Massive Multiplayer Online games for kids have become very popular. Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for children, has added a new one to the pot called Monkey Quest, an adventure-packed, virtual world and massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) featuring console-quality game play. It is described as an immersive virtual world that takes users into the arena of Ook, where monkeys rule.
Monkey Quest is about five tribes of monkeys who band together to fight the dark forces of evil. Each player allows to customize their own monkey avatar and takes control of it. They must also complete quests to increase abilities and weapons. Players can join teams of up to four for setting off on exciting adventures to explore mysterious lands, battle monsters, and discover the secrets of the lost Monkey King – all simply controlled by using a computer keyboard.
In developing the game, Nickelodeon consulted children for input over the course of two years, developing an interface that looks and feels like a console game but is played in a internet browser. It is rated E for “everyone” and is free to play but also offers “hybrid payment” options for players who want an enhanced gaming experience, including additional access to trails, quests, abilities and other exclusive items.
The hybrid payment offers two payment models. Subscribers can fork over $9.95 per month, $24.95 for 3 months, or $79.95 for a year. Alternatively, they can opt to “pay as you go”, using NickCash, which is Nickelodeon’s own virtual currency.
Monkey Quest was created in partnership with Behaviour Interactive, a developer known for its experience and expertise in making interactive games for children and families, and their ability to execute on a wide array of platforms. Nickelodeon also partnered with Unity Technologies whose award-winning 3D game engine enabled the browser based game development.
Monkey Quest is about five tribes of monkeys who band together to fight the dark forces of evil. Each player allows to customize their own monkey avatar and takes control of it. They must also complete quests to increase abilities and weapons. Players can join teams of up to four for setting off on exciting adventures to explore mysterious lands, battle monsters, and discover the secrets of the lost Monkey King – all simply controlled by using a computer keyboard.
In developing the game, Nickelodeon consulted children for input over the course of two years, developing an interface that looks and feels like a console game but is played in a internet browser. It is rated E for “everyone” and is free to play but also offers “hybrid payment” options for players who want an enhanced gaming experience, including additional access to trails, quests, abilities and other exclusive items.
The hybrid payment offers two payment models. Subscribers can fork over $9.95 per month, $24.95 for 3 months, or $79.95 for a year. Alternatively, they can opt to “pay as you go”, using NickCash, which is Nickelodeon’s own virtual currency.
Monkey Quest was created in partnership with Behaviour Interactive, a developer known for its experience and expertise in making interactive games for children and families, and their ability to execute on a wide array of platforms. Nickelodeon also partnered with Unity Technologies whose award-winning 3D game engine enabled the browser based game development.
Monkey Quest is only the next in what is becoming quite a collection of online virtual worlds from Nickelodeon. Others include Neopets and Petpet Park, which bring in a combine 3 million monthly unique users in the United States.
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