Game for Change
SeeAbility are really excited to be launching our first gaming event. Game For Change is a fundraising event for all gamers, no matter your experience, equipment, or ability.
Whether you are a casual or competitive gamer, solo player or livestreamer this is the fundraising event for you.
At SeeAbility we encourage people with autism and learning disabilities who may also have sight loss to challenge what they expect from life, from themselves and from wider society.
For many gamers, particularly autistic gamers, multi-player online games can offer a less stressful social environment and can develop valuable skills like communication and problem-solving.
We feel passionate that as well as fundraising this event highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the gaming world.
The basics
Dates: 8th – 17th November
Location: Take part anywhere
Entry fee: Free
Suggested fundraising target: £150
How to Game for Change
Get your gaming fundraising started in 3 easy steps:
- Choose your gaming challenge.
- Set up your fundraising page on JustGiving, linking your page to SeeAbility’s Game For Change campaign.
- Share your fundraising page and start gaming your own way.
Gaming with disabilities
Worldwide more and more people are spending time in the digital world and as a charity, we want to ensure that people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss are able to do the same.
Research has shown people with particular accessibility needs do face barriers when gaming. Assistive technology is available but can be costly and information about accessibility for particular games is limited.
Taking part in Game For Change not only raises vital funds for SeeAbility, enabling people to live full lives; but also allows us to continue to create an inclusive and accessible world.
Challenge ideas
This challenge allows you to choose how you play, in a way that suits you. You can get creative or keep it simple; most importantly – make sure you have fun! To get you started we have provided some ideas for you below.
Solo marathon
Choose whether to game for 3, 6, 12 hours to complete levels or even a whole game! Remember to take lots of breaks.
Relay marathon
Team up with your friends & complete a game in 24 hours.
Game, donate and nominate
Complete a mission on your favourite game, make a donation to your fundraising page and nominate a fellow gamer to complete the same challenge.
Challenge yourself
Pick your game and test your limits, whether it’s a speed run to complete a level, or beating your top score. Why not ask your friends and family to make a donation and pick your challenge for you?
How to fundraise
Like any fundraising challenge, we encourage our participants to share their JustGiving page with family, friends, and colleagues.
Here are some ways to turn gaming into fundraising:
Live stream your gaming, inviting people to watch, tell them about the charity and why you are fundraising. You can even link your JustGiving page to Twitch.
Allow your supporters or viewers to give you forfeits in exchange for donations; if you fail a level or lose a round, you have to complete the dare.
Share, share and share! Remember to share news of your marathon or challenge with everyone you know! You can share the link on your social media, invite them to join you and ask them to donate.
We have some fantastic Game For Change merchandise you can get your hands on when you reach certain fundraising milestones!
£50: Raise £50 and receive a Game For Change set of stickers
£125: Raise £125 to receive a Game For Change t-shirt
£200: Raise £200 to receive a Game For Change beanie
Resources
You might be new to the world of gaming, or even new to combining fundraising and gaming together. To help you have the best experience, we have created some useful resources and Easy Read guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is Game for Change?
This is SeeAbility’s first online gaming event, taking part this March to support people with learning disabilities and autism who may also experience sight loss. You can organise and host your own sponsored gaming marathon on your own or with friends and family. You may wish to live stream your event whilst fundraising before, during and after your marathon. You pick what you play, how long you game for and when you do it.
How long do I have to game for?
You can choose how long your marathon lasts, whether it’s 3 hours or 12 hours this is your challenge and you can set the target. The most important thing is you stay safe and healthy whilst having plenty of fun!
We encourage you to take as many breaks as you need. You might even with to spread your marathon out over the whole month, e.g. an hour a day!
Do I have to livestream my gaming to take part in the event?
No, please feel free to take part in whichever way works for you.
What streaming platform should I use?
We recommend using a recognised streaming platform such as Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live. JustGiving will allow you to link your fundraising page to your Twitch stream.
Can under 18s take part in the event?
If you are under 18, you will need to get permission from a parent or guardian to take part in the event.
How do I raise money?
When you register you will set up a fundraising page on JustGiving. Once you have set up your page, you can share it with your friends, family and online community to show that you are supporting SeeAbility.
If you are streaming your gameplay, you will be able to link your Twitch and JustGiving pages together.
You could also consider adding additional challenges or forfeits of your choice in return for a donation to encourage fundraising from friends and family.
If you are lucky enough to have an established streaming audience, be sure to tell them what you are doing, who SeeAbility are and why they should donate to your cause.
We will send you a detailed fundraising pack with many more tips and advice.
How much do I have to raise?
There is no minimum fundraising target for this event, we just ask that you have lots of fun and raise whatever you can!
How do I stay safe online?
Your safety is priority for us, and it is important that you feel comfortable and safe whilst you are playing. Below are some resources to read before you stream.
- Check Point is a charity that provides mental health resources for gamers and the gaming community.
- National Cyber Alliance has great advice.
- NSPCC have advice for how children can stay safe online. (Anyone under 18 years old will need to take part under the supervision of an adult.)
- BBC have some top tips.
For further information please take a look at our Good Conduct and Guidelines.