14 DAY TRIAL // Operation Supply Drop announces that it is launching its fundraising event, the 8-bit Salute, on May 17 and 18 of this year, aiming to once again raise funds that will then be used to get video game consoles and games to United States troops that are deployed overseas or recovering in military hospitals.
The official announcements states, “Since 2010, thousands of gamers have joined forces to take part in 8-Bit Salute to show their support for the fighting men and women of the United States military and her allies by doing what they love: playing video games.”
So far, support for the event has been announced by studios Naughty Dog, Wargaming, Rooster Teeth and ASTRO Gaming, and more companies will probably soon announce their participation in the event.
All those who want to take part in 8-bit Salute will need to log into the official site of the charity event and then create their own team or join an already existing one in order to gather funds and get a chance to obtain some cool prizes.
Registrations are free, but gamers can also choose to pay 15 dollars (10.5 Euro) in order to get the Elite option.
The actual play event will take place starting on May 17 and will run for a full 24-hour period a gamers can both participate and watch those who take part.
The organizers add, “Since our inception, Operation Supply Drop has raised almost $700,000 [€505,000] in games and donations, with 2013’s 8-Bit Salute raising $530,000 [€395,000] in donations alone. We are determined to set a new high score by breaking the million dollar mark in 2014, and with your help, we can absolutely do it!”
After the money is raised gamers can use the official site to keep up with how it is being used and where in the world members of the United States military will be able to obtain and use consoles and games delivered by the charity.
Plenty of the most important gamer franchises of the year feature members of the United States military, and it is likely that both Activision and Electronic Arts, the publishers of Battlefield and Call of Duty, will at some point join forces with Operation Supply Drop.
In recent years more and more organizations have begun using video game marathons in order to raise money for a variety of causes, relying on the community spirit of the player help various groups that might lack a safety net.