Comments on: IAC Launches Zwinktopia At Peak of Virtual World Hype http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/ Startup and Technology News Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:05:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: The complete lowdown on Zwinky | The Digitized http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-2129554 The complete lowdown on Zwinky | The Digitized Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:18:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-2129554 [...] Zwinky does seem to appeal to lots of people. According to recent statistics, Zwinky has more unique monthy visitors than its two nearest competitors, Gaia Online and Habbo [...] [...] Zwinky does seem to appeal to lots of people. According to recent statistics, Zwinky has more unique monthy visitors than its two nearest competitors, Gaia Online and Habbo [...]

]]> By: Zwinktopia at Virtual Environments, Virtual Worlds, Social MMOGs, MUVEs, CVEs, MMOs http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1575036 Zwinktopia at Virtual Environments, Virtual Worlds, Social MMOGs, MUVEs, CVEs, MMOs Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:07:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1575036 [...] IAC Launches Zwinktopia at Peak of Virtual Worlds Hype, article at TechCrunch.com addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtualenvironments.info%2Fzwinktopia.html'; addthis_title = 'Zwinktopia'; addthis_pub = ''; Posted in Platform: PC, Platform: Mac, Free Access, For Kids, For Teens, Social | Trackback | del.icio.us | Share This [...] [...] IAC Launches Zwinktopia at Peak of Virtual Worlds Hype, article at TechCrunch.com addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtualenvironments.info%2Fzwinktopia.html’; addthis_title = ‘Zwinktopia’; addthis_pub = ”; Posted in Platform: PC, Platform: Mac, Free Access, For Kids, For Teens, Social | Trackback | del.icio.us | Share This [...]

]]> By: ANDREA http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1397552 ANDREA Sat, 26 May 2007 19:53:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1397552 HOLA HOLA

]]> By: 小叮当 » Blog Archive » MyMiniLife：可以嵌入到网页里的虚拟世界 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1388457 小叮当 » Blog Archive » MyMiniLife：可以嵌入到网页里的虚拟世界 Tue, 22 May 2007 08:59:54 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1388457 [...] 这还是一个热门领域，虚拟世界的站点正在快速吸引用户。据说其中一个竞争对手,Club Penguin正在和Sony谈判关于收购的问题。，金额大概在数百万美元。 [...] [...] 这还是一个热门领域，虚拟世界的站点正在快速吸引用户。据说其中一个竞争对手,Club Penguin正在和Sony谈判关于收购的问题。，金额大概在数百万美元。 [...]

]]> By:   Club Penguin discute acquisition avec Sony pour plus de 500 millions de dollars by e5k http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1388234   Club Penguin discute acquisition avec Sony pour plus de 500 millions de dollars by e5k Tue, 22 May 2007 05:39:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1388234 [...] avions déjà mentionné Club Penguin le mois dernier en évoquant le concurrent lancé par IAC Zwinktopia. Et la société cartonne [...] [...] avions déjà mentionné Club Penguin le mois dernier en évoquant le concurrent lancé par IAC Zwinktopia. Et la société cartonne [...]

]]> By: Rob La Gesse http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1385572 Rob La Gesse Sun, 20 May 2007 04:26:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1385572 I know I forgot my glasses in the other room - but doesn't the chart show five sites on the legend, and only four sites on the chart? Why list Second Life if it didn't make it on the chart? I know I forgot my glasses in the other room - but doesn’t the chart show five sites on the legend, and only four sites on the chart?

Why list Second Life if it didn’t make it on the chart?

]]> By: Club Penguin May Be Acquired By Sony For $500+ million http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1380143 Club Penguin May Be Acquired By Sony For $500+ million Wed, 16 May 2007 17:39:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1380143 [...] mentioned Club Penguin last month when a competitor launched from IAC called Zwinktopia. The company is killing it - projected [...] [...] mentioned Club Penguin last month when a competitor launched from IAC called Zwinktopia. The company is killing it - projected [...]

]]> By: Angel http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1371444 Angel Fri, 11 May 2007 00:27:06 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1371444 I think zwinky is the best out there but if you can't get on try MillsBerry.com and yuo see most of the same thing on here. I think zwinky is the best out there but if you can’t get on try MillsBerry.com and yuo see most of the same thing on here.

]]> By: kassaundra http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1368316 kassaundra Tue, 08 May 2007 03:09:54 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1368316 I want to play zwinky games I want to play zwinky games

]]> By: kassaundra http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1368310 kassaundra Tue, 08 May 2007 03:08:14 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1368310 I want to zwinky games I want to zwinky games

]]> By: c3 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1363497 c3 Sat, 05 May 2007 05:59:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1363497 ..and the zwinky client installs some kind of spyware/adware, including some "registry checker" and other such junk that ends up with about 20 popups. nice. ..and the zwinky client installs some kind of spyware/adware, including some “registry checker” and other such junk that ends up with about 20 popups. nice.

