Mick Gordon, best known for his work on soundtracks for the last Doom games, has announced his decision to donate his Atomic Heart fees to humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine. The composer noted that he wanted to “provide practical support” to those affected by the war.

Atomic Heart composer Mick Gordon donates his fees from the game to the people of Ukraine

Image: Mick Gordon performing at The Game Awards 2016

On February 14, Gordon released a statement on his social media, saying that he will be donating his fee from Atomic Heart to the Australian Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal. This initiative collects donations that “help provide emergency relief and longer-term humanitarian support to people and communities affected by this unfolding crisis.”

The composer added that he was “honoroued to use my work as a means to help those affected by the conflict.” And by helping the Red Cross, he is confident that his donation will “positively impact those in need.”

The tragedy of this conflict cannot be overstated, with countless innocent lives already lost and the country deeply impacted by violence and instability. This invasion was not a decision of the Russian people but rather an authoritarian regime that disregards human rights and dignity. The world must continue to demand an end to this aggression and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Mick Gordon

video game composer

Gordon joined the Atomic Heart team in 2020, when Mundfish Studio asked him to contribute to the music for the game. “The game’s unique aesthetic, combined with my musician’s love for Soviet-era synthesisters, provided an exciting creative opportunity,” he wrote, adding that he is “eager to see and hear my contributions come to life.”

Mick Gordon’s portfolio includes games like Wolfenstein: The New Order, Doom (2016), Prey (2017), and Doom Eternal. Players could hear his music in trailers for Atomic Heart, including metal remixes of old Soviet songs.

Atomic Heart, which will come out on February 21, is a first-person action game set in the Soviet Union in an alternate 1955. Developer Mundfish Studio was recently criticized online for its Russian roots and the lack of clear public statements on the invasion of Ukraine. Despite the controversy and reports about the studio’s workplace issues, Atomic Heart is currently the 10th most wishlisted game on Steam globally.