2020 – What a Year!
A Year of Challenges, Perseverance & Progress

Early in 2020, due to the COVID pandemic, the ESA Foundation was unable to host its biggest fundraiser, Nite to Unite. But we didn’t give in or back down. We met the moment with unwavering support of our scholars, got lots of help from friends and partners and continued to stride toward a more diverse, culturally enriched video game industry.

Here's a look back at the ways in which the ESA Foundation survived and thrived in 2020:
Nurturing Talent
COVID-19 Response


An emergency fund provided support for ESA Foundation and Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) Foundation scholars hamstrung by the pandemic.


Professional development for Foundation scholars went digital, with industry leaders conducting sessions on everything from mental health to portfolio building.
Making Headlines
Spotlight Scholar
The Foundation partnered with the creator of Totally Game
to share the extraordinary story of our scholar Isaac Wirth,
who’s designing an adaptive VR dance game.
Year-End Fun(draiser)
“Say Goodbye to 2020 for Good” ended a challenging
year on a financial, fun-filled high note. 
Most Watched Videos
Highlights from our “Say Goodbye to 2020 for Good” charity livestream
ESA Foundation scholars celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month.
Top Tweets
Favored Facebook Posts
Last but not least, a huge thank you to the handful of special donors who helped the ESA Foundation scholarship program continue and improve during an otherwise difficult year.