Buying stars in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood or gems in Clash of Clans may actually do some genuine good for the next two weeks. A host of iOS apps, including the likes of Angry Birds, Farmville 2 and Puzzle & Dragons, are currently donating proceeds from in-app purchases to the Global Fund to fight HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa.
The app charity drive is part of Apple's partnership with Product Red, the brand established in 2006 by U2 frontman Bono and activist Bobby Shriver. In previous years, Apple has released physical products with Product Red branding, like iPods, but this year the company's charitable focus is extending to apps and games.
Gaming apps participating in the Apps for Red program include:
- Angry Birds
- Bubble Witch 2 Saga
- Clash of Clans
- CSR Racing
- Cut the Rope 2
- Despicable Me: Minion Rush
- Farmville 2: Country Escape
- FIFA 15: Ultimate Team
- Frozen Free Fall
- Kim Kardashian: Hollywood
- Monument Valley
- Puzzle & Dragons
- Rayman Fiesta Run
- The Sims FreePlay
- Threes!
In the case of a game like Bubble Witch Saga 2, developer King is donating proceeds from the purchase of gold bars in special Product Red-themed levels. Similarly themed purchases are also available in games like EA's The Sims FreePlay and Glu's Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, which sport Red branded in-game clothing. FIFA 15 Ultimate Team has added a special points pack and Product Red tournament to the game.
Some apps are going a bit farther. Sirvo's number puzzle game Threes! is donating 100 percent of the proceeds of sales to the Global Fund, while ustwo's Monument Valley has added a new limited edition chapter called Ida's (Red) Dream, that's included as part of new purchases (which are also going to charity). Here's a peek:
A number of non-gaming apps are also taking part in Apps for Red. They include Clear, a task and to-do list app, GarageBand for iOS, photo app Over, astronomy app Star Walk 2 and more.
The Apps for Red promotion runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 7.
More information on Apple's Product Red partnership, including the physical goods and electronics that are part of the promotion, is available at the company's website.