Playing video games can help kids, and not just with their math or motor skills. Today, OneBigGame launched their first video game called Chime, with 80 percent of proceeds to be donated to children’s charities.
OneBigGame produces exclusive games designed pro-bono by elite video game designers; then, the company donates profits to Save the Children and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The nonprofit harnesses a unique and hopefully fruitful technological approach to raising funds for charity; according to a study by the Entertainment Software Association, over 68 percent of American households play video games.
Martin de Ronde, founder of OneBigGame, hopes the charitable donation will come naturally for gamers. "Come play a game by your favorite game designer and, hey, by doing so, you’re also generating money for charity," he told video game website Gamasutra.
He went on to tell the website, "[i]n Save the Children and Starlight, we’ve found two highly regarded and reliable partners that for decades have helped children structurally resolve the problems they face, which is completely in line with our mission objective."
Indeed, both organizations have a long-standing reputation for being leaders in aiding children globally, and both operate in distinct ways.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation has improved the quality of life for millions of children worldwide suffering from terminal illnesses or life altering injuries. Meanwhile, Save the Children works with kids around the world who are faced with problems of social justice, implementing education reform and helping to reunite children with families in times of crisis.
Philanthropy and partnerships director Caroline Underwood of Save the Children UK called OneBigGame "an extremely innovative platform to raise funds from an audience who will be the donors of tomorrow."
OneBigGame executives believe the timing is right for a games industry-wide initiative to raise funds and awareness for children’s charities projects around the world, and de Ronde thinks Save the Children and Starlight can put the money to good use.