Game composers unite to record Play for Japan: The Album

Support for recovery efforts in Japan has poured in from all corners of the industry since the March 11 disaster. Adding to this, Play For Japan – an organization which facilitates Japan charity promotions within the videogame world – has announced its collaboration with Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka, and other notable game composers, to raise further charity proceeds through the recording and sale of Play For Japan: The Album.

"In the videogame industry, composers like myself are responsible for engaging the player through music," wrote Yamaoka in a statement posted to the Play For Japan site.

"Music, too, creates bonds, inspiring listeners to share their passion with others. In this spirit, many gifted composers, musicians and artists — from East and West — have come together to record a benefit album. For creators whose role is to inspire, it’s only fitting we come together, across borderlines, for those in need."

The album will feature the collaborative works of Woody Jackson, of Red Dead Redemption fame; Yasunori Mitsuda, from Chrono Trigger and Crono Cross; Bear McCreary, from Dark Void and TV's Battlestar Galactica; Nobuo Uematsu, from Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey; and Yamaoka himself whose work can be heard in the Silent Hills series and the forthcoming Shadows of the Damned.

"For those whose job is to inspire, it’s only fitting we come together — across borderlines — and support those in need," said Yamaoka.

Play For Japan: The Album will be released via iTunes this May. The site has also been updated with auction announcements for a copy of Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance signed by Hideo Kojima , and a Space Invaders Extreme Framed Print Signed By Nishikado.

[Source: Play For Japan]

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All proceeds going to the American Red Cross