Charity Donation Option

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 Children’s 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 doesn’t 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 you’re 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.

I’m 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. You’re 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! I’m helping to make the world a better place by playing video games!”

While not (to my recollection) an NCSoft program, there's already "Real world hero."

... and personally, I'd prefer people do it because they want to, not because they want another badge for the collection or other in-game items. That makes it "a purchase," not charity.

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Damn. I hate to admit this but I'm on the fence on this one. On one hand I'm all in favor of encouraging charity but I also agree with Bill.

I think it would be great if we could make donations to charities in game. The place where many seem to argue that the original suggestion falls though is that you get something in return for donating.

In response, plenty of charities provide trinkets as a part of fundraisers. I recently received a lapel pin for donating three dollars to a charity. Did I buy it? It's a debatable subject. Regardless, if the game provides any such "trinkets" in return for a donation, I think it would have to be cosmetic at most, such as a title or a pet which provides no bonuses.

As to how the game could implement a donation system, if you stand in front of City Hall in Atlas Park long enough now, you'll see NPC's asking for donations for those displaced by the destruction of Galaxy City. I think the developers could change the statements to reflect the missions and goals of real world charities and ask for a donation.

I'm all for the charity, but just leave it at that. No in-game goodies, costumes, or followers..

Knowing you just helped feed or clothe a starving child should be reward enough.

Only if it's an international charity. Otherwise no.

I'd be happy to see it as a donation button in the market interface. Even a tick box when you buy points that let you sip the bonus points in favour for a % of cash going to a 'worthwhile' charity.

But am very against the badges or pet powers for it.

Well, charity is a wonderful thing - but I think that if someone is inclined to give of their time and/or money, they will. They do. They certainly don't need CoH to prompt them to do it.

Am I opposed to it? Not at all. I just don't think it's needed.