Charity Gaming Glossary
Platforms & Technology
Console
A device used to play video games, such as PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
PC Gaming
Playing games on a personal computer, often with downloadable titles or online platforms like Steam.
Mobile Gaming
Games played on smartphones or tablets (e.g., Candy Crush, Pokémon GO).
Streaming Platform
Websites like Twitch or YouTube where gamers broadcast themselves playing live to an audience.
Streamer** / Content Creator
A person who plays games live online, often with a loyal community of viewers.
Game content and live operations
DLC (Downloadable content)
Extra content sold after launch; can be charity-branded or revenue-shared.
Skins / Cosmetics
Visual customisation items; often used for cause marketing (e.g., charity skins).
Live ops (Live operations)
Ongoing in-game events, offers, and updates
Battle pass / Season pass
Time-limited progression track with rewards; can include charity tie-ins.
Event cadence
The timing and rhythm of in-game events; align charity campaigns with these windows.
Storefront promotion
Featured placement in digital stores (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, Epic); drives visibility for charity items.
Video Game Fundraising Practices
Charity Stream
A livestream where viewers donate money to a cause while watching gameplay.
Donation Integration
Tools (e.g., Tiltify, JustGiving) that connect directly to livestreams so donations appear in real time.
Charity Bundle
A collection of games sold together at a discount, with a percentage of proceeds being donated to charity. (Humble Bundle, Fanatical etc)
Charity Store Sale
A selection of games sold on videogame storefront at a discount, with a percentage of proceeds being donated to charity.
In‑Game Fundraising
Special items (skins, costumes, downloadable content) sold inside a game, with revenue supporting a cause.
Gaming Culture & Community
Esports
Organised competitive gaming, similar to professional sports tournaments, often streamed to large audiences.
Guild / Clan
Groups of players who team up regularly in online games; these communities can be mobilised for fundraising.
Gamification
Using game mechanics (points, badges, leaderboards) to encourage participation in fundraising.
Loot / Rewards
Items or prizes players earn in games — charities can mirror this by offering incentives for donations.
Streaming platforms and features
Twitch
Live video platform popular with gamers; supports subscriptions, donations, extensions, raids, and clips.
YouTube Live
Live and recorded video; strong VOD (video-on-demand) longevity and SEO.
Kick
Live streaming platform with similar features to Twitch; smaller but growing gaming audience.
Discord
Community chat app (text/voice/video); ideal for announcements, supporter roles, and ongoing stewardship.
Extensions / Overlays
Interactive panels on streams (donation meters, polls) displayed over video to drive engagement.
Alerts / Widgets
On-screen pop-ups that celebrate donations, subs, and follows in real time.
Raids / Hosts
A streamer sends their viewers to another channel at the end of a broadcast to boost visibility.
Subs / Memberships
Paid monthly support to creators; distinct from one-off donations to charities.
Bits / Super Chats
Platform-specific micro-payments to creators; can be directed toward charity drives via agreed mechanics.
Safety, compliance, and suitability
PEGI / ESRB ratings
Age ratings for games; ensure content suits your audience and safeguarding policies.
Content moderation
Managing chat behavior; set rules, assign moderators, and use auto-mod tools.
Disclosures
Creators must clearly state sponsorships, paid partnerships, or donation matching.
Terms of service (platform)
Each platform has rules on giveaways, raffles, and charity claims—follow them to avoid takedowns.