Wizard101 Players Raise $126,000 for Charity

Wizard101 players had the opportunity to make special item mall purchases with proceeds benefiting two charities. Developer, KingsIsle, announced today that players helped raise $126,000! That's an impressive feat! ead the official word below:

KingsIsle's Wizard101 Community Raises $126,000 for Children's Charities

Plano, TX (Jan. 11, 2010) - Wizard101 players showed their strength as a community in benefiting two worthy organizations - Austin Children's Shelter and Child's Play. From Dec. 14 to Jan. 5, players were able to purchase an in-game riding mount, the "Meowmodon", for approximately $15 with all proceeds from the sales going to the two charities. The $126,000 raised by Wizard101 players will be evenly distributed between the charities. The endeavor was the first for the award-winning, magic-themed massively multiplayer online (MMO) game.

Wizard101 selected the two beneficiaries - Austin Children's Shelter and Child's Play - to support the local Austin community as well as the global gaming community. Austin Children's Shelter provides emergency shelter and care for abused and neglected children, and Child's Play is a game industry charity dedicated to providing games and toys to children in hospitals worldwide.

"Wizard101 fans have shown that there truly is strength in numbers," said Elie Akilian, CEO of KingsIsle Entertainment. "We were thrilled to see the Wizard101 community band together to benefit these two great organizations."

In Wizard101, kids and families enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.

Wizard101 can be downloaded at www.Wizard101.com and offers free game play for as long as players choose. Players seeking access to premium areas and items may purchase pre-paid cards in participating stores or purchase a subscription or Crowns online. New worlds, activities, pets and Wizard clothing are periodically added to the game, creating an ever-changing world with new things to see and do.

Kudos to Wizard101 players! Now, pardon me while I go ride my very own Meowmodon! :)