Some of video gaming’s most beloved characters from The Last of Us and Red Dead Redemption 2 are making an appearance in an upcoming charity coloring book. Both games have loyal fanbases behind them, with characters such as Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us’ Ellie and Joel often leaving a lasting impression on gamers, even long after the closing credits have rolled.
There are times when video games get a bad reputation, with many unfairly citing them as the source of inspiration for real-world violence. However, there are so many charities out there that are doing amazing work to help others, all within the video games industry. Non-profit organization AbleGamers was recently awarded $1 million USD by Twitch, as part of COO Steve Spohn’s efforts to raise funds to make gaming more accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities. This organization even caught the eye of Avenger Brie Larson, who has openly shared her support for AbleGamers on her social media pages.
Now gamers who wish to support another video games-based charity can, with a little help from the characters from Red Dead Redemption 2, The Last of Us, Uncharted, and more. Artist Taryn Platt is releasing a fan-made digital coloring book to raise funds for Extra Life, a program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that offers aid to sick children and their families. Extra Life takes place once a year, and sees gamers across the world playing video games for 24 hours straight in a united fundraising push. Platt will also take part on game day, and this coloring book will be an additional bonus for those supporting their Extra Life's fundraising drive this year. The video game characters that will feature throughout Platt's beautifully accurate coloring book include fan-favorites Joel Miller, Nathan and Sam Drake, Lara Croft, Arthur Morgan, and Deacon St. John from Days Gone - and each picture is full of expert detailing.
With each donation made to Platt, the money will go on to help hospitals provide vital care to children across the United States and Canada. This includes funding critical treatments, supporting healthcare services, and providing pediatric medical equipment.
The work that Platt has put in for such an important cause is certainly one that should be celebrated. Platt has been participating in Extra Life since 2015, using their love of video games as a catalyst for their fundraising efforts. There is no doubt that this is something that Ellie and Joel from The Last of Us and Red Dead Redemption 2’s Arthur Morgan would certainly be proud to be a part of. If others feel inspired, they too can participate in 2021's Extra Life 24 hour game-a-thon (that takes place on November 6) by signing up online.
Source: Taryn Pratt/Instagram, Extra Life