Make-A-Wish International is appealing for greater support from the gaming industry to fulfill wishes for children facing critical illnesses. The charity, which has been granting life-changing wishes since its founding in 1980, recognizes the significant role that video games can play in helping these children connect with the world around them. According to April Stallings, the charity’s charitable gaming and creators community manager, games offer a vital escape, reducing feelings of fear and isolation for young patients.
Video games provide an avenue for children to engage with friends and family, fostering a sense of normalcy during difficult times. Stallings emphasizes that gaming can empower children by creating a level playing field, where their illness does not define their experience. The charity has granted over 615,000 wishes to date, with a growing focus on gaming-related requests. Yet, despite their potential, support from the gaming industry has not kept pace with the demand for these unique experiences.
Powerful Experiences Through Play
The impact of gaming wishes can be profound. For instance, a recent wish allowed a child who was unable to travel to connect virtually with the development team of his favorite game based in Stockholm. This interaction not only fulfilled the child’s wish but also enabled him to share the experience with friends, creating a lasting memory. In another case, a wish to design a unique character skin in a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game resulted in significant fundraising for Make-A-Wish and other charities.
Children like Kamahri, a nine-year-old from Canada, exemplify the transformative power of gaming wishes. After being diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two, Kamahri faced numerous challenges, including the impact of treatment on his social life. Now in remission, he was able to create a gaming corner in his bedroom, a wish that brought him immense joy. His father, Nestor, described the overwhelming happiness they felt as Kamahri embraced his passions once again, stating, “It was a great moment for the whole family to see him so happy and hear him say his dream came true thanks to his courage.”
Challenges in Fulfilling Gaming Wishes
Despite the positive outcomes associated with gaming wishes, fulfilling these requests has proven challenging. Stallings identifies two primary factors hindering the gaming industry’s engagement with charitable initiatives. First, the fast-paced nature of modern game production often leaves little room for charitable involvement. Developers face intense pressure to meet milestones, making it difficult to allocate resources for philanthropic activities.
Second, current industry volatility has dampened confidence among developers and publishers. With increased scrutiny from investors, consumers, and governments, companies may hesitate to divert resources to charitable causes. Stallings acknowledges these challenges but also emphasizes the potential benefits of collaborating with Make-A-Wish. Such partnerships can enhance community engagement, offer public relations opportunities, and boost team morale while fostering creativity.
As Make-A-Wish aims to grant 30,000 wishes annually by 2030, the organization is encouraging the gaming industry to play a crucial role in this effort. Recently, they partnered with the game and tech PR agency Raptor PR to raise awareness of their initiatives within the gaming community. Stallings invites industry members to reach out, even if they are unsure about their capacity to contribute, highlighting the unique power of gaming to provide hope and joy in children’s lives.
The ongoing collaboration between the gaming industry and charitable organizations like Make-A-Wish has the potential to create meaningful experiences for children facing critical health challenges. By harnessing the collective power of play, the industry can help transform lives, one wish at a time.
