Rockstar Games Sponsors Charity Gaming Marathon, Pledges Up to $26,619 for Hospitalized Children
For the sixth year in a row, Rockstar Games is the official sponsor of the Game Changers charity gaming marathon: up to £20,000 ($26,619) in donations will be matched to support hospitalized children.
The gaming community is no stranger to rallying around meaningful causes, but when a giant like Rockstar Games gets involved, things reach a whole new level. Once again, the iconic publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series is stepping up to support the Game Changers marathon, an initiative led by the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Image credit: Les Aventures Ludiques
Rockstar at the Heart of the Marathon
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity made the announcement with pride: for the sixth consecutive year, Rockstar Games will serve as the official sponsor of the Game Changers charity gaming marathon, taking place this October. It’s a meaningful, long-standing partnership with real impact.
We're SO excited to announce @rockstargames as the official sponsor of our Game Changers gaming marathon for a 6th year! 🎮
And they're match funding ALL donations up to £20,000! This will make a real difference to children in hospital. Are you in? ⬇️https://t.co/hYJGGs4nQS ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HXKHLH8jno — Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity (@echcharity) August 1, 2025
As gamers eagerly await the release of GTA VI in May 2026, Rockstar shows it can also bring its community together for causes that matter. A refreshing contrast to the usual buzz surrounding the franchise—and a reminder that the studio makes headlines for more than just its trailers.
Double the Impact for Hospitalized Children
This year, Rockstar Games has pledged to match every donation made during the marathon—up to a total of £20,000 ($26,619). It’s a major boost for the charity, turning every euro into a double opportunity.
The funds will help provide:
- Entertainment equipment to brighten the days of children in hospital,
- Play and relaxation spaces for families,
- Specialized psychological and educational support programs tailored to their needs.
By participating or donating, each gamer directly helps make hospital stays more bearable for young patients. And with Rockstar backing the initiative, that impact is doubled.
How to Join the Charity Marathon
If you’d like to get involved and help improve the daily lives of hospitalized children, here’s how:
- Register online at the official Game Changers marathon website.
- Pick a personal challenge (6, 12, or 24 hours of solo or team gaming).
- Set up a fundraising page via JustGiving.
- Stream your marathon, share the link, and encourage your viewers to donate.
- Not streaming? No problem. You can also support participating streamers by donating to their page.
Fun challenges (one-handed gameplay, inverted controls, dares) can be added to make fundraising even more engaging.
And if you’re not streaming? No worries. You can simply donate to your favorite streamer or spread the word. Every penny raised will go directly to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Prepping for a Gaming Marathon
Gaming for hours on end is a serious physical and mental challenge. To stay sharp, alert, and focused from start to finish, you’ll need smart preparation:
- Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks to keep your energy up and avoid burnout,
- Prep your snacks ahead of time: dried fruit, protein bars, sandwiches—easy-to-grab foods that won’t interrupt your session,
- Optimize your setup: screen at eye level, ergonomic chair, good posture, soft lighting—everything you need to prevent physical fatigue,
- Coffee is your friend: a well-measured cup can boost your alertness. Just don’t overdo it to avoid the post-caffeine crash,
- Sharpen your focus naturally with supplements like the Focus Caps available on azarius.fr. Great for staying sharp without the jitters.
The key to a successful gaming marathon isn’t just passion—it’s endurance strategy. Prep your body like you prep your controller, and make the most of every minute on screen.
This partnership between the Scottish charity and the American publisher once again proves that gaming can be more than entertainment. More than just a marathon, it’s a solidarity-driven event that gives every hour behind the screen a real purpose.
