Merging Web Games with Real Dolls
Virtual Barbie – Barbie Girls
The Barbie Girls world is a free Website which allows girls to create an avatar, design their own “room,” shop at the mall with B Bucks, go to the salon, play games, hang out and chat live with other girls. There is also a movie theater where you can see Barbie-related entertainment. This summer Mattel also started selling a Barbie Girls device, which can be plugged into the computer and connects to the Web site, giving users more options in terms of fashion, furniture, pets and overall content. The Barbie-Girl handheld retails for about US$60 and can also be used as a music player. Accessory packs for the websites are sold separately for US$9.99. This fall Barbie Girls will also be available in five additional languages, including German, French, Italian and Spanish. With Barbie Girl Mattel hopes to keep the “tween” girl interested, who are outgrowing their dolls and become more interested in technology and music and fashion.
Webkinz
With each Webkinz stuffed animal purchase (US$13) comes a secret code in its tag. When kids log on and type in the code their pet instantly comes to life online. Virtual pet owners than can feed their pets by dragging “food” into their special pet room. They can talk to the pet through the speak menu and a small monitor on the bottom of the screen lets them know if the pet is happy, healthy or hungry. There even is a virtual pet doctor, kids can bring their Webkinz to. Unlike Tamagotchis Webkins cannot die, but they can become sick and than need medicine. This medicine costs KinzCash which has to be earned through quizzes and other activities on the site. Webkinz now has 6 million visitors according to comScore Media Metrix.
U.B. Funkeys
Funkeys are small, colorful characters, which can be found at basically any toy store these days and in Funkeytown online. Each Funkey acts like a key that grants its owner access to a corresponding computer game. Each figure allows players to unlock new areas in the virtual world called Terrapina. Each player can create a nice home - or “crib” - for their Funkey. But they have to pay coins for every item they use. These coins can be earned by playing online games which can be found by navigating through the different zones and portals of the website. Funkeytown was released earlier this year.
