Blizzard is a game developer, which also happens to be one of the most giving in the industry -- it recently created 'Whomper' in collaboration with Code.org for World of Warcraft. Whomper is the first in-game pet to be offered with the latest BfA expansion. His playful description reads as "adventurous pet with a curious nature."
It interacts with players by gently headbutting them when he wants to play. Blizzard launches a plush iteration of the pet in correlation with the expansion available in its Gear store. Those who purchased Whomper, whether it was in-game or the physical plush toy, Blizzard donated all of the proceeds to Code.org if it were ordered before December 31st. Code.org is an organization dedicated to expanding technology education to those who need it and provide the resources.
Charity-Focused Gaming Sidekicks
Whomper is a New Gaming Pet by Blizzard and Code.org for WoW
Trend Themes
1. Charity-focused Gaming - The trend of incorporating charitable initiatives into the gaming industry creates opportunities for companies to engage with socially conscious gamers.
2. In-game Collaborations - The increasing prevalence of collaborations between game developers and organizations presents opportunities to create unique in-game experiences for players while supporting charitable causes.
3. Interactive Gaming Merchandise - The rise of interactive gaming merchandise, such as plush toys, allows companies to extend the in-game experience beyond the virtual world and support charitable endeavors.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry can embrace charity-focused initiatives by partnering with non-profit organizations, creating in-game content that supports social causes.
2. Technology Education - The trend of incorporating gaming into technology education provides opportunities for organizations and companies to collaborate in expanding access to digital skills.
3. Retail - The retail industry can explore partnerships with gaming companies to offer interactive merchandise tied to in-game experiences, driving customer engagement and supporting charitable efforts.