Games industry funds UK’s first-ever full-time children’s gamer to play with patients in Scottish hospital

Glasgow, UK - October 23rd, 2024 - Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, in conjunction with partners Devolver Digital and Neonhive, is delighted to announce the launch of the new Gamer-in-Residence role, the first full-time role of its kind in the UK and Ireland.

The Gamer-in-Residence will ensure every child in Scotland’s busiest children’s hospital has their Player Two (or someone to game with), and help them find a way to relax, reduce potential feelings of isolation and boredom, and distract them during their time in the hospital. ​ Steven Mair, 26, is the first to take on the role this year.

As well as gaming with young patients, he plans gaming-themed events in the hospital, such as a launch day celebration of popular football game EA Sports FC 25, manages the charity’s Gaming Volunteers, and continues to fundraise for new gaming equipment on the wards.

Catherine Reid, mother of seven-year-old Jace, said: “Children in Jace’s ward can have long stays and intense treatment plans. This can include physical pain and a lot of new emotions. Often, parents can feel helpless at times. For my son Jace in particular, he is an experienced gamer. His blood disorder prevented him from going outside or starting school.
​“When the Gamer-in-Residence came round to play Mario on the Nintendo, he immediately lit up and smiled. It was an instant energy boost for him mentally and physically. In reality, I think often what kids want is some quality time and gaming with new friends.”

The new role comes after recent medical studies demonstrated a link between playing video games and reduced feelings of anxiety in the hospital, with some even suggesting video games could reduce pain.

Last year, more than £100,000 was raised to help children game in hospital with the Games for the Weans campaign, including £48,500 worth of gifts in kind from Neonhive and SPARCK, and fundraising activities like the Dundee Kiltwalk, charity streaming and the first ever Scottish Games Sale on Steam. ​ The service was also boosted earlier this year with a $12,000 donation from across the Atlantic with the support of American charity Child’s Play; this will be spent on hospital-adapted consoles that will replace outdated Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems, which are likely to be more than a decade old.

“Thank you to everyone across the gaming community for supporting this unique initiative to help young patients from across the country game in hospital,” said Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. ​ “Not only will your support fund more consoles and games for the children’s hospital, but it now also means Scotland’s young patients will always have a Player Two.”

Kate Ludlow, Spec Ops at Devolver Digital, added: “We are proud to support Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity in their efforts to offer their young patients the adventures, escapism, and fun that video games provide. We look forward to continuing support for their Games for the Weans programme.”

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is seeking new streaming partners to hold a charity stream for children in hospital. The funds raised will help young patients in Glasgow game during their stay on the wards. Contact our Gamer-in-Residence for more information: steven.mair@gchc.scot

About Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity funds vital projects and support services for young patients, their families and the NHS heroes caring for them at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children and across Glasgow’s three Neonatal Units. Projects include enhanced medical equipment, research, play programmes, mental health support for NHS staff and family support services.