In a modern world of endless online possibilities, it was only a matter of time before virtual worlds like Second Life spawned multiple generations of alteregos. Usually geared toward adults, sites like Second Life generally host some content not suitable for children. However, the 2010 Toy Fair uncovered a few kid-friendly networks with a range of parental control options and a wide variety of educational games and environments.
Founded by scientists from the California Institute of Technology and launched by Numedeon in 1999, Whyville is designed to keep older kids interested in math and science using learning games, live events and social interaction to expose players to a variety of subjects, including civics, art, math, science and economics.
Users may create their character and then explore such places as the Why Reef, the Whyville CDC and WASA (Whyville’s version of NASA). Players may write for the Whyville newspaper, petition the Whyville government or campaign to become a Whyville senator. Sponsors like NASA, the Field Museum, the University of Missouri and the University of Texas keep the site updated with fresh content.
A full-time group of moderators manages the site, and they can help users with questions, bullies or any other problem. A 911 tool will report inappropriate behavior almost instantly. So that they can preview the environment, a guided tour for parents allows anyone to preview the environment before sharing it with their kids. Parents also get a notification e-mail once their child signs up. Whyville is free to play.
Built on an engine designed for user-generated content, Woozworld is a network of themed environments populated with user-generated rooms that can be private or public. Targeted toward tweens, members may design a personal virtual experience in one of four worlds, Mystic Alley, Colony 5, Cortoza and LibStreet.
Users explore Woozworld to socialize and to earn in-game currency called Beex and Wooz through games, missions and designing Unitz. As players visit other user-created realms within their chosen world, they can purchase items from vendor stations. For an extra adventure, My World and Woozworld cards open 10 worlds created by other users.
Additionally, players may interact with friends in a chatting environment monitored by Woozworld staff. The Woozworld dictionary deletes words not recognized automatically. For further safety, developers have included a Parent Zone, where guardians can monitor activity and buy Wooz for their kids. The site is free; however, a variety of subscription options packed with exclusive Spellz, Unitz, clothing and furniture are available.
Scheduled to go live in fall 2010, MyMiniPeeps will feature a fully 3-D environment that will be designed to encourage cooperation and social interaction between players as well as instill a sense of personal and social responsibility. Users will work together to create a neighborhood full of businesses, homes and activity. Players will also have the ability to elect their own governing body.
By running such businesses as ice-cream shops, banks and factories, users will create an in-game economy where they can spend their earnings on avatar and home customization, cars and other goodies. Full access to the community will require a monthly subscription of about $5. According to the Masher Media Web site, MyMiniPeeps will be available this fall on the PC, iPhone and Nintendo Wii.
