Once a year, Jason Iatomasi, I, and a few friends grab every TV, Console, Monitor, Controller, and Cartridge we can carry and camp out in Jason’s living room and do nothing but play video games for 24 hours. Well, at least once a year. But when we do it in October, we do it for charity.

The charity event in question is Extra Life. It started in 2008 as an event to raise money for a children’s hospital (click here for the full story). In 2008 and 2009, the charity managed to raise $302,000 for Children’s Miracle Network hospital, no small change for two 24 hour events devoted entirely to gaming. This year, participants can choose from among many (local) beneficiaries when they sign up for the event.

It takes only a few minutes to sign up, and it’s a great excuse to ditch your spouse, partner, or less nerdy friends for a guilt-free video game binge. Just enter the names of a few friends richer or more generous than yourself, and ask them to donate a dollar for each of the 24 hours you spend gaming or wandering off cliffs in Left 4 Dead while people scream, “Jason, don’t fall asleep!” at you.

To sign up, just follow the link. Or if you can’t make it this Saturday, but you’re feeling generous, you can support our team by donating here.