Star Wars Galaxies Destroying Virtual Houses, Building Real Homes

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) has taken a problem with its Star Wars Galaxies MMO and turned it into a solution for the Austin Texas community. SOE LLC’s Austin, TX studio recently teamed up with Austin Habitat for Humanity (AHFH), contributing financially as well as through volunteer efforts to help people in the Austin community find homes.

SOE’s Star Wars Galaxies was plagued with a glut of player-created houses and buildings that have been abandoned or left unoccupied. SOE Austin VP of Development John Blakely wanted to implement a creative, uniquely Star Wars solution to this massive waste of space. First the “Galactic Empire” condemned these buildings, then offered player rewards such as droids, furniture and paintings for destroying any housing the TIE fighters hadn’t bombed to the ground.

“When we initially conceived this idea, we didn’t know how the community was going to react,” said Blakely. “Oddly enough, it was very well received; some players that hadn’t been in the game for months came back to reclaim their property, re-activate their accounts and start playing the game again.”

SOE Austin also donated money to charity for every house destroyed with the proceeds going to Austin Habitat for Humanity first.

“Using the money we raised blowing-up virtual houses and buildings to help build real homes was a no-brainer for us,” said Blakely. “Austin Habitat for Humanity has done incredible work in the community, helping people find good homes, and our whole studio wanted to contribute to their efforts.”

Blakely will present AHFH Executive Director Michael Willard with a donation at SOE’s industry reception at the Austin Game Developers Conference today.

“Teaming up with Sony Online Entertainment is a wonderful opportunity for Austin Habitat and the families we serve. The creativity and diligence that these professionals exhibit in their work are traits which translate well to our efforts to eradicate poverty housing in our community,” said Willard. “Austin needs creative solutions in our quest to create more affordable housing and diligent leadership in as we work toward those goals.”

via Press release from Stratics.com