Sony Reveals PlayStation Heroes Initiative To Help Charities

Written by Brandon Hofer on February 13, 2015

News: You can help support a charity by purchasing digital content through an official PlayStation Heroes app and help those in need.

Earlier today Sony revealed PlayStation Heroes, a new initiative connecting gamers with entertainment, sports and gaming celebrities on the PS4 while helping some of the world’s great causes. Through PlayStation HEROES, PS4 users can purchase digital content via an official PlayStation HEROES app for PS4 to be entered for the chance to play games with or against celebrities, online via PlayStation Network and in-person, with at least 90 percent of the purchase price going to a specific participating charity.

Make-A-Wish, the USO and The V Foundation for Cancer Research will be the charities supported by PlayStation HEROES at launch. SCEA will donate $100,000 to each organization to kick off the initiative, in addition to dedicating resources to promote and support the initiative. For those who might not be familiar with those organizations:

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy

The USO provides critical services, programs and entertainment to millions of U.S. troops and their families around the world, throughout every step of their journey

The V Foundation for Cancer Research funds cancer research through the best and most promising scientists and cancer centers nationwide

"PlayStation HEROES is an incredible opportunity for gamers to play against some of the most admired celebrities and athletes in the world, all while giving back to charitable organizations," said John Koller, vice president of platforms marketing at SCEA. "We couldn't be prouder to bring together gamers, celebrities and charities, and we anticipate a tremendous response from the community who will have a meaningful way to use gaming for a good cause."

The PlayStation HEROES app for PS4 will be the primary portal for gamers to enter and participate in events. The app will officially launch and be available for download for free via PlayStation Store (PS Store) on February 24, enabling gamers to find information on upcoming and past celebrity gaming events, enter by purchasing digital content for a chance to win and play, view videos of gamers playing with celebrities and earn badges.

Starting today, gamers can pre-order the PlayStation HEROES app on PS4 and gain early access to themes, available for $1, $5, $10 and $15. Each dollar spent provides the purchaser with a sweepstakes entry for the first PlayStation HEROES gaming event in March, featuring world renowned snowboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, who will play Bungie's Destiny,published by Activision, to benefit Make-A-Wish. In addition, a special bundle encompassing all four themes will be available for a discounted price of $20 and will include 31 total entries.

"PlayStation HEROES gives gamers the unique opportunity to help Make-A-Wish grant more and better wishes while continuing to play the games they love in the comfort of their home," said David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "Gamers who support Make-A-Wish can take pride knowing that they have helped provide the powerful, life-changing effects of a wish-come-true to wish kids nationwide."

"Our friend and colleague Stuart Scott was a passionate voice for improving outcomes for African Americans, Hispanics and other diverse communities with cancer," said John Skipper, V Foundation board member and ESPN president. "We're very appreciative that donations from PlayStation HEROES will help continue Stuart's fight against cancer and encourage cutting edge research for diverse populations suffering from cancer through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at The V Foundation."

"We are proud that PlayStation has chosen us to be part of their PlayStation HEROES initiative," said Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations. "A partnership like this is a terrific way for Americans to support the nation's troops and families, and have fun while doing it."

PlayStation HEROES kicks off today with a private event in New York City featuring White, Golden State Warriors All-Star guard Stephen Curry, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and multiplatinum recording artist Snoop Dogg. The event will feature beneficiaries of Make-A-Wish, the USO and The V Foundation for Cancer Research playing live on-stage with White, Curry and Puig, and a special live performance by Snoop Dogg.

Does this sound like something you would be participating in? Let us know what you think below.