Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dad re-tiles Donkey Kong for his daughter, has Pauline save Mario]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/dad-re-tiles-donkey-kong-for-his-daughter-has-pauline-save-mari/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/dad-re-tiles-donkey-kong-for-his-daughter-has-pauline-save-mari/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/dad-re-tiles-donkey-kong-for-his-daughter-has-pauline-save-mari/#comments

To a 3-year-old, it's a logical enough assumption: We can play as a girl, Princess Peach, in Super Mario Bros. 2, so we should be able to play as Pauline in Donkey Kong. Most seasoned players know this isn't the case, since Donkey Kong features a static game of boy-saves-girl - until now.

"My 3-year-old daughter and I play a lot of old games," writes Other Ocean Interactive creative director Mike Mika on Facebook, as picked up by Reddit. "Her favorite is Donkey Kong. Two days ago, she asked me if she could play as the girl and save Mario. She's played as Peach in Super Mario Bros. 2 and naturally just assumed she could do the same in Donkey Kong. I told her we couldn't in that particular Mario game; she seemed really bummed out by that."

To put a smile on his daughter's face, Mika hacked the 2010 NES Donkey Kong ROM, using Tile Layer Pro, and swapped out Mario with Pauline. He shows off the end product in the above Donkey Kong: Pauline Edition video, though we don't need visual confirmation that this is the most adorable story we'll write today.

JoystiqDad re-tiles Donkey Kong for his daughter, has Pauline save Mario originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adorableawwdaddaughterDonkey-Kongdonkey-kong-pauline-editionkidsNESpcSun, 10 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[US kids want an iPad more than a Wii U for the holidays, Nielsen finds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/us-kids-want-an-ipad-more-than-a-wii-u-for-the-holidays-nielsen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/us-kids-want-an-ipad-more-than-a-wii-u-for-the-holidays-nielsen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/us-kids-want-an-ipad-more-than-a-wii-u-for-the-holidays-nielsen/#comments iPad tops Wii U on US kids' christmas lists, says NielsenIt's worthwhile to note that this Nielsen graph showing the most-wanted tech gadgets for kids age 6 - 12 in the US is titled "Interest in Buying in the Next 6 Months." That's probably an incorrect assertion, since we haven't seen any 8-year-olds working the late shift at McDonald's recently. It should be titled, "Interest in Having Someone Buy This For Me in the Next 6 Months."

Kids' holiday wishlists are dominated by the iPad, snagging the top spot from 48 percent of respondents age 6 - 12. Right behind that is the Wii U, with 39 percent. More iDevices complete the top five, though Kinect has 31 percent, and 3DS/3DS XL and other DS models grab 29 and 28 percent, respectively. PS3 comes in with 26 percent, followed by the Xbox 360 with 25 percent. Strangely enough, 18 percent of kids want a PSP, while just 14 percent would take the Vita.

In a separate study of people 13 and older, the iPad remains king with 21 percent, making the split more even across all devices. Wii U is fourth in this group with 17 percent, while the PS3 gets 8 percent and the Xbox 360 7 percent. The Vita surpasses the PSP, 4 percent compared with 3 percent.

Check out the complete graphs below.

Continue reading US kids want an iPad more than a Wii U for the holidays, Nielsen finds

JoystiqUS kids want an iPad more than a Wii U for the holidays, Nielsen finds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsholidayholiday-2012iosipadiphonekidskinectmacmicrosoftmobilemoveNielsennintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uwishlistxboxWed, 21 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, iOS title Finger Puppet Frenzy gives your kids something to do, which gives you the free time to do your own things. Like mix a martini. Or two.
Image
What's your game called and what's it about?

Our first release is a kids' game, Finger Puppet Frenzy, where you tap puppets in a whack-a-mole style and you can find rare puppets who help you increase your score and stay alive. Surprisingly enough it seems to require a significant level of concentration - this is not the kind of game you can daydream while you play.

Does Finger Puppet Frenzy appeal to hardcore gamers, or are you not interested in tapping that market with this title?

No, Finger Puppet Frenzy is not targeted to the hardcore gamer market. It is specifically designed for the "I Seldom Play Games" market. The simplicity of the game appeals to the young and will likely just frustrate hardcore gamers who often require a more complicated level of gameplay.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Finger-Puppet-FrenzyiosipadiphonekidsmobileNeonBlueSun, 13 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure combines Kinect and Pixar flicks next March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-combines-kinect-and-pixar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-combines-kinect-and-pixar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-combines-kinect-and-pixar/#comments

What's better than a Kinect game styled after a Disney Pixar movie? Try a Kinect game styled after five Disney Pixar movies! The overly branded Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure is exactly that, offering up a series of Kinect-enabled minigames centered around five Disney Pixar movies: Toy Story, The Incredibles, Up, Ratatouille, and ... Cars. Well, four out of five ain't too bad.

