Here’s some news that deserves some attention. ngmoco has teamed up with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in what is probably a gaming first. Players of ngmoco’s popular titles, Touch Pets Dogs 2 and Touch Pets Cats will be able to donate directly to the ASPCA to help the fight against animal cruelty. In exchange, players will receive collectible in-game items for their virtual pets. I have never heard of a gaming company doing this and it’s actually a pretty great idea in order to provide awareness about the ASPCA.

For more information about the relationship between ngmoco and ASPCA, click the read more link below for the full press release.

Press Release

Partnership Encourages Gamers to Donate, Adopt Virtual Pets

San Francisco – April 4, 2011 – ngmoco (http://ngmoco.com), the world’s leading social and mobile gaming company, and the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) have joined forces in the fight against animal cruelty in a social game initiative, marking the first time that a mobile gaming company has teamed up with the ASPCA to increase awareness about the ASPCA’s mission.

In the promotional campaign, game players can donate directly to the ASPCA through ngmoco’s award-winning iPhone and iPod touch pet simulation titles, Touch Pets Dogs 2and Touch Pets Cats, and receive collectible in-game items for their virtual pets.

“It is exciting to work with a company like ngmoco that is using its popular games as a force for philanthropic good,” said Steve Froehlich, vice president of development and membership for the ASPCA.  “Touch Pets players who donate during the game contribute to a worthwhile cause dedicated to helping our animal companions, and are also able to care for and adopt a virtual pet of their very own in the process.”

Designed by Andrew Stern, creator of the virtual pet genre, Touch Pets Dogs 2 and Touch Pets Cats take players to virtual playgrounds in the palm of their hand.  Dog lovers will feel right at home in Touch Pets Dogs 2, where players can adopt a puppy and teach it new tricks, including fetching toys and balancing on agility balls.  Players create a custom playland for man’s best friend, with all kinds of doggie toys, including remote controlled planes, flying discs, chew toys, doggie treats and more.

Feline fans can adopt up to six kittens from five different cat breeds from the App Store inTouch Pets Cats.  Kitty owners can also create a virtual playground for their feline companions, expanding their home with new rooms decked with their favorite decor.

“We are pleased to be able to support the ASPCA’s mission through ngmoco’s Touch Pets games,” said Neil Young, CEO of ngmoco. “Our pets, whether they’re virtual or real, give us countless hours of love and affection, and we want to do our part to protect them.”

ngmoco’s pet simulation titles Touch Pets Dogs 2 and Touch Pets Cats offer players the ability to donate directly to the ASPCA via both apps.  Both Touch Pets Dogs 2 andTouch Pets Cats are available now for iPhone and iPod touch devices and on the App Store.