CCP Games, the developers of EVE online, has re-launched its “PLEX for Good” campaign in response to Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. PLEX, which is short for Pilot License Extension, is a usable and tradable in-game item that holds both real-world and in-game monetary value. This campaign is asking players to donate their PLEX, and for each one CCP Games will in turn donate $15 to the Icelandic Red Cross for Typhoon relief in the Philippines.
As of yesterday, players have already donated over $43,000, but CCP Games plans to boost that number with a charity live stream that will occur on December 7th. For different fundraising goals employees are pledging different things, such as receiving tattoos or getting their heads shaved. Previous PLEX for Good campaigns have been very successful, and the company has donated over $150,000 to disaster aid since their first collection in 2004 for the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. You can learn more about PLEX for Good and the charity live stream at this link.
This campaign helps prove that video gamers are a charitable community and that creativity can inspire people to help. Instead of just asking for cash donations, CCP Games decided to have players donate a virtual item to a virtual character within their game. While the end result may be the same, the feeling of doing it is certainly different. And why stop there? We can take the feeling of donating to a whole new level by actually allowing players to make a direct impact on the relief efforts. Giving the opportunity to contribute time instead of money is the logical choice for a video gaming community.
We applaud you CCP Games for your tremendous effort in relief aid. The money that you raise will be a great help to the Philippines during their time of need. We also implore you to go the next step. It’ll be a bold move, and a rewarding one as well.
