The Power of Serious Games: How Not-for-Profits Use Play to Drive Impact

Introduction to Serious Games

Serious games transcend traditional entertainment by serving higher purposes such as education, training, and behaviour change. By integrating engaging game mechanics and design principles, these games motivate players to learn or take specific actions. In this article, we explore how not-for-profits are utilising serious games and gamification to make a significant impact across various sectors.

‍

The Impact of Serious Games on Not-for-Profits

Serious games can engage a diverse audience, including both gamers and non-gamers. Here’s how these games support not-for-profits and charities:

1. Incentivising Action Games can motivate players to support a charity’s mission by offering in-game rewards for real-world actions, such as donations or social media engagement. For instance, games that reward players for donating or completing tasks related to the charity can drive substantial contributions.
2. Enhancing Engagement Interactive and educational games capture players' attention and keep them invested in the cause. By making learning enjoyable and engaging, not-for-profits can maintain interest and commitment to their goals.
3. Creating Emotional Connections Games can foster emotional connections by immersing players in the experiences of those affected by social issues. An example is Bury Me, My Love, which simulates the journey of Syrian refugees, allowing players to experience and understand their challenges deeply.
4. Driving Behaviour Change By simulating real-life scenarios, games can encourage players to make decisions that support the not-for-profit’s objectives. Feedback and progress tracking help players see the impact of their choices, promoting positive behavioural changes.
5. Leveraging Social Sharing Games can amplify messages through social sharing features, reaching broader audiences and raising awareness. According to a 2022 IGEA report, 74% of Australians believe games connect people, highlighting their potential for social impact.
6. Fundraising through Games Incorporating donation mechanisms within games can directly raise funds. Games like Don-Ay convert in-game actions into donations, while events like Subnautica special editions benefit environmental causes.
7. Educational Value Games can simplify complex topics and make learning engaging. Not-for-profits can use games to educate the public about their causes in an interactive manner, enhancing understanding and awareness.

‍

‍

The Rise of Charity Game Streaming

Game streaming has become a prominent method for raising funds. Streamers broadcast their gameplay and encourage viewers to donate to various causes.

‍

Here’s why streaming a game is effective:

1. ‍Broad Reach Streamers can access large audiences and leverage their popularity to promote charitable causes, enhancing fundraising efforts.‍
2. High Engagement Streams foster community interaction, creating a supportive environment that encourages donations. Streamers who engage with their audience can drive more substantial contributions.‍
3. Cost-Effectiveness Streaming requires minimal initial investment, making it a cost-effective fundraising tool. Basic setups involve a computer or console, a camera, an internet connection, and a streaming platform like Twitch or YouTube.

Successful Charity Streams

• St. Jude PLAY LIVE: An annual event where gamers stream to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2021, it raised over $13 million.
• Extra Life: A 24-hour gaming marathon benefiting children’s hospitals globally, raising over $70 million since 2008.
• Zeldathon: A marathon focused on the Legend of Zelda series, raising over $2.5 million for charities like Child's Play and Direct Relief.

‍

Notable Games Making an Impact

Here are some standout games and projects making a difference:

1. Free Rice Free Rice is a trivia game by the U.N. World Food Programme that donates rice for each correct answer. It has contributed over $1.8 million in rice to people worldwide.
2. Charity Miles This mobile app lets users raise money for various charities through physical activities like walking or jogging. Over $2 million has been raised for important causes through the app.
3. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure Alba: A Wildlife Adventure promotes conservation efforts, with the developer planting a tree for each game sold. Over a million trees have been planted so far.
4. Chernobilyte Chernobilyte offers a digital pack to support victims in Ukraine, with proceeds going to the Pure Heart Foundation.
5. CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience This game addresses homelessness and pledges 20% of its profits to organisations fighting homelessness.
6. Tilt World Tilt World aims to combat climate change by planting trees in Madagascar through in-game activities.
7. Half the Sky Movement: The Game Developed by USAID and Games for Change, this game focuses on critical issues like maternal health and girls’ education in India and East Africa.

Lastly, I'd like to mention a collaboration between Mode Games and Design Rush. This is to promote our services. If you have time, check out the other businesses they have in the category of social media marketing for gamers, thanks!

‍

Whats Next?

Serious games offer a powerful way for not-for-profit organisations to engage, educate, and motivate people to support social and environmental causes. By leveraging the appeal of video games and streaming, charities can drive fundraising efforts and raise awareness effectively.