Operation Supply Drop’s 8-Bit Salute gets support for the troops from Bethesda, Hi-Rez Studios

By Gabe Gurwin Published May 16, 2015

8 bit salute 2015 8bitsaluteheader — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The charity organization Operation Supply Drop is hosting its fourth annual “8-Bit Salute” this weekend to benefit active and former members of the United States military and other NATO allies, and several high-profile names have jumped on board to help reach the program’s $1.337 million goal.

Much like Extra Life, which lets anyone set up a fundraising page for the Children’s Miracle Network as they host a game marathon, 8-Bit Salute tasks participants with raising at least $200 in donations over the course of May 16 and 17. While the program was designed with video games in mind, there are no restrictions: you can even play shuffleboard, if you so desire.

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Several big-name studios and production companies are taking part in the fundraiser, as well. SMITE developer Hi-Rez Studios has already raised well over $1,000, while Red vs. Blue creator Rooster Teeth has raised over $3,000.

Bethesda, meanwhile, is hosting a Twitch event to help drive its charity efforts. Saturday features The Evil Within along with its DLC expansions, while Sunday is devoted to the recently-released Wolfenstein: The Old Blood.

Operation Supply Drop’s care packages are truly gargantuan, including Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles and games, controllers, headsets, and even PCs. The packages are shipped every month to troops “downrange and in recovery hospitals.” The organization hopes to be a significant force for good, stating on its website that it “will be for this generation, what the VFW & USO” have been for past veterans.

Reaching specific fundraising goals will net you some “thank you” gifts, as well. Raising $50 or more earns a 3-month license for the XSplit streaming tool, while raising $5000 earns a “Custom OSD GAEMS Vanguard Case” for gaming on the go. The case includes built-in stereo speakers, an LED display, and storage bags for your console’s accessories.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

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