Today is the beginning of this year’s Awesome Games Done Quick 2014. This is an event where gamers from across the country get together to race through classic video games and raise money for cancer prevention. Speed runners play non-stop for the full seven days to collect donations. Donors are also entered for various prizes and bidding contests. (scroll below the video to get straight to the donation links.)
I’m not much of a gamer, but my good friend Neil Stevens is playing this year. His game of choice is one all you old timers will recognize and you young whippersnappers will find to be an intellectual curiosity, in the same way that modern man likes to view cave paintings. Here is one of Stevens’ best runs on that classic game: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, for Atari. If you’re like me, the sounds alone will take you back to your childhood.
And just for kicks and background here’s an interesting article from IGN about the great video game crash of ’83, whatever that is, featuring none other than E.T.
In order for Neil to get a game time slot in the event, enough money has to be raised through the donation link here. Simply select Bonus Game: E.T. in the section titled Bidding Challenges/Choices. Remember EVERY PENNY goes to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. I’ll update with a time once the goal is reached and we can watch Neil live on the internet like the futuristic folks we are.
Ace of Spades HQ is also promoting the event here.
So if you are looking to start your charitable giving for 2014, why not start with a fun event for a great cause and help Neil Stevens reach what everyone I knew wanted in 1983. Total. Atari. Immortality.