Sony took a few big financial hits recently which caused the company to revise its financial results for the 2010 fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2011. When Sony releases its financial results on Thursday, it will report a huge net loss.

Many people from the videogame industry, whether they’re on the development side or not, are doing what they can to assist Japan in these troubling times. All this week, proceeds from many games are being donated to aid in the recovery effort. Yesterday, we told you about auctions for two Nintendo DS consoles autographed by industry icons. The current bid for one of these units has exceeded $2,500. Every dime earned from these auctions are being donated. Today (March 19, 2011), we’d like to tell you about a site called Play For Japan that also puts rare gaming items up for bids.

Following an 8.9 earthquake and a huge Tsunami that ripped through Japan, gamers who were lucky enough to still have power began finding their way on the Japanese PlayStation Network servers to reconnect with friends.

The Red Cross and Gaia Online have developed a way for gamers to make donations to assist Japan’s earthquake relief efforts.

In the wake of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami disasters, many videogame companies are changing their plans on a few fronts. Games such as Motorstorm: Apocalypse and Yakuza: Of the End have been delayed until further notice. Disaster Report 4 has been canceled completely. Companies such as Square Enix have agreed to temporarily shut down servers for Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy XI and PlayOnline to help Japan save energy. Today (March 14, 2011), Microsoft announced it is not going forward with the Kinect Experience Caravan Car Event that was scheduled to tour Japan this spring.

I know, you’ve probably stumbled on Important Importables this week, expecting to read the promised review of Freshly-Picked: Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland (DS). Then, suddenly, you find it running on a Monday instead of Friday, like usual. After what has happened in Japan, it seems more appropriate to look at ways we can help those who have had their lives changed forever by the March 11, 2011 8.9 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant problems..

So here are a few reliable charities and trustworthy links you can go to, to learn everything about what’s going on in Japan and see how you can help make a difference…

As we all know, Japan was hit with a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake last week, followed by a tsunami. Well over a 100 aftershocks continued to be felt in the days that followed. The world is pitching in to assist in the relief efforts, and the power companies in Japan have decided to take measures to conserve power. That’s why the servers that govern Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy XI and PlayOnline have been temporarily suspended.

PopCap Games reached out to its community in an effort to help the relief process in Haiti. All proceeds made from purchases on PopCap’s site went to helping the people in Haiti. This charitable event appears to have been a great success with PopCap donating more than $80,000 to the cause.

In support of the Red Cross Haiti Relief efforts Gaia Online announced that it will match the donations made by Gaians up to $10,000 and have created a dedicated online forum where the Gaian community can coordinate and support their donation effort.

Supporters do not have to become a member of Gaia Online to make a donation but if they would like Gaia Online to match the donation simply visit the Red Cross site, click on “Donate Now” and select the “Haiti Relief and Development” button and type “Gaia Online” in the Company/Organization Name field in order to have their donations matched.

You can also help out by playing either Halo 3 or Halo 3: ODST on Wednesday (January 20, 2010) or Thursday (January 21, 2010). All you have to do is wear a special emblem while in the game to contribute. For every 1,000 players that wear this symbol Bungie will donate $1,000 to the American Red Cross. Bungie will donate up to $77,000 to help those in need in Haiti.