Smilegate Hope Studio announced on the 27th that it has teamed up with impact tech startup MyOrange to launch a crowdfunding campaign titled 'Error: Bug Patch Required,' which links web gaming with charitable giving. The initiative is built on the premise of 'solving real-world societal glitches just like in a game,' aiming to bolster the problem-solving capabilities of the youth.

The funding drive runs until March 31st, with all proceeds earmarked to support youth-led projects focused on resolving social issues. Starting in April, participating youngsters will spend two months under expert mentorship, identifying problems and crafting solutions. The project is structured to be engaging, featuring stages like 'Bug Collection,' 'Prototype Creation,' and 'Feedback Sharing' to keep things feeling more like a game than a chore.

MyOrange, the partner behind this campaign, is a firm that uses AI-based impact measurement solutions to scout social problem-solving organisations. They’ve tapped Education Lab 21—a group well-regarded for their scientific approach to educational innovation—as the expert team to guide the youth projects. Every penny raised will be funnelled straight into Education Lab 21 to bankroll these initiatives.

To encourage donations, a web game developed by the 7th cohort of the Smilegate Hope Studio CCL creative support programme has been integrated into the campaign. Donors can register their nicknames in the game's 'Hall of Fame,' a clever little nudge to make the act of giving feel like a bit of a high-score chase.