World of Warcraft (WoW) is no stranger to fostering a sense of community and using its platform for social good. Blizzard Entertainment’s latest endeavor, The Reven Pack, serves as a testament to this tradition, inviting players to support CureDuchenne, a global nonprofit focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, all while enjoying a unique in-game experience. Inspired by Mats “Ibelin” Steen, a beloved Norwegian WoW player with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the Reven Pack offers players a chance to make a meaningful impact while adding a delightful fox companion and other items to their game inventory.

Who Was Mats “Ibelin” Steen?

Mats “Ibelin” Steen’s story is beautifully captured in the documentary The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, showcasing his journey and how World of Warcraft became an integral part of his life. Diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Mats found both freedom and friendship in Azeroth, the expansive WoW universe, where he could explore, connect, and grow alongside a supportive community. Despite his physical limitations, Mats’s virtual life and relationships transcended his physical struggles, embodying a powerful narrative of resilience and the boundless possibilities within online communities.

In homage to Mats and others affected by DMD, Blizzard created The Reven Pack, making it not only a symbol of remembrance but also a means of raising critical funds for CureDuchenne. With all proceeds* from the pack going directly to the nonprofit, players can purchase The Reven Pack to support research and patient care efforts aimed at enhancing and extending the lives of those with Duchenne.

What’s Included in the Reven Pack?

The Reven Pack provides players with more than just a cosmetic addition to their WoW experience. It includes:

  • Reven, the Fox Pet: A curious and charming fox companion, Reven will journey with players through both modern WoW and WoW Classic progression realms. The name “Reven” means “the fox” in Norwegian, a nod to Mats’s heritage.
  • Reven’s Comfy Carrier: This back-slot transmog item, available in modern WoW, adds a whimsical flair as it showcases the snoozing Reven in a backpack adorned with traditional Norwegian rosemaling designs. This item combines cultural homage with an adorable design, appealing to players who appreciate a blend of aesthetics and purpose.

The Reven Pack items are shared across all present and future WoW characters on a single regional Battle.net account. This ensures that players can enjoy Reven and the carrier with any character they choose to play, adding versatility and value to the pack.

Pricing and Availability

The Reven Pack is priced at $20.00 USD and is available for purchase until January 7, 2025, at 10 AM PT. During this limited-time offering, players can support CureDuchenne by purchasing the pack for themselves or gifting it to friends and loved ones. Additionally, the pack can be added to a wish list, allowing players to keep it on their radar as they consider joining in on this charitable opportunity.

How the Funds Are Used

The impact of The Reven Pack goes beyond in-game benefits, with Blizzard donating 100% of the purchase price of the pack (less any chargebacks, refunds, transaction fees, and applicable taxes) directly to CureDuchenne. CureDuchenne is a leader in research, patient care, and innovative treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an incurable neuromuscular disease that progressively weakens the muscles. By contributing to CureDuchenne, players support efforts to bring new treatments to those affected by DMD, regardless of their geographic location, financial circumstances, or other barriers. CureDuchenne also invests in education and outreach to uplift families and improve standards of care for DMD patients around the globe.

CureDuchenne’s Mission and Global Impact

Founded in 2003, CureDuchenne has become a trusted organization in the fight against DMD. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder primarily affecting boys, causes severe muscle deterioration and is often diagnosed in early childhood. Due to its progressive nature, those with DMD experience increasing physical limitations over time, and without effective treatments, the condition is life-limiting. CureDuchenne is committed to finding a cure, funding groundbreaking research, and accelerating the development of new therapies.

Beyond research, CureDuchenne also prioritizes patient care initiatives. This includes supporting families in navigating the challenges of a DMD diagnosis, advocating for access to quality care, and providing valuable resources for individuals and caregivers. Through education and outreach, CureDuchenne ensures that its impact reaches underserved communities, extending hope and support to those affected by this difficult disease.

Why Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is among the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy, and it has no cure. Research efforts like those funded by CureDuchenne are crucial for advancing our understanding of the disease, discovering potential treatments, and ultimately working toward a cure. For players who may be unfamiliar with DMD, this is an opportunity to learn about and contribute to an underfunded and challenging area of medical research that impacts thousands of lives worldwide.

Blizzard’s partnership with CureDuchenne in creating The Reven Pack is an example of how gaming can raise awareness and funding for medical causes, showing that WoW’s virtual world can have a significant real-world impact. Duchenne muscular dystrophy limits mobility, which makes the virtual freedom of WoW especially meaningful for those like Mats “Ibelin” Steen. Blizzard’s initiative with the Reven Pack provides a way for players to honor Mats’s legacy and extend that freedom, in a small but meaningful way, to others fighting the same battle.

The Legacy of the WoW Community in Charitable Campaigns

The WoW community has a rich history of coming together to support charitable causes. Through various campaigns and partnerships, Blizzard has raised funds for numerous organizations by offering unique in-game items that players can purchase to support their favorite charities. By connecting gaming with philanthropy, WoW players have made a remarkable difference in areas such as disaster relief, animal conservation, and, now, muscular dystrophy research.

The addition of The Reven Pack is Blizzard’s latest foray into supporting meaningful causes, enabling WoW players to be part of the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy while enhancing their game experience. With a lovable fox companion and a beautifully crafted carrier item, the Reven Pack represents more than just a digital purchase; it is a statement of solidarity and support for the DMD community.

Bringing Azeroth Closer to the Real World

By purchasing The Reven Pack, WoW players become part of a larger movement to bring hope, support, and progress to those affected by DMD. The integration of a culturally inspired fox pet and carrier serves as a tribute to Mats “Ibelin” Steen and others whose lives have been touched by WoW. Players who explore Azeroth with Reven by their side can do so knowing that their in-game companion represents real-world change.

The Reven Pack also offers an invitation to the WoW community to remember that gaming can be a force for good. Azeroth is a place of adventure, courage, and companionship—and The Reven Pack encapsulates these values, extending them beyond the game. As players continue their journeys through Khaz Algar, the realms of Cataclysm Classic, and beyond, they will carry with them a symbol of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of community.

How to Purchase the Reven Pack

Purchasing The Reven Pack is straightforward. Players need a World of Warcraft subscription or active game time to access the pack, which can be found in the WoW in-game store or on Blizzard’s official website. Once purchased, the Reven pet and Comfy Carrier are shared across all current and future WoW characters on a player’s Battle.net account, making it a versatile addition for anyone who plans to explore Azeroth’s vast landscapes with different characters. And with 100% of the proceeds going to CureDuchenne, the purchase becomes a meaningful contribution to a worthwhile cause.

Join the Journey Until January 7, 2025

With The Reven Pack available through January 7, 2025, WoW players have a unique opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a memorable addition to their virtual journeys. The fox companion, Reven, stands as a small but potent symbol of resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity, reminding players that each adventure in Azeroth can resonate far beyond the screen.

As the WoW community rallies to support CureDuchenne, The Reven Pack will undoubtedly become more than a digital item. It will serve as a beacon of hope for those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a legacy for Mats “Ibelin” Steen, and a testament to the incredible power of the gaming community to drive change.


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