As you can see in the trailer above, it looks pretty fun if you happen to be a little kid who really likes waving your arms around. You can see another shot of Woody and Buzz waving said arms around in the gallery below. Kinect Rush will be available on March 12 20, 2012 (for $49.99), and just a few weeks later, your kids will probably have some killer triceps.

Update: This post originally had March 12, 2012 has the launch date, when in fact it is March 20, 2012. Sorry about that!

Gallery: Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure

Continue reading Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure combines Kinect and Pixar flicks next March

JoystiqKinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure combines Kinect and Pixar flicks next March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneykidskinectkinect-rushmicrosoftpixarplayrushwaving armsWavingArmsxboxThu, 08 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam 3 blood options include green, hippie and kids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/serious-sam-3-blood-options-include-green-hippie-and-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/serious-sam-3-blood-options-include-green-hippie-and-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/serious-sam-3-blood-options-include-green-hippie-and-kids/#comments
As Serious Sam 3 spokes-dude Rich Knuckles is quick to point out, however, that's "kids blood" in the plural sense, not "kid's blood" in the possessive. Not that "multiple child blood" sounds much better, mind you, but it's actually not as bad as it seems.

JoystiqSerious Sam 3 blood options include green, hippie and kids originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodcroteamdevolver-digitalhippiekidspcserious-sam-3serious-sam-3-bfeSun, 04 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix's 'Just for Kids' section added to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/netflixs-just-for-kids-section-added-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/netflixs-just-for-kids-section-added-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/netflixs-just-for-kids-section-added-to-wii/#comments If the Netflix application on your Nintendo Wii is used exclusively for the Spongebobbening of adolescent family members (or yourself, we suppose), you'll want to keep an eye on its new content channel: Just for Kids. The section features films, television shows and franchise filters specifically geared for the 12-and-under crowd, a seemingly timed bulletpoint addition for the holiday sales season.

Take heed of the section's name, however -- that "Just for Kids" denotation isn't just a suggestion, it's federal law. You don't want to be thrown in the slammer because you couldn't resist the siren song of Phineas and Ferb, do you?

JoystiqNetflix's 'Just for Kids' section added to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyjust-for-kidskidsneflixnintendowiiTue, 22 Nov 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: 51 percent of American kids under 8 have played a console game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/study-51-percent-of-american-kids-under-8-have-played-a-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/study-51-percent-of-american-kids-under-8-have-played-a-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/study-51-percent-of-american-kids-under-8-have-played-a-console/#comments We're not sure which is more telling, the fact that just over half of all American kids 8 or younger have played a console game, or the fact that our initial reaction to that statistic was, "Wait, that's all?" Seriously though, 51 percent of anything in any statistical analysis is a drastically massive majority, even when it comes to a combination as natural as kids and video games.

The study, published by the aptly named group Common Sense Media, claims that 51 percent of American children (8 or under) have played a console game at least once. Break that figure down further, and its research shows that 44 percent of kids aged 2 to 4 and 81 percent of children between 5 and 8 have spent time with a controller, with 36 percent of the latter group gaming at least once a week.

There's no denying that we live in a media-rich environment, and that technology is more pervasive now than ever, but we don't think these numbers are anything to worry about. The study claims that most kids are exposed to games before the age of 4, which is certainly true for the Joystiq staff, and we're about as sane and grounded a group of people as you're likely to find.

JoystiqStudy: 51 percent of American kids under 8 have played a console game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>51-percentchildrencommon-sensecommon-sense-mediakidsstatisticsSun, 30 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ's 'Kids, Family and Casual' branch revealing new project next Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're the least bit worried about the massive workload THQ seems to have taken on -- seriously, just look at that chart -- you may want to avert your eyes from this particular story. During the publisher's investors call earlier today, CEO Brian Farrell explained that the company "will be unveiling an innovative new product a week from tomorrow in New York," later adding "we look forward to its launch this holiday season."

A representative from THQ explained that this new project is being developed by the "Kids, Family and Casual" (or K.F.C.) management branch of the studio, likely ruling out the chance that this unannounced project is that Saints Row MMO you've always dreamed of. We've contacted THQ to see if we can get any additional details about the project. Like, for instance, will it be crispy, or original? Can we assume it will be finger lickin' good? Will it come with its own secret blend of herbs and spices?

JoystiqTHQ's 'Kids, Family and Casual' branch revealing new project next Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbrian-farrellcasualfamilykidsthqMon, 09 Aug 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dumbest kids in the universe rob gas station for money to buy 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dumbest-kids-in-the-universe-rob-gas-station-for-money-to-buy-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dumbest-kids-in-the-universe-rob-gas-station-for-money-to-buy-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dumbest-kids-in-the-universe-rob-gas-station-for-money-to-buy-36/#comments According to a report from a Bellevue, WA news station, four boys, ages 11 through 15, were recently charged with armed robbery after allegedly holding up a local Chevron Food Stop using an airsoft pistol. The goal of their crime of the century was to yoink enough money to purchase an Xbox 360. According to the police report, the boys got away with around $200 -- just enough to purchase a 360 Arcade and no games -- before being caught by an officer shortly thereafter. The amount of thought that went into this thing is just staggering.

