New Roblox Game To Help Children Build Community Virtually And In Real Life

Comic Relief US has found a way to harness that digital engagement for good. The nonprofit’s latest initiative, “Game to Change the World,” launches its second annual campaign on the popular gaming platform Roblox. It aims to foster charitable habits in young players while raising funds to combat poverty.

A Virtual Game with Real Impact

Comic Relief US CEO Alison Moore describes the project as “audacious,” blending the organization’s signature “twinkle” with the immersive online gaming industry.

The game invites players to embark on wizard-led quests across various realms, including familiar territories like SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

As players progress through portals and collect magical tools, they’re not just having fun but learning valuable lessons about community and empathy. Moore explains, “It’s a little bit like me helping you, you helping me — all of us together. I love the idea of doing that in a game space.”

Star-Studded Support

The game features an impressive lineup of voice talent, including:

• David Tennant (known for “Doctor Who”)
• Tony Hale (from “Veep”)
• Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (star of “Never Have I Ever”)

These celebrities lend their voices to guide players through their virtual adventures, adding excitement to the experience.

Beyond the Screen

While the game is engaging, Comic Relief US and partner Nickelodeon are taking steps to ensure the impact extends beyond the virtual arena. They’ve created an instructional guide for kids to initiate real-life community projects, such as backpack drives.

This blend of virtual and real is at the heart of the campaign’s mission. As Moore puts it, “It’s not meant to be a banner ad or a sign that says, ‘Do Good.’ It’s meant to be emblematic in the gameplay itself.”

A Musical Grand Finale

The campaign will culminate in a virtual music festival on Roblox, starting September 13th. The rock band Imagine Dragons is headlining the event, and its lead singer, Dan Reynolds, is known for his philanthropic efforts, mainly supporting LGBTQ+ causes.

Other performers include a mix of established and up-and-coming artists who found fame on YouTube:

• Conan Gray
• Poppy
• d4vd
• Alexander Stewart

Impressive Results and Future Potential

The inaugural game’s success has been remarkable, with over 32 billion minutes of playtime logged. One performance even received the highest “concert thumbs up rating” ever on Roblox, according to Comic Relief US.

Business strategist Marcus Howard notes that charitable giving through gaming is rising, particularly appealing to younger generations who value experiences over material possessions. He praises Roblox for emphasizing cooperation over competition, creating a less “toxic” environment than other platforms.

A Balancing Act

Creating a game that appeals to children and their parents presents a unique challenge. Comic Relief US has adopted Nickelodeon’s approach: include parents in the conversation but speak directly to their children.

Moore sums it up simply: “Good games are good games. Good games that make me feel good are good things.”

As the lines between entertainment, education, and philanthropy continue to blur, initiatives like “Game to Change the World” may pave the way for a new era of digital engagement and real-world impact.