Two Players of PopCap’s Latest Social Game to Undertake World Record Marathon For Leading Nonprofit – Donation Period Now Open
DUBLIN, Ireland – June 11, 2012 — PopCap Games, a division of EA and maker of some of the world’s most popular video games, today announced a public, transatlantic Guinness World Record™ attempt for Longest Videogames Marathon Playing a Card Game involving the company’s latest hit social game, Solitaire Blitz™ and the kickoff of an online donation drive that will generate thousands of pounds for leading non-profit organisation charity: water©, which brings clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations.
PopCap has identified Laura Rich and Kathleen Henkel, both avid Solitaire Blitz players, from the millions who play the game regularly, who will be in London and New York respectively to attempt to play the game for 30 consecutive hours on the 26th and 27th June, 2012, thereby establishing a new world record per Guinness World Book of Records™ guidelines. The two marathon participants will raise a minimum of £6,500 for charity: water if they both play for the allotted duration. 100% of the proceeds will directly fund charity: water projects in developing countries.
In addition to its own “base pledges” of £108 per hour per player (£3,211 per player if each reaches the target of 30 consecutive hours played), PopCap has devised a custom donation mechanism whereby interested consumers can support charity: water by making an online contribution based on the number of consecutive hours of Solitaire Blitz one or both players achieve (up to a maximum of 30 hours). With increments as small as £0.06 per hour played, contributions as modest as £1.80 can be made by visiting the Solitaire Blitz app on Facebook and clicking on the “Pledge” tab above the game itself.
Laura Rich, 31, mother of three from Cardiff, Wales will begin her attempt at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, located next to the iconic EDF Energy London Eye on the River Thames against the back drop of the shark display. The attempt will commence at 2:00pm GMT on Tuesday, 26th June. Passers-by will be able to come and see the record attempt being set by popping by the SEA LIFE London Aquarium between 10:00 to 18:00, last entry is at 17:00; press visits can be facilitated day or night. At the same time, Kathleen Henkel, from the Oakland, New Jersey, will conduct her Guinness World Records attempt at The Lab, a gallery focused on performance and installation art, situated on the ground floor of the Roger Smith Hotel in mid-town Manhattan. Floor-to-ceiling windows on both Lexington Avenue and 47th Street will enable passers-by to watch Kathleen play.
“I’m thrilled to be attempting to set a Guinness World Record and supporting a very worthy cause at the same time,” said Laura “I’ll be logging some serious hours on Solitaire Blitz over the next couple of weeks to prepare for the occasion. I’m confident I’ll be able to reach the goal of 30 consecutive hours and help make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The first major reinvention in more than 20 years of the beloved card game played by more people than any other, Solitaire Blitz has attracted nearly three million monthly players in the weeks since its official launch on 1st April. Combining the simplicity of standard solitaire with social camaraderie and friendly competition, as well as the bonuses, power-ups and beat-the-clock excitement of PopCap’s other hit social games Bejeweled® Blitz and Zuma® Blitz, Solitaire Blitz is incredibly easy to play and impossible to put down.
About PopCap
PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to all ages across PC, mobile, social and other platforms.
Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000, was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2011, and has a worldwide staff of more than 600 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. PopCap’s games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship franchise, Bejeweled, has sold more than 50 million units.
Bejeweled, Zuma, Solitaire Blitz and PopCap are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc.
About charity: water
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. We raise awareness about the one billion people living without life’s most basic need and invite others to join our mission. Then, we use 100% of public donations to fund clean water solutions in areas of greatest need.
About SEA LIFE London Aquarium
New Shark Reef Encounter at SEA LIFE London Aquarium takes guests on an exciting journey through shark infested waters, where they will discover the truth about these awe inspiring but much maligned creatures.
There is an ocean full of fun to discover at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium with thousands of marine creatures from every part of the world, from a family of Gentoo penguins to rare Cuban crocodiles and green turtles.
Situated on the banks of the River Thames in County Hall, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is open 7 days a week with great value family tickets from £61.56 and special behind the scenes packages also available.
Check www.sealife.co.uk/london for full details and book online for 10% off and fast track entry.