By a stroke of coincidence, four men across town were apprehended after robbing a local GameStop to garner money with which to purchase Slurpees and Taco Dogs at a nearby Speedway. More at eleven.

JoystiqDumbest kids in the universe rob gas station for money to buy 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bellevuecrimekidsmcgruff-the-crime-dog-is-disappointed-in-yourobberyteenstheftwashingtonFri, 22 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pen tapping along with the Super Mario song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/pen-tapping-along-with-the-super-mario-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/pen-tapping-along-with-the-super-mario-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/pen-tapping-along-with-the-super-mario-song/#comments "Clicking out beats to the Mario tunes with disposable pens" sounds a lot less impressive and awesome than this video actually is, so you might as well go ahead and check the video after the break to watch for yourself. We can't help think that Shane has better things to do, but this is what the kids are up to nowadays, we guess. No more useless than pogs were back in the nineties, and a lot cheaper to boot.

A better question might be: Where can we get that T-shirt? Our extensive Google-searching turned up lots of great Mario shirts, but we couldn't find that one for sale. If you see it online, let us know in the comments below.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Pen tapping along with the Super Mario song

JoystiqPen tapping along with the Super Mario song originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatscollegehumorkidslego-mariomariomusicpen-tappingpentappingpogst-shirtvideovideosTue, 05 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Girlz play Beaterator too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/girlz-play-beaterator-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/girlz-play-beaterator-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/girlz-play-beaterator-too/#commentsHere's something Sony should add to its Girlz Play Too page: Beaterator. Timbaland's collaboration with Rockstar hits PSP (and iPhone) soon. While a supposedly fully-featured music creator may sound intimidating, Rockstar proves that Beaterator is easy enough for children to use. One of the cooler aspects of Beaterator is the ability to use the built-in PSP microphone (available on PSP-3000 and PSP Go) and create your own sounds. Finally! With Beaterator, we'll be able to make a club song made exclusively of our favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger quotes.

Timbaland gives an overview of the game in a new trailer posted after the break.

Continue reading Girlz play Beaterator too

JoystiqGirlz play Beaterator too originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beateratorgirlz-play-tookidsrockstarRockstar-GamesRockstar-LeedstimbalandThu, 03 Sep 2009 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony targets kids with Japanese focus groups]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/sony-targets-kids-with-japanese-focus-groups/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/sony-targets-kids-with-japanese-focus-groups/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/sony-targets-kids-with-japanese-focus-groups/#comments
PS3 is a sexy piece of tech. Its library of games, from Killzone 2 to Metal Gear Solid 4, appeal to the hardcore gamer ... but what about kids? PS3 is still in its infancy, so it's unsurprising that it's failed to catch the attention of children and family gamers. That might change soon though, as Sony is finally conducting focus groups in Japan catered to the younger audience.

Siliconera reports that Sony is looking for participants as young as elementary school students to take part in a testing session at Sony's Tokyo offices. These individuals will give their opinions on upcoming PSP and PS3 games. Half-day participants will get 2500 yen compensation (about $25), while full day participants get 5000 yen and a free lunch. Imagine that! A job that pays you for playing PlayStation games.

JoystiqSony targets kids with Japanese focus groups originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyfocus-groupkidssceisonyFri, 24 Apr 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Hamtaro tries extra hard to scare off older gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-hamtaro-tries-extra-hard-to-scare-off-older-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-hamtaro-tries-extra-hard-to-scare-off-older-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-hamtaro-tries-extra-hard-to-scare-off-older-gamers/#commentsFiled under: ,

You shouldn't be ashamed if you're an adult (or even just a non-elementary schooler) who's played a Hamtaro game. People who've tried Ham-Hams Unite for the Game Boy Color or the GBA's Ham-Ham Heartbreak know that the sickeningly cute series can translate into a fun adventure game. Even Ham-Ham Games, which strayed away from the adventure formula and landed itself in minigame territory, wasn't half bad.

Hamtaro's handheld history was enough to make us consider picking up Hi! Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge once it released on the DS, but E3 swiftly changed our minds. Throwing up and spitting out everything that made Hamtaro bearable in the first place, the new game is not only a collection of minigames, but it features educational ones designed for young children. Basically, it looks like Brain Age for five-year-olds, with cute little hamsters taking the place of Dr. Kawashima.

Don't fret, though, Hamtaro fans. There is another title based on the license that came out in Japan last year, which seems to return to the adventure-like goodness we know and love. Unfortunately, that's not the game releasing this summer, and that's not the game Natsume decided to show off at E3. Hopefully we'll see it get localized soon enough, so that we can forget Ham-Ham Challenge ever existed.

