Twitch streamers have raised more than $8 million for charity

Twitch's streamers and their viewers have raised more than $8 million dollars for various charities over the years, as part of events like Desert Bus for Hope, Speed Demos Archive's Charity Marathons and Extra Life's marathons. Twitch said this amount could increase exponentially with this year's Extra Life marathon, which is due to start this weekend. Twitch says more than 4,500 broadcasters have already signed up to stream as part of the weekend.

Justin Wong, Twitch's director of partnerships said its community has rallied behind causes across "the entire spectrum". "Whether it's for natural disaster relief, autism, cancer, a friend-or even a stranger-in need, there is a game-playing humanitarian making a difference."

Some of the charities Twitch announced the site's streamers have donated to include the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Habitat for Humanity.

Extra Life's founder and director Jeromy Adams said Twitch was "changing lives by connecting kids in need with gamers who care".

"What better community to answer the call for help for kids than one that has never lost touch with their inner child. Twitch is game-changing."

Thanks, Polygon.