Mobile-Game Makers Rally Around Charity for Accessible Gaming

Major mobile-game publishers are setting aside rivalry for a day, channeling all revenue from select titles to a U.K. charity that helps disabled people play video games.

SpecialEffect's One Special Day, marking its ninth year Friday, has attracted backing from industry heavyweights including Supercell, Electronic Arts, Rovio Entertainment and a dozen other studios. Players purchasing games such as "Subway Surfers," "Hay Day" and "Angry Birds 2" will see their spending directed entirely to the charity's coffers.

The fundraising push extends beyond mobile platforms. A Steam sale featuring more than 90 PC games runs through Oct. 15, alongside a charity bundle from retailer Green Man Gaming.

The effort comes as the gaming industry faces mounting pressure to improve accessibility for disabled players, who often require specialized equipment and software modifications to enjoy mainstream titles.

Walking for the Cause

The charity is supplementing digital fundraising with physical outreach. More than 350 participants have registered for the inaugural One Special Walk, a 16-mile trek across London from Olympic Park to Wembley Stadium expected to generate roughly £100,000 ($130,000). Game studios plan activations along the route.

SpecialEffect deploys teams of therapists and technical specialists to conduct customized assessments and provide equipment loans, making games accessible to thousands of disabled individuals. The organization shares findings with developers to inform broader industry accessibility standards.

"The support of the games industry is essential to reaching our growing community," said Dr. Mick Donegan, the charity's founder and chief executive.

Since its 2015 inception, One Special Day has evolved into an industry-wide showcase. Last year, more than 90 partners raised $660,000.

The charity is targeting more than £500,000 in combined proceeds from mobile revenue, PC sales and walk participation. Most partners contribute by donating a single day's game revenue, though some opt for pledges, promotional campaigns or employee fundraising drives.