Blizzard Brings Pay-For Pets To WoW

Blizzard has introduced a "Pet Store" to its major World of Warcraft PC MMO franchise -- allowing users to purchase in-game pets for their characters. The pets available in the store can't be earned through gameplay, and can only be obtained via microtransactions. Blizzard has offered users services like server changes for an additional fee, but the pets represent the first time in-game content is available for purchase in WoW. In an official FAQ, the company notes that the pets don't offer players any gameplay benefits -- they're strictly cosmetic companions. Once users purchase a pet, they unlock it with a redeemable code via their WoW account, provided the user's account has been merged with the Battle.net service. The Pet Store opens with two creatures for sale, each costing $10. The "Pandaren Monk" is offered as a charity benefit item; for each Pandaren Monk sold between now and the end of 2009, Blizzard will give half the price to the Make-a-Wish foundation. The other option, "Lil’ K.T., the Littlest Lich," is a miniature of Naxxramas ruler Kel’Thuzad that "has a diabolical laugh" and shoots ice.