“For the first time, we are taking this new technology and using it to bring objects out of a virtual world and into the real world through 3D printing,” said Fries. “We are turning the actual characters that gamers play into something that is tangible and physical, no longer just online, and frankly we just think that is really cool.”

By partnering with Blizzard Entertainment, Fries is able to give World of Warcraft players the ability to bring their characters to life via the FigurePrints website. The service will be available to the public today, December 11, and will cost $99.95 per figure.

“Some day these 3D printing machines will be in everyone’s home,” said Fries. “But up until now they were only accessible to a few people in large companies. FigurePrints gives everyone access to this technology for the first time. Eventually, this will have application far outside the gaming arena.”

Some of the first to take advantage of this exciting new technology are owners of the recently announced Dell XPS M1730 World of Warcraft Edition notebook. Each system includes a “golden ticket” for the printing of a World of WarCraft character at no charge.

FigurePrints is officially “launching” today, December 11, with this innovative 3D printing process available only to World of WarCraft® gamers. CEO and Founder Ed Fries is best known for his time at Microsoft Game Studios where under his leadership, Microsoft Games produced more than 100 innovative and influential games for both the Xbox and Windows platforms. Among the most notable: Halo, Age of Empires, Flight Simulator, Combat Flight Simulator, Rise of Nations, Zoo Tycoon, Mech Assault, Crimson Skies and Project Gotham Racing.