YANA Looks to Unite Gamers and Non-Gamers Alike
As the world has come crashing to a halt, many are feeling lonely. It’s something we all face as “Stay at Home” orders continue to extend and travel is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One event is looking to combat that this weekend. YANA – You Are Not Alone – was founded by Edge CEO Adam Whyte, not only to raise funds for COVID-19 relief, but show that gaming can create light in the darkness, as a social escape.
“Six weeks ago I was tired of listening to COVID news,” said Whyte. “I was scared, lonely, and sad that people were losing their jobs. But I had my partner and I had gaming. And I thought ‘Aren’t we lucky to have those two things? Wouldn’t it be great if more people got into gaming during this time of isolation. So I sent a few emails and got some great people excited for this.”
On May 2nd from 05:00 BST to 0100 BST May 3rd some of the biggest names in, and out of, gaming will broadcast from all around the globe to support social gaming, and fundraise for COVID-19 relief.
Participants include:
- Kinguin
- Riot Games
- Barclays
- Ubisoft: Rainbow Six Siege: Na’Vi vs. Team Secret
- Tencent: PUBG Mobile
- Premiership Rugby
- And more!
While the event itself supports gaming, it’s also a fundraising event for The Children’s Society – a UK charity aimed at improving the lives of children, especially right now during the coronavirus global pandemic.
“They’re embracing the gaming community and being very authentic,” said Whyte of Children’s Society. “They’ve been incredible with us. Them getting into gaming shows how everyone’s embracing gaming right now.”
While YANA has been organized in just the time span of six weeks, Whyte doesn’t see this as a one-off event.
“I would love to work with brands who really appreciate and understand the space. I want us to engage deeper with broadcast platforms to bring them a sustained content schedule.”
YANA’s main event will take place across its main channels on Twitch and Facebook Gaming, but there are also ways for viewers to get involved! Anyone can sign up on yana.gg to participate individually and play throughout the day.
See you there!
– JB