January 13, 2022 L.C.S

A game-a-thon is an event with a purpose to send across a message through games, which can be

a lot of fun. These events can add value to existing gaming levels and encourage gamers to

participate and really explore their love of gaming. It can really bring out the best in gamers, in

the most unexpected way. However, this logic can be applied through other fields, literally

changing the word from gamer to worker or student and etc, as a means to bring a community

together for a cause. Each Game-a-Thon is going to have a different purpose compared to the

rest. “The National K-12 Game-a-thon challenges students to design, build, and share a game

that features creative and unusual solutions to mathematical problems.” (Kelsey Skaggs.

2020) There are different ways people can use game-a-thons, which can also be used to help not

just gamers, but other genres such as “students develop critical thinking, problem solving,

collaboration skills, and more.” (Kelsey Skaggs. 2020)

A charity stream is a device for using online media to raise money for a cause. Milestones are

achieved though constant play and interaction from the fans. When people are watching one’s

charity stream, they will use a link to go to the charity’s page to donate for the cause. It’s roughly

always suggested that you use a donation platform to handle donations for the cause instead of

having the community donate to a one’s own personal account. “Twitch’s focus on live content,

audience participation, sustained running times, and a culture of community donation support

make it a natural fit for hosting engaging, entertaining, multi-hour charity drives. In many ways

it’s the perfect online home to evolve the traditional TV telethons of old. Indeed, as of Sept 2020,

Twitch charity streams had raised a staggering $200m+. The system works.” (Alex Brew. 2020)

While not enough data is present to deliver a solid conclusion on which one is a better system,

both systems work. Depending on your goal, the system can fulfill your requirements and

broaden your perspective. Whether it’s a game-a-thon or a charity stream, you will be critically

involved. There are plenty of moving parts — from the charity, the gaming, the donation flow,

those involved, and obviously anything else you will be doing to make the experience special for

your audience.

K-12 Game-a-thon Top Teams 2020. Kelsey Skaggs

CHARITY TWITCH STREAMS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS

November 15, 2020 Alex Brew