Games charity SpecialEffect has announced that its fifth annual One Special Day fundraiser will take place on 2 October.
The event held by the much-loved, ground-breaking charity, which enables people with sever disabilities to play games, will be particularly significant this year, as SpecialEffect has struggled to raise the funding it needs during the Covid-19 lockdown, having been unable to host any live events.
However, 40 games companies have already pledged their support for One Special Day, including some of the industry’s biggest names like Sega, EA Dice, Jagex, Rare, Hello Games, Seriously, Kwalee and Space Ape Games. SpecialEffect said those companies will: “Either donate UK revenue on Friday 2nd October, make company donations, stage virtual events or engage in a range of other activities to raise money.” More big names are bound to join the roster before 2 October comes around.
SpecialEffect gave some insight into the effects of the lockdown on its unstinting efforts: “Whilst SpecialEffect’s income throughout the lockdown has fallen sharply, demand for their assessment and support services is as high as ever. With many disabled people locked down at home with family, finding a way to play videogames is all the more important to them and they’ve turned to SpecialEffect for help. As a result, the charity’s Service Delivery Team has adapted the way they usually work and have been carrying out online assessments and support since March. The team at SpecialEffect have worked throughout the pandemic across all areas and continue to have a huge, positive impact on the lives of disabled gamers across the world.”
The charity added: “Following the huge success of their EyeMine interface, which enables severely disabled people to play Minecraft using eye movement alone, SpecialEffect will soon be launching the eagerly awaited Eye Gaze Games. This suite of free-to-play, browser-based gaze-controlled games will enable players to compete on a level playing field against anyone, anywhere in the world.”
SpecialEffect’s CEO and Founder Mick Donegan said: “Like many charities, the lost income from events cancelled because of the Covid-19 outbreak is a huge setback for us. However, the need for our advice and support not only by individuals with disabilities but by the games industry as a whole is as great as ever. As a result, the support we receive from this year’s One Special Day is more important than ever before.”
If you want to contribute to one of the games industry’s most high-profile and essential fundraisers, click here to access the One Special Day website.
