The big guns of the media world are certainly training their sights on the virtual worlds space, resulting in intense competition between the likes of MTV, Disney and Nickelodeon. Turner subsidiary Cartoon Network is in the fray too, and has just announced a new virtual world developed by its Cartoon Network New Media division. It's called Mini Match, and it's got a clear focus around gaming.
The world itself is a web-based isometric one, where players choose an avatar and then wander around environments based on various Cartoon Network shows (or at least their themes). Users can play multiplayer games against one another, as well as collaborating on ‘social puzzles’, and uncovering a wider storyline in the Mini Match world.
The games are all two-player, with many based on Cartoon Network brands. There’s a points system, with the reward points for playing being used to customise avatars and improve in-game abilities. The world has launched with four environments - Haunted Garden, Tower of Heroes, Underwater Lab and Alien Zoo, while featured shows include ‘Ben 10’ and ‘Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends’. Safety features are prominent too, with a chat system that only allows “kid-appropriate” words and phrases to be used.
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