London-based gaming agency Mind Candy have developed a new social-networking sites for kids called Moshi Monsters.
Instead of creating their own user profiles, kids can adopt their own monster.
Users can choose the colour and name of their monster before taking it home. Every monster has a personality that changes and develops as you play with it. Treat it badly and it will misbehave, treat it well and you will have a very happy little monster. Kids can play puzzles and feed their monster and they can also customise the house that it lives in. Users can also make other monster friends and communicate with them by leaving messages on a regulated pin board.
This is similar to Webkinz and Club Penguin:
Social Network for Kids
Moshi Monsters
Trend Themes
1. Social Networking for Kids - Opportunity for developing more social network platforms focused on kids, allowing them to connect, play, and communicate in a safe and regulated environment.
2. Virtual Pet Adoption - Creating virtual pet platforms where kids can adopt and take care of their own virtual pets, providing a fun and educational experience.
3. Customizable User Experience - Developing platforms that allow users, especially kids, to personalize and customize their digital experiences to enhance engagement and enjoyment.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - Game developers can explore creating more interactive and engaging gaming experiences for kids, incorporating social networking and virtual pet elements.
2. Education - Educational companies can incorporate gamification and virtual pet elements into their platforms to make learning more interactive and enjoyable for kids.
3. Childcare/entertainment - Child-friendly entertainment centers and childcare facilities can incorporate digital platforms with virtual pet components, providing a unique and engaging experience for children.