The hardware that once housed World of Warcraft has put thousands towards children’s cancer research.
We’ve seen quite a few gaming initiatives over the past few years doing their part to help charities. Whether they take the form of game bundle purchases going to earthquake victims or one of many charity marathons, there is a clear desire among those who love games to give back to someone in need. Now we can add one more entry to the good works of charitable gamers: the Blizzard’s World of Warcraft ebay auction just raised $330,000 for children’s cancer research.
“In October 2011,” Blizzard said in an official statement, “we announced that a selection of retired World of Warcraft server blades — hardware that once housed World of Warcraft realms- – would be made available for auction for this great cause, and you responded by opening up your hearts and your guild banks. Thanks again for your support and for helping to make a difference in the lives of children.”
The auction was announced last year after Blizzard upgraded its hardware and found itself with nearly 2000 retired server blades. Having once carried each the many realms of Azeroth between them, Blizzard recognized the blades would make an ideal (and lucrative) collector’s item. After outfitting them with commemorative plaques, Blizzard took them to eBay to generate funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“World of Warcraft realms are like the virtual neighborhoods of the game’s community,” said Blizzard Entertainment CEO Mike Morhaime. “[They] contain the spaces where millions of players have made friendships, forged friendly rivalries, and created lasting memories … Each winner in this auction will own a small monument to those collective experiences. The best part is that this auction benefits a great charity doing tremendous work in helping children from the U.S. and around the world.”
Sources: Battle.net, Games Industry International
