Charity can boost games profile

UK charity GamesAid can help improve the perception of the entire games industry, says trustee Ian Livingstone.
His claim comes as the UK organisation opens nominations for new charities.

He told MCV: We need to raise a lot more money, give it to people who need it and represent an industry that cares. If we achieve this, who knows, we might even get a positive article in certain media that have traditionally condemned the games industry.

A positive perception about games would in turn influence the general public to be more generous towards the industry – and its charity.”

GamesAid supports small UK-based charities focused on children and young adults. Nominations for new charities are now open for anyone in the industry to make.

Last year GamesAid awarded a minimum of 11,000 to Special Effect, Winston’s Wish, The Willow Foundation, Action for Kids and the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability.

PR agency Indigo Pearl’s co-founder Caroline Miller was also recently appointed trustee at GamesAid, alongside Eidos’ life president Ian Livingstone. The pair join other trustees including Sports Interactive’s Miles Jacobson.

Livingstone added: I’m delighted and honoured to become a trustee for GamesAid. I think anybody working in such a ‘cool’ entertainment industry as games should feel an immense sense of gratitude.

We are privileged to be working in such a dynamic and exciting industry. To give something back to others less fortunate is almost mandatory.”

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You can nominate a new charity to be considered by heading over to www.gamesaid.org.

The charity should have an annual turnover of less than 5m, and should spend no higher than 30 per cent of this on administration costs.

In certain cases GamesAid will do its best to see if a nominated charity can be put through to the voting stage.