GameBlast21: Gamers Raised £228,300 for Charity SpecialEffect

Gamers exceeded expectations last month, collectively raising £228,300 for charity SpecialEffect as part of the GameBlast21 fundraising event. The virtual event,  which took place between the 26th and 28th February, saw players engaging in gaming marathons and other fundraising endeavours to earn money for the UK-based charity. While the initial target was £100,000, the final figure more than doubled that, seeing over £200,000 raised in the name of helping people with disabilities enjoy videogames.

Companies like Twitch, EA DICE, Mediatonic, SEGA Europe, Insert Coin Clothing and more showed their support over the weekend-long event. Others—such as HyperX, Noblechairs and Big Potato Games—went as far as to run giveaways and release limited-time products in support of the charity.

Becky Frost, the GameBlast21 event coordinator, said: "We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of everyone involved. As result of their generosity, many hundreds of people will be able to enjoy the magic of video games for many years to come."

The dates for next year's GameBlast event have been confirmed as the 25th to 27th February. 

Donations are still welcomed on the SpecialEffect JustGiving page.