Zeldathon

Zeldathon is a recurring charity fundraising event centered around playing video games from Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series. The event takes the form of a live-streamed video game marathon, where participants play through numerous games in the series over a continuous period, typically several days. Viewers are encouraged to donate to a designated charity, with donations often unlocking specific in-game challenges, cosmetic changes, or other incentives chosen by the organizers and participants.

Originating as a grassroots effort by a group of friends, Zeldathon has grown to become a significant annual or semi-annual event within the gaming community. It leverages the popularity of The Legend of Zelda franchise and the interactive nature of live streaming platforms to generate substantial donations for various charitable causes, which change from event to event. The event is known for its long duration, often running for 100 hours or more, and the dedication of its participants to complete games while engaging with the viewing audience and managing donation incentives. It is a prominent example of how gaming marathons can be successfully utilized for philanthropic purposes.