JoystiqE308: Hamtaro tries extra hard to scare off older gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphadreamalphadream-corporationchildrene3-2008e308educationalham-ham-challengehamtarohi-hamtaro-ham-ham-challengekidsminigamenatsumetrainingWed, 16 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Real-time strategy -- you know, for kids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/real-time-strategy-you-know-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/real-time-strategy-you-know-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/real-time-strategy-you-know-for-kids/#commentsFiled under:



We're often critical of some of the children's games released on the Wii (one reason being, perhaps, that we're not the target market, but mostly because just how many pet sims do we really need for one console?). Crave seems to be taking a different route this time, though -- one that we can actually respect -- by coming out with Defendin' De Penguin, a real-time strategy game for kids. You can see this idea realized in the trailer above.

In the title, you are trying to protect a penguin village from wolves and other vicious animals who keep eating the town's fish supply. The focus on cute penguins and (we assume) the difficulty are what makes this game "kiddie," but we still like the idea of a niche genre being developed for children. Considering that vein of thought, what other uncommon genres do you think should be made into kids game? Of course, we might like to see a few more RTS games geared toward us on the Wii, too, if that's not too much to ask.

As for Defendin' De Penguin, it releases later this month for both the Wii and DS.

JoystiqReal-time strategy -- you know, for kids originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrencravecrave-entertainmentdefendin-de-penguinkidsreal-time-strategyrtsMon, 14 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trivia takes a Brain Quest to the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/trivia-takes-a-brain-quest-to-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/trivia-takes-a-brain-quest-to-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/trivia-takes-a-brain-quest-to-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

EA is bringing the card deck game Brain Quest to the DS, which sounds like North America's answer to Japan's Quiz Magic Academy and Europe's Super Brain Tease. Only, those of you familiar with Brain Quest will know that it's not as cool as Quiz Magic Academy, not to mention that it's for kids.

While such news probably seems like a bore to the majority of you out-of-the-demographic folks, we bet that a lot of young'ns will actually enjoy the game. This blogger remembers playing plenty of Brain Quest back in the day and loving it. Not only will it have multiplayer and single-player modes, but Brain Quest will also include a bunch of children's Sudoku puzzles on the side.

If you know any elementary schoolers who might be interested in this title, keep in mind that it comes out this September for $29.99.

JoystiqTrivia takes a Brain Quest to the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain-questchildreneaelementary-schoolkidstriviaMon, 23 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Case Closed: The Unexpected Localization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/case-closed-the-unexpected-localization/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/case-closed-the-unexpected-localization/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/case-closed-the-unexpected-localization/#commentsFiled under:

Here's a slightly random announcement: this September, those of us not in Japan will be treated to a Detective Conan (or, as it's known outside Japan, Case Closed) game, after publisher Nobilis snagged the rights to publish Marvelous' Meitantei Conan: Tsuioku no Gensou "all over the world."

Case Closed: The Mirapolis Investigation will see pint-sized manga detective and bespectacled, precocious sod Jimmy Kudo return to locate clues, attend crime scenes, collect evidence, and tackle mini-games. His aim? To finally catch a shadowy figure who crashes the opening of a new theme park with a series of crimes.

Truth be told, this is one for the kids (much like the Japan-only DS game), but Nobilis is doing what it can to keep the hardcore fans happy: the original Japanese anime voices, for example, will remain intact. Grab your magnifying glass and sleuth your way past the break for both a TV spot and trailer for the Japanese version.

Continue reading Case Closed: The Unexpected Localization

JoystiqCase Closed: The Unexpected Localization originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case-closeddetective-conankidslocalizationmarvelousmurdermysterynobilissleuththe-mirapolis-investigationThu, 12 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC asks: Are games making kids smarter? [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/bbc-asks-are-games-making-kids-smarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/bbc-asks-are-games-making-kids-smarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/bbc-asks-are-games-making-kids-smarter/#commentsFiled under:



After its laughable coverage of Brain Training's "discriminatory" stance on accents earlier this year, the BBC had some work to do to get back in our favor. The feature above, part of a recent edition of flagship news program Newsnight, does just that.

Rather than automatically accusing videogames of having a negative effect on children (a default position for countless media outlets), the piece suggests that games have helped to produce brighter kids now than at any stage in history. Leading the charge for this side of the debate is Steven Johnson, author of Everything Bad Is Good for You. Johnson contends that because so much modern media (the internet, interactive television, games) is no longer consumed passively, many children grow up to be "more creative, more dynamic." Later in the piece, he also suggests that games help us to believe that "complex problem-solving is fun."

There's some solid evidence to support Johnson's claims, most notably in the IQ scores of children, which have climbed considerably over the last century. Could computer games truly be assisting in making today's kids the smartest yet? We're not certain there's a conclusive answer to that, but it delights us to see the BBC covering the debate in such a measured fashion.

[Update: Not actually shown in the UK on Friday, as original post stated.]

