The focus of Extra Life is to help sick and injured children, through a yearly (since 2008) fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Admirable for sure, and for those wondering, yes, it does have something to do with video games (AAA and, of course, indie), as the event itself is in fact a 24-hour gaming marathon. Breaks are mandatory.
From individual gamers to large teams, can participate, any and all are invited to support the cause, helping a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital of their choosing. Doesn’t matter what you’ll be playing either, including… board games! Might be hard to stream something like that though, but your time/support, your choice. Oh and while streaming is entirely optional, might I recommend the Extra Life Broadcasting Toolkit? If nothing else, your viewers certainly won’t be puzzled as to what is going on, or which cause you’re supporting at the time.
Lots of Extra Lifers organize big group events for the occasion and just as many pull out the sweatpants and snacks for a chill day at home. It’s your fundraiser—do it your way!
Speaking of, while this year’s Extra Life ‘Game Day’ is November 7, you’re not – strictly speaking – limited to those 24 hours. Just sign up, set a goal ($100 minimum), and you’re good to go / game. Note: should you receive donations made in cash or check, here’s how to easily ensure it’ll reach Extra Life. Oh right, did I mention participating is free? So if you’ll be playing games anyway… why not turn it into a fundraiser, helping sick kids in the process? Ah, if only games were literally capable of providing healing, but alas, technology hasn’t quite reached that point.
On the topic of indie games, Extra Life Upcoming Showcase definitely deserves a mention, as this team of two will be streaming new and upcoming titles. With developers like Crystal Shard, Infamous Quests, and Team Disaster, among others, providing the games featured, point ‘n click fans would certainly do well to watch this one. Or how about Games Foundry’s city-builder / RPG hybrid, Folk Tale? And for the turn-based strategy fans, there’s Kajak Games’ Ancestory. Time and date? 8 am EST, November 8.
Last but by no means least, Humble’s running a weekly bundle to support – you’ve guessed it – Extra Life. Some genuinely good stuff in that one, including the 2014 version of Shadowgate and two amazing Overlord games. Groovy.
For more details (a lot more, in fact), head on over to the Extra Life website. Happy gaming, fundraising, and all that good stuff!