Be a hero...for REAL.
There is a terrific PR tactic that has been implemented by many companies
but to my knowledge has never been attempted by a gaming company. This idea could put City of Heroes on the map, and charter an astounding wave of support and growth of our gaming community.
In the Paragon Market, give the user an option to have one dollar (separate from the VIP charge) donated once a month to a charity
perhaps something like Arnold Palmer or the Childrens Miracle Network. This option can be turned off and on at the discretion of the user.
What would the incentive be for making such a donation through City of Heroes? Aside from helping make a difference in the real world, the player would be awarded the Hero to Children badge (or a badge with a similar title). They would receive that badge as soon as one monthly donation was made. In addition, so long as they have their donation option enabled, the player will have access to in-game perks such as temp powers.
The following is a list of possible rewards, in addition to the badge:
1. Temp Power: Wonder Kid summons a child sidekick who follows you around on your adventures/capers.
a. There are several ways Wonder Kid could be implemented:
i. A standard, child-like NPC which follows you around but doesnt really do anything.
ii. A standard, child-like NPC which grants minor AoE buffs, similar to the fairy/wisp/drone vet reward.
iii. A child-like NPC who wears whatever costume set youre wearing at the time of the summon. A short doppelganger if you will.
2. Temp Power: Inspiration to Children 30 minute cooldown. Summons a child NPC to run up to you and hand you a random large (dual?) inspiration.
Im sure that plenty of nifty ideas could be implemented for possible rewards, but the real point is the donation itself. Maybe even include the option of donating higher increments, each increment offering a different reward and badge to go with it, but nothing so detrimental to have a negative impact on the gaming environment (i.e. the more money you spend, the better your toons are).
This idea is so ridiculously simple, yet it just seems so right for this game, and we would be the first. Just think about it. Youre playing a game about superheroes
and at the same time you get to be a hero to someone in the real world.
How many people can say, Look Mom! Im helping to make the world a better place by playing video games!
