SpecialEffect, the U.K.-based charity that helps people with physical disabilities play video games, raised $391,470 (£300,000) during its fundraising event last week. That well exceeded its goal of $130,460 (£100,000).
The charity raised the money with the help of retailers in the U.K. and elsewhere. Portions of game sales went toward the effort. Some companies contributed with in-game events and auctions. Sponsors for the fundraising include Sega, Twitch, Rovio, Bandai Namco, Rare, and Electronic Arts. You can find a full list of sponsors here.
Gaming can be a powerful escape for those suffering with disabilities. But the requirements for gaming (like the use of specific controllers) can make it hard for some to access interactive entertainment. SpecialEffect helps give people game equipment designed for those who can’t use standard gamepads like the PlayStation’s DualShock.
“This total is way beyond all expectation. We cannot thank all our games industry partners enough for coming together to support people with disabilities,” said Dr Mick Donegan, founder and chief executive officer of SpecialEffect, in a press release sent to GamesBeat. “It’s an astonishing, game-changing total for us. It funds not only our lifelong one-to-one work with people who need our help, but also our collaboration with developers in making games more accessible to severely disabled gamers worldwide.”
