Train Sim World Charity Stream: Supporting SpecialEffect's One Special Day

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

The dedicated team at Dovetail Games, developers of the acclaimed Train Sim World series, has established a celebrated annual tradition of rallying its global community for an incredible cause. Each October, the studio participates in SpecialEffect's 'One Special Day' initiative, hosting a marathon charity livestream that combines deep-dive simulation gameplay with a powerful fundraising mission.

This multi-day "stream-a-thon," a highlight of the community calendar, is typically spearheaded by Matt Peddlesden, Executive Producer of Trains, offering fans a unique opportunity to engage with the developers while supporting a life-changing charity.

All Aboard for Charity: A Weekend Tradition

What has become a highly anticipated annual event, the charity broadcast typically spans a full weekend in early October, aligning with the games industry's wider 'One Special Day' campaign. The developers at Dovetail Games dedicate themselves to extensive marathon broadcasts, often running for 12 hours each day on the official RailfanTV channels on Twitch and YouTube.

This generous schedule ensures that simulation fans from every time zone can tune in, watch expert gameplay, hear direct commentary from the development team, and, most importantly, contribute to the fundraising goal. Led by familiar faces like Matt Peddlesden, these streams are a cornerstone of the Train Sim World community's efforts to give back.

The Driving Force: SpecialEffect and One Special Day

The beneficiary of this incredible community effort is SpecialEffect, a widely respected UK-based charity with a profound mission: to empower people with physical disabilities to experience the joy and connection of video games. Many individuals face significant barriers to using standard gaming controllers due to severe injuries or congenital conditions.

SpecialEffect's teams of occupational therapists and technology specialists work one-on-one with individuals to craft bespoke control solutions. Using everything from modified joypads and voice commands to advanced eye-tracking technology, they break down these barriers, opening up virtual worlds that would otherwise be inaccessible. 'One Special Day' is the charity's flagship annual fundraising event, where studios and gamers worldwide unite to raise crucial funds and awareness for making gaming inclusive for everyone.

A Direct Line to the Developers

Beyond the vital fundraising, the annual charity stream serves as a powerful bridge between Dovetail Games and its passionate player base. As Executive Producer, Matt Peddlesden offers invaluable insights into the intricate world of the Train Sim World franchise. Viewers are treated to developer commentary, deep dives into complex route mechanics, and engaging community Q&A sessions.

These events foster a remarkable sense of community, allowing players to see the passion that fuels the game's ongoing development firsthand. It's a chance to celebrate the latest entry in the series, interact directly with its creators, and unite for a cause that resonates deeply within the gaming world.

How to Participate and Donate

Supporting this annual event is simple. Each year, typically in the weeks leading up to October, Dovetail Games announces the official dates and schedule for the charity stream on its official forums and social media channels.

Fans can participate by tuning into RailfanTV during the event weekend to join the conversation and enjoy the content. To contribute financially, a dedicated JustGiving page is created for each year's stream-a-thon, allowing the community to donate directly to SpecialEffect. Every donation helps the charity continue its essential work, ensuring that the magic of gaming is a force for good that can be shared by all. To learn more about the cause, you can visit the official SpecialEffect website.