All of us have been subjected to the ‘ALS Ice Bucket Challenge’, either by being nominated, or by watching the thousands of videos circulating YouTube. Famous names like Tom Hiddleston, Shakira, NU’EST’s Aaron, Bill Gates, and even YouTube sensation GloZell are among the many names that have accepted the challenge.
For those unfamiliar, the Ice Bucket Challenge is simple: If your name gets called out, you have twenty-four hours to either dump a bucket of ice water on your head, or donate $100 to the ALS Association. Before you get upset that so many people are dumping water and not donating money, let me finish what I’m about to say: A good portion of people who have joined this viral trend have donated as well, and have used this as a chance to further the cause. Some celebrities have deemed not to dump a bucket of ice on their head, but make it clear that they’re choosing to donate when they are challenged, like Patrick Stewart. Last year, the ALS Association raised $19.4 million. This year, it’s $53.3 million and counting, thanks to the attention the charity has gotten through this viral trend. (While the NY Times article only states $41.8 million, a trip to the ALS Association website shows the increased numbers since the NY Times article was published yesterday.)
It’s not just celebrities, random kids around the world, and YouTube sensations that are joining in. Mathew Hoy of GamesDay Podcast got a bit whimsical and nominated, not the developer Digital Extreme, but the evil crew within the game itself, the Corpus.
And Digital Extreme responded in the best way possible. Not only did they donate $10,000 in Alad V’s name, but they also created one of the best Ice Bucket Challenge videos thus far. (For those unfamiliar with Warframe, Alad V is one of the Corpus bosses within the game.)
So, Bungie, Gearbox, and 343 Industries, the ball is in your court. Are you going to let Digital Extreme outdo you?
The ALS Association is a charity organization dedicated to fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease through research and aid for those affected by the disease, as well as many other things. You can read more about the organization here, including more information about the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Kayla Swenson is an aspiring author and former DJ from Seattle, WA that procrastinates far too much with video games to get a book out. When she’s not gaming until carpal tunnel sets in, she’s working on dreams of being a voice actor as well as a published writer. Fond of RPGs, she will happily disappear into the void to tackle whatever bad voice acting awaits. Contact her at the email above, or on all major systems/networks as Beltravi.
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