Last week, Blizzard introduced a new skin for Overwatch’s Swiss doctor, Mercy. But there is more to this skin than meets the eye – 100 per cent of proceeds from its purchase go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The skin costs $15 and is available for purchase until May 21. So far, Blizzard has raised nearly $10 million in donations thanks to this charity skin and the good will of the Overwatch community.
“Thanks to the generosity of everyone who’s purchased the Pink Mercy skin so far, we’re closing in on raising $10 million to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation,” Blizzard tweeted Thursday.
Players can also support the cause through partnered Twitch streams during the Pink Mercy campaign, but Twitch donations have not been added yet to the total. This means the developer will have sold well over 666,000 skins since the campaign launched on May 8 by the time it hits $10 million.
“We still need you!” ?
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who’s purchased the Pink Mercy skin so far, we’re closing in on raising $10M USD to support @BCRFcure.
Help us reach our objective before May 21! https://t.co/fj00Wmunum pic.twitter.com/JLiiu8jT7b
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) May 17, 2018
Fans that purchase the Pink Mercy skin are getting more than just a physical makeover for the healer. The skin also adds lots of new sound effects that complete the skin’s magical girl vibe. These sparkling sounds can be heard while healing, resurrecting, and even just equipping the skin in the menu.
If the Pink Mercy skin isn’t quite your cup of tea, you can still support the cause and earn Pink Mercy-themed goodies by watching participating streamers on Twitch. By amassing certain amounts of hours, players can earn a few different sprays, which will be automatically unlocked in-game.
Blizzard holds this cause very near to its heart, with Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan addressing the issue in the developer update video that announced Pink Mercy.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer that affects women,” Kaplan said. “Many of us on the Overwatch team have friends and family that have been personally affected by this devastating disease … We know how motivated and inspirational the gaming community can be, and we would love to see you join us in this effort.”
The campaign has been going on for just over a week and has already managed to raise almost $10 million, truly highlighting the compassion of the gaming community.
Overwatch fans interested in donating can still purchase the Pink Mercy skin until May 21. If you’ve already gotten the magical skin for yourself, but are still in a giving mood you can always gift it to a friend.