]]> By: reuben steiger http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1360667 reuben steiger Thu, 03 May 2007 19:19:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1360667 Comscore measures website traffic. Second Life and WoW are client-based VW's so Comscore only measures traffic to the signup page for new users and ancillary traffic. More accurate measurement (apples to apples) would be total usage hours which for Second Life were in the neighborhood of 13 million in April. Comscore measures website traffic. Second Life and WoW are client-based VW’s so Comscore only measures traffic to the signup page for new users and ancillary traffic. More accurate measurement (apples to apples) would be total usage hours which for Second Life were in the neighborhood of 13 million in April.

]]> By: Joyce Schwarz http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1357363 Joyce Schwarz Tue, 01 May 2007 16:51:42 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1357363 The 30 second television spot for Swinky -- not Swinktopia -- see above appeared last night during Heroes and agin during WEDDING CRASHERS -- doesn't look to me like that media buy is aimed at teens at all...nope Gen Y oe Gen x ...How many teens are still watching TV at 10 p.m. at night-- okay maybe they do? But I'm guessing this could skew much higher...in age. js. The 30 second television spot for Swinky — not Swinktopia — see above appeared last night during Heroes and agin during WEDDING CRASHERS — doesn’t look to me like that media buy is aimed at teens at all…nope Gen Y oe Gen x …How many teens are still watching TV at 10 p.m. at night– okay maybe they do? But I’m guessing this could skew much higher…in age. js.

]]> By: Zwinktopia « Joi Podgorny http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356634 Zwinktopia « Joi Podgorny Tue, 01 May 2007 02:55:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356634 [...] IAC Launches Zwinktopia At Peak of Virtual World Hype [...] [...] IAC Launches Zwinktopia At Peak of Virtual World Hype [...]

]]> By: proxieslist.net http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356592 proxieslist.net Tue, 01 May 2007 01:57:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356592 [...] game domain, Webkinz is currently growing at the fastest rate. Zwinky, the avatar creator, has also released their own virtual world game, introducing another competitor in the [...] [...] game domain, Webkinz is currently growing at the fastest rate. Zwinky, the avatar creator, has also released their own virtual world game, introducing another competitor in the [...]

]]> By: Mashable! - The Social Networking Blog http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356582 Mashable! - The Social Networking Blog Tue, 01 May 2007 01:41:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356582 <strong>Runescape Rules...</strong> When it comes to virtual worlds on the web, Runescape is leading the US market. According to today’s stats from Hitwise, Runescape has 44% market share in this realm of virtual play lands, which also includes Webkinz, Neopets, Club Penguin, Gaia... Runescape Rules…

When it comes to virtual worlds on the web, Runescape is leading the US market.
According to today’s stats from Hitwise, Runescape has 44% market share in this realm of virtual play lands, which also includes Webkinz, Neopets, Club Penguin, Gaia…

]]> By: Sam AhAm http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356399 Sam AhAm Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:46:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356399 I'd be interested to know what % of that 4.7M monthly unique number were repeat visitors and the average session time. Zwinky has been advertising pretty heavily so, I'm not surprised they've got traffic. I would however be surprised if they had customers that stuck around. I’d be interested to know what % of that 4.7M monthly unique number were repeat visitors and the average session time. Zwinky has been advertising pretty heavily so, I’m not surprised they’ve got traffic. I would however be surprised if they had customers that stuck around.

]]> By: Allen Sligar http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356362 Allen Sligar Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:47:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356362 @Arrington: You forgot Runescape, Club Penquin and Mapplestory (or rather missed another 350m in this market) @Lawrence: "what is behind the craze/hype around these virtual online worlds?" These 12+ tween and teen VW genrerate in excess of 6bn annually on a global scale, the largest users of ring tones, flash based mopbile games and social networking sites are used by this demographic, this demogrphic and thier parents who form the household purchasers of these products will be spending in excess of 27bn per annum on 3d VW, casual, mobile, based SN sites and games by 2011. The demographic shift as well as purchasing pattern changes are in favor of this segment, they are gowing up and using tools based on a 3D VW enviornment metaphor. That is the impetus behind this "crazy/hype" if you dont understand this perhaps go ask a 12 year old what runescape or mapplestory are, just dont be shocked when they look at you like your an outdated dinosaur. @Arrington:

You forgot Runescape, Club Penquin and Mapplestory (or rather missed another 350m in this market)

@Lawrence:

“what is behind the craze/hype around these virtual online worlds?”

These 12+ tween and teen VW genrerate in excess of 6bn annually on a global scale, the largest users of ring tones, flash based mopbile games and social networking sites are used by this demographic, this demogrphic and thier parents who form the household purchasers of these products will be spending in excess of 27bn per annum on 3d VW, casual, mobile, based SN sites and games by 2011.

The demographic shift as well as purchasing pattern changes are in favor of this segment, they are gowing up and using tools based on a 3D VW enviornment metaphor.

