SpecialEffect invite gamers to join GameBlast25, their annual charity gaming event
Gamers’ charity SpecialEffect invite gamers across the world to join the growing community of streamers, creators, and games studios who’ve already signed up for GameBlast25, taking place over the weekend of 21-23 February.
Heralded as ‘the best reason to game ever’, the charity’s GameBlast weekend will see gamers take on sponsored fundraising gaming-themed challenges including marathon livestreams, speed runs, esports tournaments, board games sessions and games-themed office events. GameBlast has raised over £1M to support disabled gamers over the past eleven years.
Signups are open now at https://www.gameblast.org.uk and a donation link can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/gameblast25
SpecialEffect is an award-winning charity that enables people with physical disabilities to benefit from the fun, inclusion and therapy of video games. They support people of all ages through personalised assessments, equipment loans and equipment modifications.
SpecialEffect COO Tom Donegan said, “GameBlast has always been very close to our hearts because it reflects the very essence of what we do: gamers coming together to help their fellow gamers. The buzz is incredible over the weekend and the creativity of the participants each year in devising new challenges to raise much-needed funds for SpecialEffect never ceases to astound us.”
Rare Ltd are one of many participants from the games industry and will be holding a Sea of Thieves livestream during the weekend. Jo Clifford, Senior Community Manager, said, “We’re very excited to take part in another GameBlast to raise money for SpecialEffect. Last year our community came together and raised a record-breaking amount and we’re going to try to do even better this year. SpecialEffect hold a special place in our hearts as they work to change the lives of disabled gamers, so being a part of GameBlast is always an honour.”
Alex Gate of Dovetail Games added, “Dovetail Games is continually proud to keep supporting the incredible work of SpecialEffect, and we’re thrilled to be participating in GameBlast once again to further raise awareness for their wonderful cause.”
Kinetic Games will be holding joining SpecialEffect for two official livestreams! Tom Dent, Lead Social Media & Community Manager said, “SpecialEffect play such a vital role in the industry, and we’re so excited to be able to work with them for GameBlast25. Hopefully things don’t get too spooky!”
Scottish developers Team Terrible will also be streaming. “We’re thrilled to be taking part in GameBlast!” said Charlotte Walker. “We’ll be joining forces with The Doctor’s voice actor, chatting with our community and playing some awesome games, all whilst raising money for an incredible cause.”
YouTuber UpIsNotJump will also be taking part. “SpecialEffect is an incredible charity because it has an immediate, life-changing impact. Gaming has been a huge part of my life, so seeing how quickly they help someone experience that same joy is amazing.”
Content creator and SpecialEffect ambassador Kolo, who is also a beneficiary of the charity’s support, will be running a charity stream during the event. She added, “SpecialEffect isn’t just about allowing somebody to play a game, [They] help people engage with an entire beautiful community and allow people to do things independently… I’m forever thankful for the help SpecialEffect gave me.”
This year, participants can choose to join one of four optional teams on Tiltify to support and inspire each other during the event. Details of the GameBlast Teams can be found here: https://bit.ly/4gAnPc8
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