JoystiqBBC asks: Are games making kids smarter? [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcchildreniqkidsmedianewsnightSat, 24 May 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Agetec shows kid-friendly PS2 love in Falling Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/agetec-shows-kid-friendly-ps2-love-in-falling-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/agetec-shows-kid-friendly-ps2-love-in-falling-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/agetec-shows-kid-friendly-ps2-love-in-falling-stars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Refusing to close the lid on the PS2's casket, Armored Core publisher Agetec has announced plans to bring last-gen RPG Falling Stars to North America this summer. The game casts players in the role of a young girl named Luna on a quest to save the village of Dazzleon from her own green-skinned uncle and his obsession with turning peaceful creatures into evil pets.

According to Agetec, the Ivolgamus-created Falling Stars will include "cute characters, fun mini games, and simplified controls." Wait, is this a PS2 or Wii game we're talking about here? Either way, this role-playing game for the younger set will no doubt give players coming off of the Lithuanian developer's Barbie as The Island Princess something else to look forward to after nap time.

JoystiqAgetec shows kid-friendly PS2 love in Falling Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agetecfalling-starsfallingstarsIvolgamuskidsPS2role-playingroleplayingMon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA announces Zubo for the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ea-announces-zubo-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ea-announces-zubo-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ea-announces-zubo-for-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:


EA has a new DS game lined up and it's called Zubo. While it sounds like some kind of long-lost martial art, Zubo is, in fact, a rhythm-based game aimed at "teh kiddiez." Geared toward boys and girls age 7 through 11, EA's Casual Entertainment Label is hoping they have a winner on their hands here. Zubo is currently set to ship this fall.

In the game, the player aids the fine inhabitants of Zubalon against the evil Zombos. There's also more to the title than just that, as players will also be charged with recruiting, feeding and overall training their Zubos before sending them into musically-driven battles. Sounds like fun!

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEA announces Zubo for the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eakidsmusicrhythmzombozubalonzuboFri, 28 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Speed Racer ... you know, for kids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/speed-racer-you-know-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/speed-racer-you-know-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/speed-racer-you-know-for-kids/#commentsFiled under:

If you spent your days as a youngin' watching cartoons, you're probably familiar with Speed Racer. Yet, most fans of the series are all grown up now, considering that it aired over a decade ago. (Yes, Speed Racer X was around more recently, but that doesn't count since it got yanked after only a few episodes.)

That's why we were kind of baffled after watching this interview with the game's producer, Jeff Nachbaur. Nachbaur explains that the target audience for the upcoming Speed Racer title is 8-12 year olds, so the developers focused most of the game's testing on them. He also mentions that kids will love the roller coaster-esque tracks, in case you weren't sure that this game was made for kids. While we can definitely see those in a young age group becoming enamored with the new movie (which is what this game is based on), what about the gaggle of oldschool Speed Racer fans (like this blogger)? Will we enjoy it, too?

Perhaps -- after all, Mario Kart is an all-ages racer -- but the constant emphasis on this being a kids game has us a little less excited.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqSpeed Racer ... you know, for kids originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeff-nachbaurkidsracingsidhespeed-racerwarner-brosThu, 20 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Children-focused dev Nik Nak creating Ology games for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/children-focused-dev-nik-nak-creating-ology-games-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/children-focused-dev-nik-nak-creating-ology-games-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/children-focused-dev-nik-nak-creating-ology-games-for-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Since announcing plans to re-imagine Templar Publishing's popular Ology series of children's books as video games last October, Codemasters has kept mum on the project, stating only that the first title in the series, Dragonology, will ship for the Wii and Nintendo DS during the second half of this year. Now Kuju's recently formed studio Nik Nak has confirmed that it is handling not only the development of Dragonology, but the follow up Wizardology as well. Nik Nak's efforts only extend to the Wii versions of the games, which are expected to take a more action-oriented approach to the material, so we're left to guess on whose lap the DS versions will fall.

Details remain scarce on the titles, though Nik Nak notes that the games will "tap into children's insatiable appetite for all things magical and mythical," and that the Wii remote will make them accessible to both new and seasoned gamers alike. Accessible, sure, but will the waggle-enhanced gameplay make learning about dragons or casting magical spells more fun?

JoystiqChildren-focused dev Nik Nak creating Ology games for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersDragonologydragonskidskujunik nakNikNakologywaggleWiiWizardologywizardsTue, 22 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dean Takahashi lists best games for kids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/dean-takahashi-lists-best-games-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/dean-takahashi-lists-best-games-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/dean-takahashi-lists-best-games-for-kids/#commentsFiled under:

And guess what company is at the top of the thing?

Yup, Nintendo ranks pretty high on the list, with Mario's latest outing on the Wii enjoying "top dog" status. Coming in at the bottom of the list is The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass on the DS. The two sandwich in eight titles, mostly for the Wii, including Mario & Sonic at the Olympics and EA Playground.

We figured we'd mix Dean's list up a bit and have you all pick your favorite kid-friendly Wii games. What do you think is the best the system has to offer for younger gamers?

