Pixel Equity offers games and good intentions for needy children

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 16th 2009 at 11:40PM }

A long time ago, Joystiq reviewed Being a Good Person, calling it "a lot of fun" and "something everyone should try," making it one of the few things to ever receive Joystiq's coveted Editor's Choice Award and a perfect 10/10 review. If you haven't tried Being a Good Person yet, you might want to check out Pixel Equity, a new charity "that connects those who want to share video games with those who want to play them." Gamers will be able to donate money and used games to needy kids that can't afford what is still, admittedly, an expensive hobby.

It's a concept that certainly has good intentions behind it, but we're still a little skeptical of the site's limited donation options and lack of transparency. Currently, people can only donate to one NYC-based group, Youth Action Programs and Homes, which is requesting a PS3 and Wii, among other gaming items. As a startup charity, there are no case studies to read, and even more distressing, there's little information on who will get these donations, and how they will be used. Providing more information on the organizations that benefit from donations and offering tax exemptions are just a few things Pixel Equity can do if it continues to grow.

[Via Kotaku]

Tags: charity, donation, non-profit, pixel-equity

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Sean Fagan @ Jun 16th 2009 11:56PM

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1284017/dave_chapelle_street_hoops/

mike @ Jun 16th 2009 11:57PM

As soon as I saw this story on here and the associated picture, I just knew the place was going to be shady. Needy children don't need a brand new PS3 or Wii Fit. I think I'll stick to charity organizations that aren't ill-conceived and secretive.

Henry E. @ Jun 17th 2009 7:20AM

I agree. Children shouldn't be stuck indoors playing games. They need to be outside playing tag, catch, and whatever other kid sports. I'm sorry but flinging a wiimote does not count as exercise.

And these kids needs books not games.

KnoW @ Jun 17th 2009 1:12PM

Even charities you find reputable give away video games. Sure they could give away books also but just because a kid gets a video game doesn't mean he/she will never go outside again. If these kids are going to a youth center after school then they are most likely engaging in both learning and physical activity. I know when I was a kid I always put dodge ball before Street Fighter 2. The charity could provide more info on their background but the fact that they give away games doesn't make them shady.

mynk @ Jun 17th 2009 7:04PM

i dont understand one thing though
there are lots and lots of people
who arent getting funding from governemnt or charities
who are not "needy" as one may put it
and go on their own income
and yet the only reason they dont get into gaming
is because its a very expensive hobby
and a normal middle class family
simply cant afford it on their income...

so something like this,
or any charity giving away video games
before giving away anything else
is like saying "these people in third world contries
never get to have a porche collection like jay leno
so we must give them money to build a car showroom in africa"

the only place such a charity would make sense
is if someone in make a wish foundation
made a wish to play video games
because they never got to.

nofriendo @ Jun 16th 2009 11:59PM

Man these kids need Hanna Montana!

Burns11 @ Jun 17th 2009 12:00AM

This charity is ridiculous, let's worry about the people who are starving or homeless before we worry about kids who can't play with an expensive toy.

BananaBoat @ Jun 17th 2009 12:19AM

The lack of empathy displayed here makes me a sad banana.

BigD145 @ Jun 17th 2009 2:54AM

You make Baby Hannah Montana cry.

MarioSpitza @ Jun 17th 2009 8:30AM

Agreed.

Aside from the questionable merit of the organization, though, I'm also a little curious Joystiq gave a charity center a "Editor's Choice Award and a perfect 10/10 review". This is further made curious by the fact that it is admitted that Joystiq is a bit suspicious of the charity and can't be sure if it's legitimate.

So what, did Joystiq just gave the perfect 10/10 and Editor's Choice Award simply because it presented itself as a charity for children? Glad to know Joystiq gives its own review and award so much weight.

CSuchanek @ Jun 17th 2009 9:11AM

MarioSpitza - I think you need to read a little more carefully. They did not review this specific charity. The statement is that they reviewed "Being a Good Person" the name of the charity in question is Pixel Equity. Of course the joke ceases to be funny once it needs to be explained but being a good person would of course get favorable reviews.

MarioSpitza @ Jun 17th 2009 1:18PM

@CSunchanek

Uh, I know to charity is called 'Pixel Equity'; the fact that the website is 'www.pixelequity.com' and the initiative is called 'Pixel Equity: The Community Gaming Intiative' sort of pointed that out well enough. What I'm trying to point out is why did they give the organization credit when they themselves seem to question its legitimacy?

I'm sorry you had to explain the joke to me and it ceased to be funny for you. If I may propose, just don't explain it next time.

jam @ Jun 17th 2009 12:01AM

L O L Hanna Montana

CubeGuy @ Jun 17th 2009 12:04AM

And you should also donate to the. . . ehhhh. . . "Cube Center For The Unloved Youth Who Need Games And Stuff And Also Gives Puppies And Kitties To The Terminally Ill Kids In Ethiopia Charity. . . Fund".

They're reputable. I checked.

. . .

*holds up picture of crying child in Africa*

MrSpaceCowboy @ Jun 17th 2009 12:09AM

I'd rather provide a kid with a good education before I provide him with a gaming console.

Because it's the stupid ones that talk smack online.

