Microsoft will donate $10,000 to save endangered wildlife based on your Zoo Tycoon activity

By Michael Archambault
published

Has your mother ever said that play those darn video games will never save the planet? No, she hasn’t? Oh, well – Zoo Tycoon is teaming up with Microsoft and fellow gamers to do just that. The virtual zoo community game that launched on Xbox One will be helping to save endangered animals through a selection of upcoming community challenges.

The goals of the community challenges are to choose a non-profit organization then have Microsoft donate $10,000 based on the engagement of players within Zoo Tycoon. Gamers and the rest of the community, will be updated with how funds are being spent and get to enjoy pictures and write-ups about the animals they have helped to save.

The community is beginning to vote on their first non-profit charity of choice. The current options include Rhino Rescue, Komodo Survival Program, and the Tiger Species Survival Program. Everyone will have a bit under two weeks to decide which non-profit they would like to have the money donated towards.

Zoo Tycoon - Screenshot

Microsoft has set three conditions for each charity based on which gets picked:

  • Release 1,000 Rhinos to the wild in “Zoo Tycoon” and Microsoft and AZA will donate $10,000 to help protect and deter further poaching of rhino horns in Africa.
  • Adopt 1,000 Komodo Dragons in “Zoo Tycoon” and Microsoft and AZA will donate $10,000 to support the Komodo Survival Program’s work with the Indonesian Government to protect this species.
  • Release 1,000 Sumatran Tigers into the wild in “Zoo Tycoon” and Microsoft and AZA will donate $10,000 to the Tiger Species Survival Program to help reduce the number of Sumatran Tigers killed, displaced or caught in snares.

Vote for the non-profit you like most by heading to the “Community” page within the Xbox One game. You can check the progress of voting by visiting the achievement app on your console.

The next challenge will begin in New York early 2014, so make sure to check back then!

If you haven’t picked up Zoo Tycoon yet, you can download it from the Xbox One Marketplace or at your favorite brick and mortar retailer.

Which charity will you be voting for?

Source: Xbox (opens in new tab)

18 Comments
  • Save the tigers lol I wish I had a Xbox one to play this game haha looks fun.
  • Does this not apply to the 360 version?  
  • Don't think so. X360 doesn't support Achievement Challenges :/
  • Just one more reason to love Microsoft.
  • The only reason I haven't bought that game is because it doesn't seem like a $60 game. This may change my opinion...
  • Seems a lot for small company like MS
  • Nice trolling. Why don't you continue from here;
    http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_%26_Melinda_Gates_Foundation
  • Still a fart in the wind
  • 40 billion dollars is really far from that. He's only second to Warren Buffett in philanthropy. How much did you give?
  • Gates foundation isn't Microsoft. Sure its owned by bill gates but its has nothing to do with microsoft
  • So yea 10000 is virtually nothing in fact its probably enough to save 1 tiger for a few months
  • Also I may have not donated very much money but I do take in reptiles that were neglected. I'd like to see bill gates take care of a mal nourished 5ft Nile monitor for 10 months in his own home for no pay.
  • How many other tech companies do you see lining up to do that? You know, this is not the only thing that they do for the society. They also give away software and subscription to universities, schools and students. Individually it may not seem all that much for you. But all together they make a much better contribution to the society than any other tech company. And that's one of the reasons I love them.
  • 10000 dollars is a fart in the wind to Microsoft...
  • How many other tech companies do you see lining up to do that?
    You know, this is not the only thing that they do for the society. They also give away software and subscription to universities, schools and students.
    Individually it may not seem all that much for you. But all together they make a much better contribution to the society than any other tech company. And that's one of the reasons I love them.
  • Save the beavers!
  • Or better yet. Release 1,000 tigers into L.A. I'd personally contribute to that.
  • Didn't know Zoo Tycoon was on Xbox One. I used to love playing it on PC.