The lights are on
Bachir "Athene" Bourmaaza is a pro gamer that got his start years ago recording YouTube videos of himself and friends playing World of Warcraft. Since then, he has channeled his internet celebrity into helping those struggling in developing nations. His previous ShareCraft 2012 charity campaign raised $1 million dollars, and his current Gaming For Good campaign is presently shattering that previous high-water mark.
Gaming For Good rewards those who donate with points which can be exchanged for prizes including codes for digital game downloads. Each donation is being quadrupled by the United States Agency for International Development, which has helped grow the amount to over $6.5 million. Gaming For Good is just under $500,000 away from its goal of $6.6 million.
If you want to donate to help Bourmaaza and Gaming For Good in the final sprint towards its ambitious goal, head to Gaming For Good.
Our TakeAthene earned his celebrity as an over-the-top, foul-mouthed gamer. He channeled this persona into his previous charity drives. While raising money for those who need it is always good, we're happy to see the recent videos for Gaming For Good have focused more on the cause rather than Athene himself. $6.5 million is a boon for the many that need it in Africa.
Email the author Tim Turi, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.
Ha, I encounter plenty of a-holes in my everyday life, but none of them are doing anything like this.
He kinda looks like Walter J.R from Breaking Bad doesn't he?
Great cause. Shame they have a complete *** for a poster child.
I'm glad he's raising so much money, but I just never liked Athene as a person.
good job and thanks for helping out a cause...
I can't believe this man was able to raise that kind of cash. Does he still have his hot lady friend from all the video's!?
Wow. I'm impressed.
God bless him, but Africa should finally start producing a civilisation after all the billions of donations from European and North American nations instead of staying a backward hell-hole.
So I'll be the anti-humanist here.
Hey, send these people condoms and other contraception so they stop making children they can't fuggin' feed/support. You know, like responsible, forward thinking human beings.
But nope.
"Hey, woman! I see you have to be a prostitute to even eat one meal a day! I'm struggling to even support myself, plus I think I have a serious medical condition from having sex with women like you... want to have unprotected sex and possibly make another miserable life like ours?"
"What? Yeah, sure, whatever. I haven't eaten yet today."
Yeah, I don't know who you are Athene, but good job, man. If acting like an A-hole on Youtube helps people out, then keep it up! Someone's gotta do it.
Kudos man, a job well done. Keep it up.
Well I'm glad he's doing charity I suppose. But what game exactly is Athene a pro at?
You should have done an article about Siv HD instead. He raised a ton of money in one day and did it without being a tool.