Mobile games may help non-profit groups raise funds
Mobile games have provided hours of entertainment for thousands of people around the world. These games have also become quite lucrative for the game industry as a whole, but they could be used to do some good in the world. The Global Gaming Initiative aims to use the power of mobile games to strengthen the bridge between technology and philanthropy. The organization specializes in developing games that have a purpose that extends beyond entertainment and generating revenue.
Developer creates game for World Bike Relief
The Global Gaming Initiative has partnered with World Bike Relief, a non-profit organization that works to bring bicycles to impoverished communities in Africa, South American, and Southeast Asia. These bikes are a valuable commodity to these communities as they provide a reliable form of transportation to those that cannot afford their own vehicles and those living in areas that do not have dedicated public transit systems. For its partner, the Global Gaming Initiative has developed a new title that aims to raise funds.
50% of in-game purchases to be donated to non-profit group
The game is called Sidekick Cycle and 50% of in-game purchases will be donated to World Bicycle Relief. The game is initially available for iOS devices, with an Android version expected to be made available later in the year. The game tasks players to perform various tricks and collect coins as they make their way through the African wilderness. The bicycles featured in the game can be customized and there are various collectibles that can be found throughout the game.
Charitable organizations see promise in mobile games
Mobile games are quite popular throughout the world, but relatively few of these games are used to support non-profit organizations. These organizations are beginning to see the potential of mobile games, however, and some are beginning to develop their own games in order to raise funds for various projects.
Mobile games becoming more than simple entertainment pieces
Mobile games have become a significant part of the lives of consumers around the world, as well as that of the game industry as a whole. Games have been growing as more than simple entertainment pieces for some time and are beginning to become effective marketing and networking tools for a variety of industries. The Global Gaming Initiative believes that mobile games can be used for much more than just entertainment and envisions a future where these games have a powerful social impact.
Company seeks to leverage mobile games to support charities around the world
Global Gaming Initiative is a developer of mobile games, having released its first title in early 2012. While the company does have its roots in game development, it has a much more ambitious view of mobile games. The Global Gaming Initiative strives to connect gamers with charities around the world, essentially turning mobile games into platforms where these charities can be discovered. Global Gaming Initiative plans to release the first mobile games associated with charities in June. Half of the revenue that these games produce will be directed to the charities they are meant to support.
Gamers show strong interest in charitable work
Global Gaming Initiative is a for-profit company that fashions itself as a game publisher rather than a developer. Elizabeth Sarquis, CEO and founder of Global Gaming Initiative, believes that mobile games could be an effective way to support charities and promote generosity among gamers, a demographic that has shown a strong favor for charities in the past. Gamers have proven to be enthusiastic when it comes to matters of charity, throwing their considerable support behind initiatives that they care about. Such was the case when John “Totalbiscuit” Bain, a popular YouTube commentator focused on gaming, campaigned to support Charity: Water through King of the Web, a web-based popularity contest in 2011. Through this contest, Bain succeeded in raising a substantial sum of money for his chosen charity, the entirety of which went directly to this charity.
Tapping the generosity of gamers may be a boon for charities
Tapping into the charitable nature of gamers may be an effective business model. Sarquis is interested in Global Gaming Initiative generating a profit, but is also eager to help support charitable causes through mobile games. This approach to gaming may end up being a powerful boon for the charities that manage to attract support through Global Gaming Initiative.