JoystiqDean Takahashi lists best games for kids originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eakidsmariomarioandsonicsupermariogalaxyzeldaTue, 04 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kuju opens new Nik Nak studio aimed at kids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/kuju-opens-new-nik-nak-studio-aimed-at-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/kuju-opens-new-nik-nak-studio-aimed-at-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/kuju-opens-new-nik-nak-studio-aimed-at-kids/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mere days after the announcement of Kuju's new download-focused studio doublesix, the company has turned an eye towards developing children's titles by opening up yet another studio, this one adopting the appropriately playful name Nik Nak.

The new studio, Kuju's sixth, will be captained by industry vet Kevin Holloway, and plans to create kid-friendly games across a variety of platforms aimed at players between the ages of 6 and 12, with all games carrying ESRB ratings of 'E' for everyone 10+ or below.

The first titles from Nik Nak are expected to be announced sometime in 2008, and while it remains anyone's guess what sorts of games will emerge from this new studio, the company has confirmed that its initial batch of releases will be based on an undisclosed high profile IP. Thinking back on our own time spent growing up, raised by television's glowing warmth, we'd wish that this new property would appeal to our inner child with something along the lines of G.I. Joe or He-Man. Maybe Thundercats. Our Magic 8-ball says "wishful thinking."

JoystiqKuju opens new Nik Nak studio aimed at kids originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kidskujunik-nakMon, 03 Dec 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[505 Games did it, Mum!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/505-games-did-it-mum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/505-games-did-it-mum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/505-games-did-it-mum/#commentsFiled under:

European budget publisher 505 Games announced a new title for the children. Because the children are a very profitable demographic our future!

The game is called I Did It Mum! and comes in boys' or girls' versions. Both versions are jam-packed with educational minigames like "Toy Train" and "Drive the Car." And both versions are totally for preschoolers, so you have an excuse not to be interested in the thing yourself. But if you have kids, this may be perfect "Playing DS Games Training" to help them get ready for other training games.

[Via Joystiq]

Joystiq505 Games did it, Mum! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505 games505Gamesbudgetchildrendid itDidItdsds liteDsLiteeducationali did it mumIDidItMumkidsliteminigamesnintendopreschoolThu, 05 Jul 2007 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DS game aimed at preschoolers announced -- I Did It Mum!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/ds-game-aimed-at-preschoolers-announced-i-did-it-mum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/ds-game-aimed-at-preschoolers-announced-i-did-it-mum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/ds-game-aimed-at-preschoolers-announced-i-did-it-mum/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UK publisher 505 Games announced today I Did It Mum!, a collection of educational mini-games aimed at preschool boys and girls. The DS title will come in two separate versions, one for each gender, and feature games such as "toy train", "drive the car", "color the animals", and "little kitchen". I Did It Mum! even has a voice recording option that allows parents to record a congratulatory message (or, for kicks, nonsensical sounds to confuse and/or delight) that will be played when mini-games are complete. Even though it's aimed at preschoolers, we're sure your average gamer would still get a kick out of playing house in "little kitchen".

JoystiqDS game aimed at preschoolers announced -- I Did It Mum! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505entertainmentdsedutainmentkidsnintendopreschoolersukThu, 05 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three-year-old's Tennis tantrum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/three-year-olds-tennis-tantrum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/three-year-olds-tennis-tantrum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/three-year-olds-tennis-tantrum/#commentsFiled under: ,

Brian McConnell left his son, Adam, alone with a game of Wii Sports: Tennis for only a few moments to fetch a drink, but that was all the time the little demon needed. Not even a Wii remote strap could've saved Brian's plasma TV once the three-year-old set his mind on avenging a lost match.

Brian came back to the living room to find his £1,000 television ruined, its 42-inch screen bashed by his Wiimote-wielding progeny. Queue up the darth_vader_nooo.jpg images.

The forgiving father let Adam off the hook with only a light lecture and a two-week Wii ban. That's a lot more lenient than the hanging, drawing, and quartering punishment one of our NintenDadz would've sought.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqThree-year-old's Tennis tantrum originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokenchildchildrendaddemonfatherirelandkidkidsplasmaremotescreensonstraptelevisiontennistvwii remotewii sportswii tenniswiimoteWiiRemotewiisportsWiiTennisSat, 26 May 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[In DS-land, playground comes to you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/in-ds-land-playground-comes-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/in-ds-land-playground-comes-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/in-ds-land-playground-comes-to-you/#commentsFiled under:

EA likes to swim against the tide. In the era of exer-gaming, they're making a game that's all about sitting on your ass while pretending you're at the playground for a fun-time experience. Obviously, it will sell ten million copies -- after all, it's on the DS, and we all know what that means: profit.

