Jennifer Hale To Voice 9-Year-Old April Arellano, The Inspiration For Guild Wars 2's Special Extra Life Story Content

ArenaNet has created something special this year for Extra Life, a charity organization that unites thousands of gamers around the world to play games in support of their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The team has created new in-game content for Guild Wars 2 culminating in a story-driven event featuring a new NPC based on April Arellano, a 9-year-old girl who recently underwent a leg amputation to save her from a life-threatening infection. April will be voiced in-game by esteemed voice actress Jennifer Hale, while her prosthetic will feature the most advanced jade technology, a scientific revelation most recently revealed in Tyria in February’s Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons expansion.

On November 4, ArenaNet plans to create a livestream experience during a 24-hour Extra Life 2022 Game Day stream that pulls in community engagement and incentivizes people to donate to the stream while also delving a bit further into the event’s plot. As players donate money to reach stretch goals, additional hints will be granted to help them progress through April’s story. April and the new event will be permanent additions to the game and all donations earned during Extra Life will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Hey all, Indigo Boock here! I'm a narrative designer working on Guild Wars 2. We’re so excited for everyone to dig into April’s little adventure during our Extra Life Game Day. I don’t want to reveal too many secrets just yet, but I can say that getting to talk with April Lynn and learn about her story was such a delight. I was immediately inspired by her confidence (and her dance moves, of course). April’s character in-game is resilient, brave, and filled with charm—but she barely compares to her namesake. We can’t wait for you to witness our little mesmer’s shenanigans firsthand.”

Not only will Guild Wars 2 be participating in Extra Life 2022, but it's also almost time for the 15th annual Guild Wars 2 Pink Day in LA which will be hosted by Gamer Giving Back in order to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. Players can learn more about this charity event here.