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.
Discord - Community chat app (text/voice/video); ideal for announcements, supporter roles, and ongoing stewardship.

DLC (Downloadable Content) - Extra content sold in-game
Skins / Cosmetics - Visual customisation items that are sold in-game.
Live Ops (Live Operations) - Ongoing in-game events, offers, and updates
Battle Pass / Season Pass - Time-limited progression track with rewards in-game.
Storefront Promotion - Featured placement in digital stores (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, Epic); drives visibility for games.

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 (DLC or skins (see above)), sold in-game, with revenue supporting a cause.

F2P (Free to Play) - Games that allow users to play without them needing to pay a one-off premium price.
GaaS (Game as a Service) - Games that are frequently updated with new content.
IAP (In-App Purchases) - Optional digital items/content that can be purchased in-game.
Loot / Rewards - Items or prizes players earn in games, charities can mirror this by offering incentives for donations.
Gamification - Using game mechanics (points, badges, leaderboards) to encourage engament outside of a videogame.

Twitch - Live video platform popular with gamers; supports subscriptions, donations, extensions, raids, and clips.
Extension / 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.
Bits / SuperChats - Platform-specific micro-payments to creators

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.