Admittedly, EA Playground is a My Street-Wii Sports mashup, and since it's aimed at younger gamers, it's an easy target. The bold, bright visuals and odd character models don't do much for us, but maybe that's okay -- it's not for us. But a mini-game collection with a casual stab at story-telling doesn't sound nearly as engaging as most DS fare, and we can blow into the microphone in a million different ways if we are so inclined. We'll keep an eye on this one, but at first glance, we're not terribly impressed, and we like games largely aimed at younger players.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqIn DS-land, playground comes to you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEAEA PlaygroundEaPlaygroundexergamingkidsmini-gameminigameNintendoplaygroundWed, 02 May 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[China imposes anti-addiction limits on kids' gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/china-imposes-anti-addiction-limits-on-kids-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/china-imposes-anti-addiction-limits-on-kids-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/china-imposes-anti-addiction-limits-on-kids-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

China's estimated 18 million underage online gamers better enjoy their unfettered play time while they can. State news agency Xinhua is reporting on Chinese government restrictions that will limit internet gaming for minors starting July 15. The reasoning behind the limits? A National Children's Center report that claims 13 percent of those young Chinese gamers -- over 2 million players -- are addicted to online games. Apparently, in this case, the good of the few outweighs the freedom of the many.

Reportedly, minors who spend more then three hours a day in-game will lose half their "earned credits" -- five hours of gaming a day will lose kids all their credits. Possibly more chillingly, all online gamers will be required to provide their government ID number to confirm that they're over 18. That's right -- Big Brother is watching you play games.

Previously: China to set three hour limit on MMORPGs

[Via Next Gen]

JoystiqChina imposes anti-addiction limits on kids' gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesekidslimitsMMOsonlinePCpoliticsTue, 10 Apr 2007 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 14-years-old? Microsoft exec. says trade in your Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/over-14-years-old-microsoft-exec-says-trade-in-your-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/over-14-years-old-microsoft-exec-says-trade-in-your-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/over-14-years-old-microsoft-exec-says-trade-in-your-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Microsoft is bringing out an old staple and going on the offense that the Wii is nothing but a kiddie system. In the New York Times today John Rodman, group product manager for the Xbox platform and Xbox Live, said, "We don't feel like the Wii customer and the Xbox customer are the same thing ... We think that as soon as the Wii customer turns 14 they want something else."

Shane Kim of Microsoft praised Nintendo, but also stayed on message, in a recent Gamasutra interview, "I don't view Nintendo as a direct competitor, simply because they're not trying to do the same things as we are on the higher end - they don't have the same online aspirations as we do - but Sony and Microsoft really need to compete for that customer segment if we want to get to the mass market and win this generation."

So, although Xbox and PlayStation are for the adults and Wii-Tang Clan is all about the children, Microsoft does realize they need to break into the kiddie demographic. If you're looking for the good spin on this, it's not that Wii isn't for adults as much as Xbox wants to be for the kids.

JoystiqOver 14-years-old? Microsoft exec. says trade in your Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kidsmicrosoftnintendotrade upwiixbox 360Xbox-360Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: lower price, younger demographic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/analyst-lower-price-younger-demographic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/analyst-lower-price-younger-demographic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/analyst-lower-price-younger-demographic/#commentsFiled under:

Analysts get paid a lot of money to come up with stuff. While most of the info they spew out is incorrect, it's still fascinating to see the kooky predictions that they come up with. GameDaily BIZ reports that Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian believes that Sony will be targeting younger players in future PSP campaigns: "Sony could be preparing to bolster the PSP handheld market with a shift in marketing towards a younger demographic, possibly including a hardware price cut later this year."

A lower price combined with some more kid-friendly software a la LocoRoco may help the PSP compete directly against its biggest competitor: the DS. Certainly, Nintendo has reaped the benefits of going for the younger gamer: will Sony be able to strike gold as well?

JoystiqAnalyst: lower price, younger demographic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystcolin sebastianColinSebastiandemographicdsgamedailykidkidslazard capital marketsLazardCapitalMarketsnintendo dsNintendoDspriceyoungTue, 13 Mar 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata invasion results in Mario Lopez dancing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/viva-pi-ata-invasion-results-in-mario-l-pez-dancing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/viva-pi-ata-invasion-results-in-mario-l-pez-dancing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/viva-pi-ata-invasion-results-in-mario-l-pez-dancing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


How on earth did this guy not win? Check out the moves.

Joystiq attended a Microsoft Viva Piñata event on the California coast yesterday, held at the world famous Santa Monica Pier. There must have been about a billion piñatas everywhere, but none of them were harmed during the event. Not a single one. How can you possibly set a bunch of kids loose on a bunch of papier måché animals and not expect them to a) want to whack the crap out of them, and b) grab all the candy that comes spilling out? Well, Microsoft is changing one mind at a time.

This was an event for kids, and there was the requisite face painting, picture taking, game playing, and ... Mario López? We're still not sure what he was doing there, other than the fact that yes, he's Mexican ... and was on Dancing with the Stars. Okay, so in stretch maybe we cou ... no, we still don't buy it. In addition to the tons of piñatas, the Spanish-language L.A. radio station La Raza 97.9 was also there to kick up the Latino factor with some jams and prizes. Unfortunately, there was no spicy food served at this event, much to our chagrin. However, they did have this commercial for the game playing on some sweet HDTVs. We could laugh at that all day. Well, through at least three viewings.

