make-a-wish-foundation posts

Just before the release of the game's third expansion pack, developer Blizzard has released two more of the hugely profitable in-game pets for the hit MMO World of Warcraft. The Lil' Ragnaros and the Moonkin Hatchling pets cost $10 each and will likely be a solid source of revenue for Blizzard.

The Moonkin Hatchling could also generate a lot of money for a worthy charity. From now until December 31, World of Warcraft players who purchase the pet will have 50 percent of the pet's price donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last February Blizzard did something similar with the revenues of the Pandaren Monk in-game pet and as a result generated over $1.1 million to the worthy children's charity.

In the midst of yesterday's launch of the StarCraft II beta, Blizzard Entertainment also announced a news item of a very different kind. The publisher announced they were donating a whopping $1.1 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The donation was made based on sales of a special World of Warcraft in-game pet, the Pandaren Monk, that was sold to subscribers of the MMO during November and December. Blizzard donated 50 percent of the sales of the pet to the organization.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children who currently have life-threatening illnesses. This week, Blizzard granted the wishes of 15 children who were interested in game development by arranging a meeting with the World of Warcraft development team at their offices.