Blizzard Entertainment auctioning original World of Warcraft
computer hardware in custom display case to raise money for
kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced a series of special charity
auctions featuring server-blade hardware that was originally used during
the early days of the company's award-winning massively multiplayer
online role-playing game, World of Warcraft®.
Game enthusiasts around the world will get a unique chance to own a
piece of World of Warcraft history -- original Hewlett Packard®
ProLiant server blades that once housed hundreds of different
realms across North America and Europe. The net proceeds from the
auction will benefit St.
Jude Children's Research Hospital, one of the world's premier
centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other
catastrophic childhood diseases.
"World of Warcraft realms are like the virtual neighborhoods
of the game's community -- they contain the spaces where millions of
players have made friendships, forged friendly rivalries, and created
lasting memories," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of
Blizzard Entertainment. "Each winner in this auction will own a small
monument to those collective experiences. The best part is that this
auction benefits a great charity doing tremendous work in helping
children from the U.S. and around the world."
In total, approximately 2,000 of the original server blades from about
500 different World of Warcraft realms will be auctioned. The
server blades will each be contained in a custom windowed case featuring
the World of Warcraft logo and offering a view of the computer
hardware inside. They will also come with a commemorative plaque signed
by the World of Warcraft team, making each one a true collector's
item.
The server blades will be auctioned in batches over the course of four
weeks, beginning on October 17, 2011. Auctions will take place on eBay
and will be managed by Kompolt®, a world leader specializing
in online charity auctions. Interested buyers can find more information
on the auction schedule as well as a detailed FAQ at www.ebay.com/blizzard.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft®
and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo®
series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com),
a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI), is a premier developer
and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of
the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's
track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the
Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®,
is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Lisa Jensen
Vice President,
Global Public Relations
949-854-6200 dir
949-854-7900 fax
ljensen@blizzard.com
or
Rob
Hilburger, PR Director
949-242-8404 dir
949-854-7900 fax
rhilburger@blizzard.com
or
Shon
Damron, PR Manager
949-955-1380 x12508 dir
949-854-7900 fax
sdamron@blizzard.com
Source: Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
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