3nd Annual CotGW Video Game Marathon to Raise Money for the American Cancer Society

Nov. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- The marathon will be broadcast live via Ustream at clanofthegraywolf.com starting at 12pm EST on Friday, December 9, 2011.  It will feature a group of three people playing for 60 consecutive hours from the Phillips CD-i, which was one of the first CD-based video game consoles, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.  In addition to streaming the marathon online at all times, the event will offer an interactive element, allowing internet viewers to view milestone events, win prizes, and chat live with the participants and other viewers.  The group is using social media to promote the event, including a Twitter contest where viewers can win prizes.  The marathon is scheduled to end at midnight Eastern time on Monday, December 12.

Games on the playlist include classic favorites like Dragon's Lair, 7th Guest, and Myst; as well as the more infamous CD-i Mario and Legend of Zelda titles.  The latter of which featured voice acted cut scenes that have gained cult status on websites like YouTube.

"This has become a yearly tradition for us,” said Joey DeSena, event co-coordinator.  “But this year is especially exciting.  The CD-i is a unique piece of gaming history, and even if someone has never played the system, they are likely familiar with the games that were available on it.  Plus, with the experience we've gained from previous marathons, we feel that this event will surpass all our previous efforts.  Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 this year to benefit cancer victims."

Event co-coordinator Daniel Cordaro also added, "We have always placed a great focus on supporting charities with the help of the gaming community.  This year, we are particularly excited to help in the global efforts to fight cancer, a disease that has deeply impacted all of us in one way or another."

Over the past 2 years, the group’s charity events have raised almost $8,000 and garnered over 210,000 unique online viewers.  These previous marathons have utilized games from the Rock Band series to the original Legend of Zelda.

Watch the event live at http://www.clanofthegraywolf.com beginning Friday, December 9, 2011 at 12pm EDT.  Those interested in sponsoring the marathon are encouraged to directly contact Joey DeSena at the email address listed below.  Viewers who wish to support the event are encouraged to donate directly to the American Cancer Society through a secure widget on the event’s website.  Donations for the event will be accepted from November 15 through December 15.

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The Clan of the Gray Wolf is a group of blogger/filmmakers who discuss many aspects of geek culture, including games, movies, and television.