Hospital stays can be long, isolating, and overwhelming for children. But sometimes, a simple game can change everything by offering a moment of joy, escape, and connection when it’s needed most.
That’s why we’re launching Gaming 4 Good, a new initiative led by our gaming brands Polygon, Game Rant, and TheGamer in partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The campaign brings together our readers, partners, and communities to raise funds for hospital-safe gaming stations, giving children facing extended hospital stays a chance to find comfort, connection, and joy through play.
At Valnet, we believe our work is about more than creating and sharing great content. We have a responsibility to use our platforms, our reach, and our creativity to make a positive difference in the world. That belief is woven into our culture and guides our approach to corporate social responsibility. Gaming 4 Good is a reflection of that commitment.
Why This Cause Matters
Every year, more than 5 million pediatric hospitalizations occur in the United States. For many children, that means weeks or even months away from home, friends, and the comfort of their normal routines.
The impact goes beyond the medical challenges. Hospital stays can be physically exhausting, emotionally overwhelming, and profoundly isolating. For kids, that isolation often means missing birthdays, school, milestones, and the simple, joyful experiences of just being a kid.
“This partnership is a natural fit for Starlight, as Valnet’s extensive entertainment and gaming community aligns perfectly with Starlight’s gaming program. Together, we’re committed to transforming the hospital experience for pediatric patients by unlocking the healing power of play through gaming.”
How Gaming 4 Good Makes an Impact
For over four decades, the Starlight Children’s Foundation has transformed the hospital experience for children and their families through programs designed to entertain, distract, and inspire. Among the most beloved of these is the hospital-safe gaming station program, which delivers systems designed for both safety and sanitation, while unlocking the joy of play.
Through Gaming 4 Good, Valnet’s flagship gaming brands are helping expand this impact. Together, our community aims to raise $25,000, which Valnet will match dollar-for-dollar to reach a total of $50,000. Every dollar goes directly toward delivering gaming stations to hospitals, creating opportunities for kids to connect, create, and play even during their toughest battles.
A Natural Fit for Valnet’s Gaming Brands
Beyond our gaming verticals, the entire Valnet portfolio — spanning entertainment, tech, lifestyle, travel, sports, and automotive — is rallying behind the initiative. Together, we’re amplifying the campaign through editorial coverage, social media, and community engagement to ensure that every contribution makes the biggest possible impact.
“As a father, I know how hard it is to watch a child go through difficult moments. Families who spend long stretches in the hospital carry an incredible burden, and Gaming 4 Good is our way of rallying our platforms, partners, and readers to bring some light to those children and their families.”
Creating Joy, Together
Gaming 4 Good is a statement about what’s possible when creativity, community, and compassion come together.
We invite companies, creators, and individuals to continue joining us. Whether through a monetary contribution, an in-kind donation, or simply by spreading the word, your support helps transform hospital stays into moments filled with comfort, play, and hope.
At the heart of Gaming 4 Good is a simple truth: every child deserves the chance to feel like a kid, no matter where they are. And together, we can make that happen.
Deliver Smiles Through Gaming
Our Gaming 4 Good Champions
We are pleased to share that the campaign is already off to a strong start, with generous contributions of $5,000 from Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (MSK) and $2,500 from Index Exchange toward our $25,000 community goal.
In addition, throughout the Gaming 4 Good campaign, we will be facilitating a series of giveaways made possible through the support of the following sponsors.
They jumped on the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children across the United States, and we are honored to have them by our side.
How to Get Involved
You too can get involved. There are many ways to take part. Companies and individuals can join as sponsors, make contributions, or amplify the message across their own platforms. Every show of support brings us closer to reaching more hospitals and more children.
If you’d like to partner with us or learn more about Gaming 4 Good, please reach out at pr@valnetinc.com. We would love to work with you.