That is the impetus behind this “crazy/hype” if you dont understand this perhaps go ask a 12 year old what runescape or mapplestory are, just dont be shocked when they look at you like your an outdated dinosaur.

]]> By: Jay (living in First Life) http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356338 Jay (living in First Life) Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:49:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356338 Shanti - I think you are talking about Cyworld. That is huge. I don't completely agree with your belief that looking to South Korea and Japan for trends makes sense. Culturally, they are very different countries. SK Telecom tried to make a big splash by partnering with Earthlink to launch Helio in the US and Helio is bleeding cash. Shanti - I think you are talking about Cyworld. That is huge. I don’t completely agree with your belief that looking to South Korea and Japan for trends makes sense. Culturally, they are very different countries.

SK Telecom tried to make a big splash by partnering with Earthlink to launch Helio in the US and Helio is bleeding cash.

]]> By: Shanti Braford http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356273 Shanti Braford Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:59:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356273 Isn't something like this huge over in S. Korea, doing millions of business daily? Look at whatever is popular in places that are more advanced / have more broadband penetration / etc, and something like that will likely gain traction eventually here, too. Isn’t something like this huge over in S. Korea, doing millions of business daily?

Look at whatever is popular in places that are more advanced / have more broadband penetration / etc, and something like that will likely gain traction eventually here, too.

]]> By: Greg http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356267 Greg Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:46:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356267 It kind of reminds me of NeoPets, but without the horrible commercial bludgeoning. I'm still wondering, long-term, how these metaverse-type things are going to hold up. The only ones that seem to persist and flourish are MMOs, probably because they're compelling games, as well as 3D chatrooms. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these, until one eventually gets it awesomely right. It kind of reminds me of NeoPets, but without the horrible commercial bludgeoning.

I’m still wondering, long-term, how these metaverse-type things are going to hold up. The only ones that seem to persist and flourish are MMOs, probably because they’re compelling games, as well as 3D chatrooms. I’m looking forward to seeing more of these, until one eventually gets it awesomely right.

]]> By: Scott Schiller http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356260 Scott Schiller Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:35:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356260 I recently saw a few stories on Digg (of all places) about a Barbie/Mattel "platform" doing the virtual world thing, girls can hang out and chat, buy virtual things with money and so on. http://techwag.com/index.php/2007/04/27/barbie-shows-up-on-web-20/ Kids playing "dolls" though computers as opposed to in person seems a bit odd, but perhaps I'm old and out of the loop. I recently saw a few stories on Digg (of all places) about a Barbie/Mattel “platform” doing the virtual world thing, girls can hang out and chat, buy virtual things with money and so on.

http://techwag.com/index.php/2.....on-web-20/

Kids playing “dolls” though computers as opposed to in person seems a bit odd, but perhaps I’m old and out of the loop.

]]> By: GooglyEyed http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356248 GooglyEyed Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:05:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356248 Does your Google have avatars and virtual worlds? I didn't think so. Although they are probably ready to overpay a $1B to some online virtual universe and then do a mashup API (of course you still won't be able to get to Yahoo's HQ on their virtual world API maship map). Does your Google have avatars and virtual worlds? I didn’t think so. Although they are probably ready to overpay a $1B to some online virtual universe and then do a mashup API (of course you still won’t be able to get to Yahoo’s HQ on their virtual world API maship map).

]]> By: Metagg http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356246 Metagg Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:04:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356246 Does anyone think it is kind of strange that all the pictures of the site are from a girl avatar? I'm hoping those aren't from Michael's personal Zwinky account...-<a>Metagg</a> Does anyone think it is kind of strange that all the pictures of the site are from a girl avatar? I’m hoping those aren’t from Michael’s personal Zwinky account…-Metagg

]]> By: Greg http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356205 Greg Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:26:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/29/iac-launches-zwinktopia-at-peak-of-virtual-world-hype/#comment-1356205 Wow. Those are some rather high stats for a site that appears to be targeted at an age group that falls younger than the suggested 'young teen' demographic. Sustainable user base? I doubt it. I suppose it depends what we consider young teens though. Based on the look and the absolutely horrid TV spot, I would guess they would pick up users in the 9-13 range a rapid rate. Anyone older than 13 being a regular user? We'll see. What I would be interested in seeing though is the effect that sites like these have on the social and psychological development of their target market. Our youth. One would think that promoting the tagline 'Be Anyone' in this type of envionment...for this age group, can't be all too healthy. Wow. Those are some rather high stats for a site that appears to be targeted at an age group that falls younger than the suggested ‘young teen’ demographic. Sustainable user base? I doubt it. I suppose it depends what we consider young teens though. Based on the look and the absolutely horrid TV spot, I would guess they would pick up users in the 9-13 range a rapid rate. Anyone older than 13 being a regular user? We’ll see.

What I would be interested in seeing though is the effect that sites like these have on the social and psychological development of their target market. Our youth. One would think that promoting the tagline ‘Be Anyone’ in this type of envionment…for this age group, can’t be all too healthy.

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