10 Annual Charity Gaming Events You’ll Love

If you’re a gamer, then you already know the video game community has a big heart — especially when it comes to giving back and supporting those in need. Every year, gamers from all backgrounds come together for charity gaming events. We’re united by our love of gaming, and a desire to make a difference.

When gamers host and participate in charity gaming events, it doesn’t just highlight the entertainment value of video games — it showcases our collective power to bring people together for a greater good.

So if charity gaming sounds to you like a great way to have fun while giving back, check out these video game charity events that happen every year.

Extra Life

Extra Life is a 24-hour gaming marathon! You can join in and play games to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since Extra Life started in 2008, they’ve raised over $100 million to help sick and injured kids. The donations go to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, and child life services.

Check out their website at https://www.extra-life.org/ to register as a participant, create a team, or donate to support the cause.

Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ)

AGDQ is a week-long winter event, where the world’s best speedrunners play games non-stop. Their goal is to raise money for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, whose mission is to “empower people to stay ahead of cancer through prevention and early detection.” Since they started, AGDQ has raised over $34 million for PCF and other charities.

You can watch the event live on Twitch, and donate what you can to support the cause. Visit their website at https://gamesdonequick.com/ to get the latest news, event schedules, and donation information.

Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ)

SGDQ is the summertime version of AGDQ, so it also features speedrunners playing games for a week straight. They money they raise goes to Doctors Without Borders, which is an international organization providing medical aid to people in need around the world.

To stay up to date on SGDQ, visit https://gamesdonequick.com/ to find schedules, livestream links, and ways to donate.

Desert Bus for Hope

Desert Bus for Hope is a hilariously unique event. The only game they play is the notoriously boring game Desert Bus, which is widely regarded to be the worst game ever made. Players drive a wonky, virtual bus for hours on end, all to raise money for Child’s Play. They’ve raised over $8 million so far, supporting Child’s Play’s efforts to collect toys, games, and books for kids in hospitals.

Visit their website at https://desertbus.org/ to learn more about the event, watch the livestream, and donate to help children in need.

GameBlast

GameBlast is a gaming weekend marathon, organized by the UK charity SpecialEffect. GameBlast raises money to support people with disabilities, by making video games more accessible. With your support, GameBlast can help gamers with disabilities find out what they want to play, and get exactly what they need to play it.

You can join in by hosting your own event, or by making donations directly. Visit their website at https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/gameblast for more information on how to participate, donate, or even host your own GameBlast events.

Mario Marathon

Mario Marathon is run by fans who play Mario games non-stop. They money they raise goes to Child’s Play. So far, they’ve raised over $700,000 for child life programs at children’s hospitals and shelters around the world.

As a viewer, you can watch the live stream, donate, and even request crazy challenges for the players to attempt to complete. To learn more about the event and how you can contribute, visit their website at https://www.twitch.tv/mariomarathon.

Zeldathon

As you might have guessed from the name, Zeldathon is a charity marathon where everybody plays games from the Legend of Zelda series. Each year, the funds they raise go to different charities such as charity:water. So far, they’ve worked with their community to raise over $3.1 million.

Join the community, watch the event live, and contribute to the cause. For more information on the event, participating charities, and how to donate, check out their website at https://www.zeldathon.net/.

Tip of the Hats

Tip of the Hats is an annual, two-day event. It’s all about playing Team Fortress 2 and raising money for Children’s Oncology Services. So far, they’ve raised over $1.3 million for this awesome charity that provides special camps and excursions for kids battling cancer.

You can donate, or buy merchandise to show your support. Visit their website at https://tipofthehats.org/ to learn more about the event, how to donate, and browse the merch store.

Jingle Jam

Each December, Jingle Jam features popular YouTubers and Twitch streamers playing games to raise money for different charities. It’s a huge event, raising over £3 million each year for charities including British Red Cross, Kidscape, Special Olympics, and more.

If you donate, you’ll get game bundles or other goodies, all while supporting a good cause. Find more information on the event at https://www.jinglejam.co.uk/. The Jingle Jam is hosted by the Yogscast, and you can visit their website at https://www.yogscast.com/.

Play your part to make a difference

These annual gaming charity events bring gamers together for fun, community, and to support important causes. Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, there’s something for everyone. Whether you watch, participate, or just make a donation, your support is needed!

Don’t miss out on the fun. Join in, and help make a difference in the world.

Feature image: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash