and healthier team, free from the pressures of creative burnout.

Chucklefish hopes that Alexey's story resonates within the gaming community and inspires more proactive wellness policies in the industry. "It is crucial to avoid the unfortunate stories of burnout and stress-related issues," they added, noting that Alexey's story is not an isolated case but one of many in an industry that often places immense pressure on developers.

The studio concluded by thanking the community for their support and participation in the campaign, with the aim of fostering a more sustainable games industry where health and well-being take priority, allowing creative talents like Alexey to thrive without sacrificing their personal health.