Young_Nastyman @ Jun 17th 2009 5:30AM

it's ok, they're getting a wii

Cody @ Jun 17th 2009 8:30AM

It's the 360 owners that talk smack online.

Yatcho @ Jun 17th 2009 12:10AM

I knew this loooked shady when they wanted me to donate to people called Roukieta, Oumar and Oswald.

Chad Vanderbilt (Moptimus in Disguise) @ Jun 17th 2009 12:19AM

Maybe we should donate to the Derek Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can't Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too instead....

MystileArmor @ Jun 17th 2009 12:31AM

But how can we be expected to teach children to learn how to read if they can't even fit inside the building?

ArchiGamer @ Jun 17th 2009 12:35AM

@ Mystile

I read your post and saw your avatar and couldn't help but laugh even harder. +1

MystileArmor @ Jun 17th 2009 12:41AM

Utter has got to be my favourite Simpsons character ever, even though he only appeared like twice, I think.

CHOCOLATE POODING!!!

phr3qu3ncy441 @ Jun 17th 2009 12:49AM

i guess i could donate my video game manuals for reading material.

Chad Vanderbilt (Moptimus in Disguise) @ Jun 17th 2009 1:16AM

Treehouse of Horror IV
Lisa's Rival
Treehouse of Horror V
Lisa on Ice
The PTA Disbands
22 Short Films About Springfield
Much Apu About Nothing
Bart Star

Dont make me run, Im full of Chocolate

MystileArmor @ Jun 17th 2009 1:28AM

Well played sir.

ArchiGamer @ Jun 17th 2009 1:38AM

I really need to see some classic Simpsons....

MystileArmor @ Jun 17th 2009 1:52AM

I need my XBL back online... btw did anyone notice the whole xbox.com site went down as well? I thought it was just going to be the marketplace.

MystileArmor @ Jun 17th 2009 12:28AM

I'm to poor to drive a Bentley, does anyone want to start a charity for me? (A Ferrari, Lamborghini will do as well....)

Sly [PSN SniperChameleon] @ Jun 17th 2009 2:31AM

I too am in need of a lambo... and a driver's license...

ArchiGamer @ Jun 17th 2009 12:36AM

This seems odd...

phr3qu3ncy441 @ Jun 17th 2009 12:51AM

assuming they are getting an education, food, shelter, etc.

for entertainment, i think i would rather donate something like a musical instrument.

or i guess wii music... if i had that game *whistles innocently*

MrSpaceCowboy @ Jun 17th 2009 1:40AM

I'll give you an empty bottle. Then you can make music with it!

Henry E. @ Jun 17th 2009 7:25AM

It's sad, kids these days don't need to suffer necessity.

Man, when I was a kid, I didn't have a gaming console since my parents wouldn't get me one. Instead, I've end up trying all sorts of crazy experiments in the name of science. I've also build all sorts of things with whatever I had lying around.

Now, I look at my little cousin. He expects everything spoon fed and doesn't even have the patience to learn a game. He expects to be taught. It's just sad.

charlie b. @ Jun 17th 2009 11:59AM

@MrSpaceCowboy: never EVER stop in the middle of a hoedown!

Reaper man @ Jun 17th 2009 1:47AM

I tried the game Being a Nice person, and it wasn't nearly as fun as Being an Asshole.

Sly [PSN SniperChameleon] @ Jun 17th 2009 1:59AM

Being An Asshole is a really fun game until you get to the sequel "Getting Your Ass Kicked"

WREturns @ Jun 17th 2009 7:29AM

But the sequel is contingent on you playing a "Pussy" class character the whole game.

mr mobius @ Jun 17th 2009 9:22AM

At the end of the day, these 'make decisions to affect your game' type games only ever end up with the decisions making a superficial difference to the story anyway.

Brian @ Jun 17th 2009 3:22AM

If anyone really wants to donate to a legitimate, gaming-related Charity, Child's Play is a great choice. They raise money for buying video games and consoles like Pixel Equity, but send them to children's hospitals. It's either run by or closely affiliated with the good folks at Penny Arcade.

http://www.childsplaycharity.org/

pibs @ Jun 17th 2009 3:34AM

That seems more appropriate.

LordToastington @ Jun 17th 2009 2:26PM

Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins run it. They're the PA guys.

kriscolumbus @ Jun 17th 2009 9:41AM

Man, you guys are jaded. When I was younger, we bought an Atari (though we had virtually no money growing up), and it sparked an interest for me that's lasted a lifetime. There's plenty of time as a kid to play video games and play outside... I know I did! Yes, people need food, but I bet you're not even donating to any of those charities.

Robert Jung @ Jun 17th 2009 11:06AM

It's interesting to note that the picture accompanying this article doesn't show any Microsoft or Sony product. Is that a tacit admission from Joystiq editors that "hardcore" gamers are selfish, greedy, uncharitable folks? ;-)

--R.J.

zochmenos @ Jun 17th 2009 11:10AM

The founder of this "charity" is Matthew Badalucco, forming employee of Lehman Brothers.

I guess if you've already done the "not for profit" thing once...

zochmenos @ Jun 17th 2009 11:13AM

Charity is local. Give a friend some money. Give a local family a bag of groceries.

This is capitalism. And even if it is legit, your and my inability to know that makes donating foolish.

Kids who are "needy" don't need to be taught but a college grad to covet luxuries.