The video game We Grew Up in War, developed by the War Childhood Museum in partnership with Czech studio Charles Games, has been selected as one of ten recipients of the 2026 Unity for Humanity Grant, a global program supporting projects that use technology to create positive social impact.
The grant is awarded by Unity, whose technology powers some of the world’s most popular video games and interactive experiences. We Grew Up in War is also being developed using the Unity engine.
The game was chosen from more than 515 applications submitted from around the world, making it one of only ten projects to receive funding this year. Through the Unity Charitable Fund, a total of $600,000 USD was awarded to projects addressing major global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Based on Personal Stories
Based on real stories collected by the War Childhood Museum, We Grew Up in War explores the experiences of children who lived through war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine. The game focuses on how children navigate conflict through imagination, resilience, and hope. It is currently in development and is expected to be released in 2027.
Explaining why the project was selected, Unity highlighted its unique perspective: “This game takes the perspective of children, and takes a different focus – one of resistance and resilience and hope.”
Potential to Foster Empathy
Lukáš Kolek, CEO of Charles Games, described the award as an important recognition of the project and its mission.
“The idea behind the Unity for Humanity Grant is to support projects that do some good in the world and are, ideally, evidence-based. Our game We Grew Up in War is exactly that. It is grounded in real stories and historical research, and a study of an early prototype found it measurably improved players’ attitudes toward those affected by war.”
The grant was awarded in recognition of the game’s potential to help people better understand how children experience armed conflict, foster empathy, and raise awareness about the lasting impact of war on childhood.
A teaser for We Grew Up in War is available here. More information about the game will be announced as development progresses toward its planned 2027 release.
