BBC hosts two-hour ‘love letter’ to gaming to raise money for Children In Need

Children In Need has organized various fundraising events over the years, but this year they are doing something a little different. Game On, a two-hour show, will feature popular gaming YouTubers and streamers playing games for charity. In an exclusive interview, we sat down with one of the hosts, Steffan Powell, to discuss the show and the positive impact of gaming.

A Unique Showcase of Gaming Culture

Powell, the former gaming correspondent for the BBC, shared that the idea for Game On came from a desire to showcase the power of gaming and raise awareness about the charities supported by Children In Need. He believes that gaming is an essential part of modern British culture and wants to give gamers the recognition they deserve. By featuring the show on prime-time television, Powell hopes to show the wider culture that gaming is just as important as movies, TV, and music.

The Positive Impact of Gaming

Aside from raising funds for Children In Need, Powell believes that Game On can bring gamers together and change perceptions about gaming. By showcasing the fun, energy, and passion of gaming, he hopes to help skeptics understand why gaming is so important to many people. Powell also emphasizes the positive impact of gaming, especially for those who may be struggling or in dark places. He wants to highlight how games can provide solace and help people overcome challenges.

An All-Star Guest Lineup

Game On will feature a plethora of guests, including popular streamers, content creators, and even TikTok stars. Powell highlighted three guests who are sure to bring laughter to the show: Harry Pinero, Yung Filly, and Elz the witch. He teased a hilarious F1 race between them, with Elz being more familiar with Final Fantasy 7 than Formula One. Additionally, football fans will be delighted to see Bayo Akinfenwa, known as the strongest man in FIFA, showcasing his love for gaming.

A Diverse Range of Games

Game On will celebrate the broad nature of gaming culture by featuring discussions and gameplay from various games, including Mario Kart, Call of Duty, and more. Powell revealed that Formula One, Just Dance, and the mixed reality game Hado will be the focus of the show. However, the night will be a comprehensive tribute to why games are so cool.

What's Next for Powell

When asked about the games he's currently playing, Powell mentioned a long list including Hogwarts Legacy, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Cyberpunk, and more. He expressed excitement for the new iteration of Warzone and shared that he finds solace in playing Starfield as a meditative experience. With a growing family, Powell is still searching for a gaming balance that suits him.

Game On will be broadcast live on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 7pm.