RuneScape players raise $160,000 for charity by dropping coins in a virtual wishing well

Sometimes, a little virtual money can go a long way.

Players of the enduring massively multiplayer online PC role-playing game RuneScape dug deep during November, turning their virtual currency and items into real cash for charity. Developer Jagex converted all virtual items thrown into the “Well of Goodwill” into dollars, turning 512 billion gold into $160,158, split between three charities. With games so often generating negative headlines, it’s a great example of gamers, and a big developer, giving back to the community in a thoughtful way.