Belgium

Belgian non-profit Re-born to be Alive has launched “Virtual Donors”, a campaign aimed at raising awareness of organ donation through popular video games including Minecraft, Fortnite and Baldur’s Gate 3.

The initiative encourages gamers to formally register as donors, despite Belgium’s opt-out system. Registration is crucial, the group says, because family members can still block donation in emotional moments if the deceased’s wishes are unclear.

Currently, 1,470 people in Belgium are waiting for life-saving transplants. In the “Virtual Donors” game mods, players who die in-game grant up to eight friends an extra life, reflecting the fact that one donor can save up to eight lives.

“We want to reach younger audiences through experiences that speak their language”

“Registration is not a formality but a responsibility,” said founder Stephanie Keustermans. “We want to reach younger audiences through experiences that speak their language.”

Professor Eric Hoste, head of the Belgian Transplantation Society, added: “A clear, registered choice gives peace to families, speeds up medical decisions and saves lives.”

Belgians can register their wishes via www.mijngezondheid.be. The game mods are free for registered donors through www.virtualdonors.org.