Zynga gamers raise $1 million for Japan disaster relief via in-game items

Zynga has added special virtual goods to several games which players can purchase to donate funds. It's a very clever use of in-game purchases, and one even the most jaded of FarmVille detractors can get behind. A button has also been added to Words With Friends to allow donations, and all Zynga's Facebook games will accept donations via its Zbar.

Even if you're not a FarmVille or CityVille player, you can still donate to relief efforts. Zynga and its partner Save The Children have set up a page where you can donate directly over at savethechildren.org.

Tags: charity, cityville, donate, donation, earthquake, facebook, farmville, games, in-app purchases, In-appPurchases, japan, relief, tsuami, virtual goods, VirtualGoods, web, zynga