Capcom, hoping both to promote its upcoming horror title based on a blood virus AND do a little good, has announced that it will be holding a blood drive on the date of Resident Evil 5's release.

On March 13th from 11-5pm, the American Red Cross will be accepting donations at the World of Wonder Gallery on Hollywood Blvd. There will be kiosks set up displaying the game, raffles, and, of course, charity. I'm sure there's some law against offering prizes for donating blood, but that doesn't mean, if I were in the area, I wouldn't be lining up to get a free copy of the game or a Red Xbox 360. Hell, drain me clean - RE5 takes priority.

The press release is below, full of extremely punny references to blood types. I find it hilarious that they missed the obvious jokes about the Red Cross not accepting blood from someone who has traveled to Africa , but then again, I'm not too sure how that could have been weaved into a press release. Well... they made five blood type jokes... so...

Come Give Resident Evil 5 A Shot and Make A Positive Change For the Community on Resident Evil 5 Launch Day

Capcom will usher in the launch of Resident Evil 5 (on Xbox 360® and PlayStation 3) on Friday, March 13th by partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. On the way to pick up their very own copy of Resident Evil 5, gamers in the LA area will be invited to give back to the community by donating blood at the World of Wonder gallery on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, Calif. from 11 am – 5 pm. In addition, fans of the series will have the chance to get exclusive limited-edition Resident Evil 5 Blood Drive collectibles, win copies of the game, enter a raffle for one of several exclusive red Xbox 360® Resident Evil limited edition consoles and most importantly, do their part to help a good cause.

Kiosks showcasing the game will also be on-hand for fans to get a sneak peek at the eagerly anticipated new game before heading to retailers to buy their own copy. Generous fans who donate blood will receive exclusive Resident Evil 5 limited edition items created specifically for this event, including a series of hand-numbered stylized posters, bumper stickers, buttons and a chance to win a copy of the game or an exclusive red Xbox 360® Resident Evil limited edition console. All Type‘O fans will learn that they can B Positive agents for their community, and they will find that AB it of blood can go a long way.

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