What is Charitable Gaming & Why is it Important?

It’s pretty well known that gaming is a huge multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. In the past, it was thought to be an activity mostly for kids and teens, but today, it’s not uncommon to find people of all ages who enjoy gaming. With the growing popularity of video games and the ability to livestream video, a new opportunity to fundraise for a good cause has emerged – it’s known as charitable gaming. It’s a super-popular, new kind of fundraiser where gamers raise money for nonprofits by playing video games. Anyone with the right setup to livestream their game time can start raising money for Children’s Health℠ to make life better for children.

What is Charitable Gaming? 

It’s a fundraiser centered on gaming. Supporters can raise funds by livestreaming themselves playing video games on platforms like Twitch or YouTube and solicit donations from friends, family and followers. It’s just like running a 5K for a good cause, but in this case, gaming encourages donations.  

All that’s needed for charitable gaming are video games and the ability to livestream them. Livestreaming is a key component and allows an organization to reach a broad audience of potential donors. How the charitable gaming fundraiser operates varies from event to event:  

• Some are primarily livestreamed video game events that run for several days where viewers can tune into any time over a short period.  
• Some are livestreamed competitive tournaments.  
• Others are weekend conventions that feature exhibitors and livestreamed video game footage – these solicit donations from attendees as well as viewers following the event via livestream.  
• All of the above can be done through the charitable gaming program Extra Life which raises funds and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, like Children’s Health.

Why is Charity Gaming Important? 

Tapping into the gaming community is an important part of fundraising because according to JustGiving, virtual events are rising in popularity which suggests a change in consumer behavior. Also, the overhead cost for hosting and streaming a charity gaming event is low, which means more money for a nonprofit.

And gamers aren’t just kids and teenagers anymore. JustGiving says the average gamer is 35 years old and women aged 18 and up represent a larger portion of the game-playing population than boys under age 18. And families are joining in with 45% of people saying it helps their family spend more time together. Charitable gaming is a great way to bring people together in person or virtually, have fun and raise money for patients at Children’s Health.

Children’s Health is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® member and is a beneficiary of their charitable-gaming program Extra Life. Register for Extra Life now and play games to heal kids.

How Effective are Charitable Gaming Activities? 

Charitable gaming activities attract a substantial audience by providing entertaining livestreams. Gamers encourage the audience to donate during the stream with donation shout-outs, on-screen trackers, challenge goals, as well as other incentives like raffles. These events encourage engagement.  

For example, in 2023, about $100,000 was raised for Children’s Health’s greatest need and gaming and technology through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ charitable gaming program Extra Life. These funds were raised by professional Esports teams, grassroots gaming individuals and teams like local tabletop gaming group, DFW Gaming Village – charitable gaming includes board games too! This was a significant amount raised by people doing something they enjoy while making life better for children.  

How Gaming Influencers Can Impact Charity Giving 

Gaming influencers can play a large role in charity gaming. Celebrities, or gaming influencers, are a trusted voice by their audience, having established credibility and expertise in their field. When they advocate on behalf of a nonprofit, this can bring awareness about its mission to those who otherwise might not be familiar.
 
In 2020, several gaming influencers came together in support of a foundation through a charity-game stream on YouTube. The charity game proved to be a huge success by raising $25,000 in under just two and a half hours! And at the time, the influencers assumed the top spot on the Extra Life leaderboard.

Children’s Health has benefitted from the support of gaming influencers as well. Our past supporter, OpTic Gaming, hosted multiple gaming streamathons raising more than $75,000 since 2021.

Some of the popular streaming services that host charity games are: 

• Twitch 
• YouTube  
• Rooster Teeth

Start Playing for Good with Charitable Gaming 

Gaming fundraisers, especially when they include a livestreaming component, can be a great way for supporters of Children’s Health to raise funds and have fun. In recent years, these types of fundraisers have proven to be quite popular and effective in garnering support and donations. If you enjoy gaming and want to make an impact, consider supporting Children's Health through Extra Life and start gaming to make life better for children.