If you know a boy between 6 and 12 who likes cars, check out the beta for a new virtual world designed by Ridemakerz, the build-your-own-car toy store. We have invites here.
The toy store commissioned the Electric Sheep Co. to build a browser-based virtual world for boys based on its Webflock platform. When I wrote about Ridemakerz back in December, here is how I described the project:
The virtual world is a combination of a social network, video games, and a complex inventory system. Boys can design their own virtual cars online just like they can in the store. . . . Depending on what parts a boy picks, it will affect the performance of his ride.
Alternatively, a child who buys a car at a store can enter the unique Ridez Identification Number (RIN) number printed on each one at checkout and he will get a virtual replica of that exact design. So he can play with the same car at home and online.
Inside the virtual world, each child’s avatar is his car. He can drive around and see the cars of other members who are online. There is no text chatting (for child safety reasons), but each car has different “Zmotes” that get cooler the more points that are acquired. The Zmotes start with things like puffs and smiley faces and graduate to explosions and lightening bolts. The roads in the virtual world lead to different activities, including a junkyard crane video game and a pitstop crew game that teaches time management.
A lot of readers were excited about actually checking it out. Just remember, this is for kids (so don’t take an invite if you are not going to share it with someone under 12). And here’s a hint: use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move around.
I think I’ll pass on signing up my boys for a website that’s soul purpose is to brainwash kids into thinking they should get their parents buy them hunks of plastic that will hold their interest for less than a week.
Isn’t that the case with all toys these days? my girls have these cars and they play with them all the time.
I don’t see why they need 23 MILLION though.
this is good. itll will be a commercial success, no doubt. Anyone remember Gearhead Garage? I still play that! Hmmm, 23M though?
will someone give me 1M i’ll invest it in all the right places for you. lot of good companies coming out.
Boyz between 6 and 12 are cretinz who uze Z everywhere?
I’m perplexed in the fact that the marketing text specifies that this site is for boys only. Why not boys & girls of the target age range?
My thoughts exactly Dave. Talk about limiting/shooting yourself in the foot. Is this to imply that girls don’t like cars? Danica Patrick anyone?
Great question about “why not girls?” And, no, we are not implying that girls don’t like cars. In fact, we know otherwise. Danica is just the latest and most visible in a long line of GREAT women drivers, including: Eliska Junkova, who raced as Elizabeth Junka and won at the Nurburgring in the 20’s, Louise Smith, who won 38 stock car races, Janet Gurthrie, first to race Indianapolis and Daytona 500, Lella Lombardi, first to win an F1 point, Shirley Muldowney, 3-time NHRA Top Fuel titles, Michelle Mouton, first female World Rally Champion, and NHRA’s exciting current group of women drivers: Melanie Troxel, Hillary Will, Erica Enders and Ashley Force Hood, who would all be welcome in our garage any time.
What we are saying is that boys and girls play differently, and that there are more virtual worlds designed for girls than for boys (do people ask BarbieGirls, why not BarbieBoys?) Other than sports, there are very few things that engage fathers and sons the way cars do. So we built the RIDEMAKERZ virtual experience with them in mind, because we think fathers and sons can benefit from playing together.
So how many 6-12 year olds are on the web anyway? maybe I am just old an out of it….
Can’t get in to the site.
Hi Rod,
Sorry, you were unable to get into the site. Over the next couple of months we will be “fine-tuning” the experience. Please feel free to contact me at jeffb@blickandstaff.com and we will make sure you can access the site and get on the road!
My kids love this already, but since they only get two hours a week on the computer it will be interesting to see which edutainment or social games they pick. With Disney Toontown, ClubPenguin, Jumpstart, Build-a-Bear Workshop and now this – the market for kids attention will be competitive. Likewise while most of the sites offer a watered down free version, most are charging $5.95 -$14.95 a month. So I will be curious what the business model will be. It is still much cheaper to purchase many of installable games for educational purposes. One thing I think this site could do is work in some science education with the fun. Maybe even work in some finance/business lessons, etc. That would be the only way I would allow my kids more then a few hours a week – if there was educational value in the products.
This certainly seems like an innovative and creative approach towards introducing a virtual world to youngsters. It’s a different angle compared to most online worlds but could appeal to a certain group.
Yeah i play with my self all the time
yep! i love playing this game!