Independent game developer and streamer Nathan Dickson has successfully finished a 24-hour live charity game development stream, building an entire game from the ground up to raise awareness and funds for the Gamers Outreach Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to helping children in hospitals experience the joy of gaming.
Gamers Outreach is best known for its GO Karts, portable gaming stations that bring video games directly to young patients’ hospital rooms. These setups allow kids to play, stay connected, and find moments of happiness during treatment — offering a much-needed escape from the isolation and stress of hospital life.
Nathan’s idea for the charity marathon came from a simple thought: if he was already spending an entire day coding, why not use that energy for good?
“I was going to pull an all-nighter making a game anyway,” Nathan said with a smile. “So I decided to make it count — to turn that time into something that could help others.”
The event streamed live across platforms, giving audiences a full behind-the-scenes look at the development journey — from early sketches and brainstorming sessions to live coding, bug fixes, and design tweaks. Between development segments, Nathan spoke passionately about Gamers Outreach’s mission and urged viewers to support the Tiltify fundraising campaign, where every dollar contributed went straight to the charity.
Throughout the 24 hours, Nathan maintained a strong connection with his audience — answering questions, sharing insights about indie game development, and reflecting on how gaming can heal, inspire, and bring people together. The stream’s tone remained grounded and genuine, focusing on collaboration, compassion, and creativity rather than spectacle.
While the main goal was fundraising, the event also underscored a larger message: creators don’t need huge audiences to make a meaningful difference.
“Impact isn’t just about big numbers,” Nathan said. “Even small efforts can inspire others. Every viewer, every share, every conversation about the cause matters.”
Today, Gamers Outreach works with over 400 hospitals across the U.S., delivering millions of gaming sessions every year. Their work demonstrates how play can serve as a vital part of emotional healing and normalcy for children in care.
Nathan’s charity stream has already inspired plans for more community-driven projects that blend his passion for creativity and giving back.
“Game development can feel solitary at times,” he reflected. “But this reminded me of the magic that happens when creativity meets kindness. It’s not just about building a game — it’s about building hope for someone who needs it.”