Check out our photocomic spread of the event after the jump. Just don't say we didn't warn you.

Continue reading Viva Pinata invasion results in Mario Lopez dancing

JoystiqViva Pinata invasion results in Mario Lopez dancing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancekidsMario LopezMexicanMexicoMicrosoftPierSanta MonicasmashvideoViva PinataVivaPinataXbox 360Xbox-360Mon, 04 Dec 2006 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[More kids break PSPs. With firecrackers. And guns.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/more-kids-break-psps-with-firecrackers-and-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/more-kids-break-psps-with-firecrackers-and-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/more-kids-break-psps-with-firecrackers-and-guns/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kids these days enjoy blowing up stuff. YouTube is filled with kids pretending to be cool by destroying things that they bought with their parents' hard-earned money. Here are two videos that act as proof that Americans really aren't the brightest people in the world. The first video features a kid blowing up Gangs of London (with firecrackers). This is somewhat forgiveable, maybe even acceptable, considering how awful that game is.

The second video truly frightens me. We've seen our share of PSPs being destroyed, but there's something truly hideous about the genuine glea these kids seem to be exhibiting. The video's after the cut, and features some harsh language.

Continue reading More kids break PSPs. With firecrackers. And guns.

JoystiqMore kids break PSPs. With firecrackers. And guns. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destroydestroyedfirecrackersgangs of londonGangsOfLondonkidspspstupidviolenceyoutubeTue, 10 Oct 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Absolutely brutal banned PSP ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/03/absolutely-brutal-banned-psp-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/03/absolutely-brutal-banned-psp-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/03/absolutely-brutal-banned-psp-ad/#commentsFiled under:


This can not be real. PSP ads have been terrible for the most part, but this takes it one step further into the "what the f--- were they thinking?" category. The video is embeeded after the cut, but I'll have a FOX-like warning for you: Due to the violent nature of this advertisement, viewer discretion is advised.

See also:
ASA rules UK PSP ads inoffensive

Continue reading Absolutely brutal banned PSP ad

JoystiqAbsolutely brutal banned PSP ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadveritsementsadvertisementbeatingcommercialcommercialsjoystiqkidspainlesspspvideoviolentTue, 03 Oct 2006 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on with Project Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-project-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-project-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-project-wiki/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Project Wiki from Webzen is a bright, colourful MMO that immediately stands out from their other post-apocalyptic/dark-fantasy offerings. With inviting colours and visuals reminiscent of a 2D cartoon, the game seems well-matched to its kids-and-teens target demographic.

It's simple to play -- perhaps too simple -- and death comes quickly at the hands of nearby enemies; the character we were playing has a limited number of skills which made combat a little repetitive. Project Wiki is only scheduled for a Korean release -- its anime-inspired graphics may make it appealing in the West, but its gameplay is rooted firmly in the East.

JoystiqHands on with Project Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacartoonychildrenE3e32006easternkiddiekidskoreakoreanmmommorpgproject wikiProjectWikiteenwebzenWed, 10 May 2006 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cybersex is child's play: virtual world morals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/12/cybersex-is-childs-play-virtual-world-morals/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/12/cybersex-is-childs-play-virtual-world-morals/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/12/cybersex-is-childs-play-virtual-world-morals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We've already heard recently about the sexy side of Second Life, a virtual world in which the players' imaginations are more or less the limits. This article, however, shows just what can -- and does -- happen in an 18 environment where players are given free rein. Although Second Life is no stranger to kinks and perversions, some fetishes provoke far stronger opposition than others.

The case in point here is age play, a pastime in which adults put on kiddy avatars and act out scenes which would, in the real world, be considered paedophilic. Thanks to Second Life's strict separation of minors and adults, everyone taking part is of age, which makes for an interesting moral debate. Is this activity virtual paedophilia, an offensive type of sexual play that should be banned lest it lead to real crime? Or is it simply an extension of the fantasy world, a harmless activity carried out in private?

Sex-based virtual world Rapture Online, mentioned in the article, is playing it safe from the outset by not letting adults look like children. In SL, however, some official decisions may eventually have to be made on this front -- the simple existence of this sort of activity is enough to get some people riled up, but by infringing on users' freedoms to fantasise about whatever they want in private, the world loses some of its strength.

[Thanks, Ken. Image shows items available from some of SL's kid-themed shops.]

JoystiqCybersex is child's play: virtual world morals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age gapage playAgeGapAgePlaychildrencybersexkidsmoralsonline sexOnlineSexpaedophiliaPCsex and gamesSexAndGamesvirtual moralsvirtual worldsVirtualMoralsVirtualWorldsWed, 12 Apr 2006 20:28:00 EST