I posted this on the roguelikes subreddit, but I'll reiterate it here and see if any of you have any thoughts on this.
I really like video game charity marathons.
Traditional examples are things like
Desert Bus for Hope and
Zeldathon. In these, many people gather in one room and play a game or series of games, not stopping for many days, collecting money along the way that goes directly to a charity of the group's choosing. Their exploits - both in game and in the room - are broadcast online with an active chat room going alongside, and there's often silly things done on camera in exchange for donations. The chat keeps the participants energized and excited, and gives them something to interact with other than the game itself.
I really think there's room out there for roguelikes to be streamed online for charity. It would never make the many thousands of dollars these marathons make, but it could give a tidy sum to a worthy cause.
I think an interesting way to do this would be to stream on a channel fairly regularly - say a few hours every Saturday evening, depending on who's willing to stream - with donations open to a charity of our choice. People of any skill level would be welcome - and indeed, it may be useful to show early, mid, and late game strategies from people who understand the larger games. And people could play whichever roguelikes and roguelikelike/roguelite games they like - the more variety, the better.
Would people be willing to watch this? Stream for it, interacting with chat and commentating while they play? Would people be willing to donate to charity in exchange for the entertainment and information they'd get from it? Do you have particular charities you'd like to see this go to?
What are your thoughts on streaming roguelikes for charity?
