Lauren Hutchinson
Gamers’ charity SpecialEffect has invited gamers everywhere to join the many streamers, studios and student societies already taking part in GameBlast19 over the weekend of 22nd to the 24th of February 2019.
Heralded as ‘the best excuse to game EVER!’ the GameBlast weekend will see hundreds of gamers take on sponsored fundraising gaming-themed challenges of their own design, including marathon livestreams, speed runs, esports tournaments and games-themed office parties. The event has raised over £680,000 to support disabled gamers over the past five years.
SpecialEffect’s Events Coordinator, Tom Donegan, explains: “GameBlast is such an important event for us, not only because of the fundraising but also the way in which it connects our work to the gaming community at large. The range of challenges is always such a joy to see, and it’s always a fantastic feel-good weekend, with gamers coming together to help their fellow gamers. So if you fancy being part of something TRULY EPIC, come join us for GameBlast19!”
In addition to the individual gamers and stream-teams who’ll be gaming hard over the weekend, long-term event partners GAME will once again be returning to the fray with a 24hr livestream from their Basingstoke HQ. There will also be tie-in activity across GAME/ BELONG stores across the UK, including a silent auction of giant Fallout 76 statues.
Mark Holton, People Director at GAME, added: “We’re super excited that for the fifth year running, we’ll be hosting our annual gaming marathon in support of SpecialEffect. With our purpose of fuelling the passion for gaming, and one of our core values being Live to Play, SpecialEffect’s fantastic work is very close to our hearts, and for us, Gameblast is the perfect way to do what we love, whilst helping to change the lives of disabled gamers at the same time.”
GameBlast also enjoys support from stream partners Twitch and apparel partners Insert Coin, who have this year created a stylish special edition hoodie with all profits going to SpecialEffect (available for preorder HERE)
Elsewhere, a dedicated team from SEGA Europe will also be attempting a 24hr stream from their Brentford office, whilst several student societies will also be running events from their university campuses as part of an ongoing partnership with new student esports body NSE.
SpecialEffect are an award-winning charity that enables people with physical disabilities to benefit from the fun, inclusion and therapy of video games. We support people of all ages through personalised assessments, equipment loans and equipment modifications.
Gamers can sign up HERE or donate HERE.
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