About the ESC

Founded in 2000, the Entertainment Software Charity was created to use the popularity of gaming and the creativity and dedication of those involved in the industry to help give something back to the less fortunate in society.

The not-for-profit charity was established by prominent members of the European gaming community to create a dedicated initiative programme and, via a grant system to specially selected niche charities, to help the advancement of young people through play, training, medical support and education.

The ESC works with hardware vendors, developers, software publishers, retailers, distributors, magazine publishers and logistics providers, all of whom give their time, resources and intellectual properties to provide direct support to charities committed to improving the future of young people.

The Entertainment Software Charity raises its funds through social events, donations and the hard work, endeavour and support of numerous people in the UK computer and video games industry.
  
We have raised funds through London Marathon sponsorship, sponsored climbs of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Snowdon, golf days, cycle rides, special fund-raising games packs and the InDin industry dinner. The Whizz Kidz mobility equipment charity, Hope For Children, orphaned street children in Africa, and numerous specialist UK schools and academies are just a few of the causes directly helped by both companies and individuals from every corner of the gaming world.

Mission statement

To help disadvantaged young people realise their potential by providing training, education and support for youth charities.

Games aren’t just for kids. Video and computer games are played by people of all ages and, like any entertainment, cultural phenomenon or fun pastime, they have a big impact on people’s lives. They offer enjoyment to all kinds of people and it is this enjoyment that provides the catalyst for the games industry to do something directly for the benefit of the disadvantaged in our society.

The games industry has created the Entertainment Software Charity to use the power and popularity of computer and video games. It’s our mission to create a direct way for gaming to support the future of young people.

The ESC supports its partners and also works to assist charities with direct action. For example, it has a unique role in finding PCs and gaming consoles for schools, hospitals and other organisations, giving children the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the exciting world of gaming.

Trustees

Our trustees come from a broad range of backgrounds in the gaming industry, including:

Mark Strachan
Chief Executive, Entertainment Software Charity

Rodney Cousens
Chairman, Entertainment Software Charity
President, Acclaim Entertainment Ltd.

 Roger Bennett
Director General, ELSPA

Greg Ingham
Chief Executive, Future Network plc

Paul Gardner
Partner, Osborne Clarke OWA

Legal

Registered Charity no. 1081706

Registered Office: Suite 1, Haddonsacre, Station Road, Offenham, Worcestershire, WR11 5LW, England

The ESC has made a three-year commitment to donating £120,000 to Whizz Kidz, the largest charity in the UK supplying mobility equipment to children. click for more

The ESC has made a three-year commitment to donating £120,000 to Whizz Kidz, the largest charity in the UK supplying mobility equipment to children. click for more

On the Run! Join the ESCapees on the Asics Reading Half-Marathon on April 9th 2006 and raise funds for the ESC