First World War shooter Verdun re-enacts Christmas truce to raise money for War Child

Verdun players from Thursday December 21 will be able to download the Christmas Truce DLC for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

As part of the DLC, players will be able to re-enact the football matches that famously took place between opposing sides on the Western Front in 1914.

The Christmas truce saw widespread unofficial ceasefires at Christmas during the first year of WW1.

Football matches took place between British and German forces in No Man’s Land, and gifts were exchanged between soldiers.

Around 100,000 troops from both sides were involved in the Christmas truce of 1914.

Verdun is re-enacting this poignant, moving moment in world history as part of War Child’s Armistice campaign.

The campaign, now in its second year, launched this year in November and encourages peaceful gameplay in support of children affected by conflict.

The Verdun Christmas Truce DLC costs just £1.69, and last year raised £17,000.

Jos Hoebe, from Blackmill Games and a Verdun co-founder, said: “We hope that our Christmas Truce event will lead people to reflect on the First World War and how it has had lasting consequences for adults and children long after the fighting stopped, as all wars do. 

“War Child UK is doing great work to raise awareness of the long term effects of war and to help children living in war-torn countries, and we are glad to support them.” 

While Wayne Emanuel, gaming partnerships manager at War Child UK, added: “Armistice is all about giving players a unique experience in their favourite games by adding peaceful playthrough options, while allowing us to raise vital funds and awareness for some of the world’s most disadvantaged children.

“We are thrilled to be working again with BlackMill Games & M2H to bring players the Christmas Truce event. 

“It’s the support from titles like Verdun and the generosity of gamers that assists us in providing our crucial work for children affected by conflict.” 

The Verdun Christmas Truce DLC will be available from December 21 2017 to January 4 2018.

Here is a list of what the DLC includes:

• Football matches

• Snowball throwing

• Bonfire with soldiers

• Burial scene ceremony

• Record player playing old Christmas carols

• Handshaking troop animations

• Send Christmas card via email and social media in the trenches

War Child UK is a specialist child protection charity working in countries devastated by conflict including Iraq, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic and in response to the Syria crisis. 

They provide life-changing support to the most vulnerable children whose lives, families and communities have been torn apart by war.

• If you wish to help support War Child and the good work they do visit their website – www.warchild.org.uk