Dataminers have discovered in-game references to 'Darkspear Dash,' an upcoming event in World of Warcraft inspired by a fan-created LGBTQ charity run. The event appears in patch 12.0.5 and coincides with Pride Month on the Feathermoon-US server. Blizzard has not yet confirmed the details.
Dataminers recently identified assets and references to 'Darkspear Dash' within World of Warcraft's patch 12.0.5 files, as reported by WoWHead. This marks the apparent first official Pride event created by Blizzard for the MMORPG, launched over 20 years ago. The discovery has generated buzz among players ahead of Pride Month in June. The event is set to run on the Feathermoon-US server from June 27 to June 29. It begins with a beach party on the Echo Isles and concludes with a pool party at Silvermoon City's fountain. A datamined description invites players: “Join the Darkspear trolls as they celebrate individuality and identity. Race up Kalimdor and across the Eastern Kingdoms, from Echo Isles to Silvermoon!” 'Darkspear Dash' draws direct inspiration from the 'Running of the Trolls,' a community-driven LGBTQ event held for over a decade on the same server. That fan initiative raises funds and awareness for The Trevor Project, which provides suicide prevention and crisis support for young LGBTQ individuals. Participants can join regardless of server during the official version. Rewards include a new rainbow cosmetic item and limited-time effects that leave a rainbow trail while running. Kotaku has reached out to Blizzard for comment, but the company has not confirmed the event. WoW datamines of this nature have historically proven accurate.