World of Warcraft event raises $2M to support DMD research, care

A fundraiser through the online role-playing game World of Warcraft has raised more than $2 million to support CureDuchenne, an organization dedicated to combating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

The fundraiser, which launched last year in partnership with Warcraft’s maker Blizzard Entertainment, is the largest contribution from a corporation given to CureDuchenne, according to a press release from the nonprofit. The money will allow CureDuchenne to further support DMD research and provide services to families affected by the disease.

“This campaign has been truly extraordinary — not only in the critical funds raised for research, but in the awareness it has generated for Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. “Through this partnership, thousands of families affected by Duchenne have felt seen, heard, and supported in a way that is truly remarkable.”

Funds raised by playing with fox character, Reven, created for event

For the fundraiser, which ran through early January, Warcraft players could pay $20 to purchase an in-game pet fox companion to join them on their online adventures. Blizzard donated the character’s full purchase price to CureDuchenne.

The event was launched in honor of Mats Steen, an avid Warcraft player in Norway who died of Duchenne complications at age 25. Reven, the name of the fox created for the fundraiser, means fox in Norwegian.

“The World of Warcraft community has shown that gaming can be a powerful force for good, and we are deeply grateful to Blizzard, the Steen family, and to every player who joined us in honoring Mats Steen and making a real difference in the lives of those affected by Duchenne,” Miller said.

DMD is a genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness and wasting, among other disease symptoms. Although available treatments for Duchenne help to slow its progression, there is no cure for the condition.

For Mats Steen, DMD made it difficult to go on daring quests in the physical world — but that didn’t stop him from undertaking adventures in Warcraft, where he played as a character named Ibelin. A documentary streaming on Netflix, “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” shares Steen’s story with the world.

“Every day, I’m greatly humbled by the kindness of the World of Warcraft community,” said Holly Longdale, the online game’s executive producer. “Your generosity in supporting this year’s charity pet program for CureDuchenne will help enable their incredible work and honors the deeply impactful life lived by Mats Steen — the inspiration for this year’s program.

“On behalf of the WoW team, thank you to our players, the Steen family, and the CureDuchenne team for bringing awareness to and supporting this cause,” Longdale added. “We invite all to continue showing their support to CureDuchenne where they can, and to continue to honor the legacy of Ibelin both in-game and out with compassion and joy.”