MacArthur Foundation recently did a study which found that online gaming and social networking are beneficial to children. It taught them basic technical skills and how to communicate in the Information Age. Like everything else in life, there must be balance. Computer games are the end of our civilization if we allow our children to play them. As this study has shown, there are some good features of allowing our children to game as long as we keep their gaming timing in balance with everything else in their life.
On that note, did you know that Ganz Studios has recently launched a new 3D virtual world? Amazing World is a free imaginative world. This game allows you to meet a cast of whimsical characters, take on hundreds of exciting adventures and challenges, or choose to wander freely through a kaleidoscope of colorful settings and meet new friends. Madison always chooses to wander through and explore. That is how she likes to play games (which drives my husband absolutely batty. He like to get to the end of the game as fast as possible, where she likes to wonder the world in which her player is in and see everything there. They are a treat to watch playing together. LOL).
Since it is free, anybody can start playing. You just need to start by registering a Zing which are the energetic and lovable Amazing World inhabitants. Zings can be named, customized, and can accept challenges. Completing challenges will win you awards which can be sent back to your home zone which is a place where you can create your very own Amazing World.
If you have a Amazing World toy, a whole new world opens up to you. By registering your Amazing World plush toy or figure (aka Zings), you will bring your favorite characters to life within the game, and they allow you to get an exclusive item!
The free version does a few limitations. The game is capped at 20 levels, a limit of 4 friends, access to 4 world hosts, and limited access to what you can buy in the World Shop. There is no time limit on the free access, so you can play as long or as short as you like. If you purchase a monthly subscription, you are capped at 50 levels, unlimited friends, access to all online hosts, access to all online items, cool unique prize quests, access to 6 outfits, and immediate access to all new features. You can buy subscriptions in either a 3 month, 6 month, or a year bundle. (The longer the bundle, the cheaper the per month rate is).
Here is a little preview of what the game looks like:
Since my kids have enjoyed this game, I have arranged for one lucky winner to win 2 Amazing World Toys. Here’s what you need to do:
1) Tell the world about the Amazing World game on Twitter for a chance to WIN 2 Amazing World Toys!
2) You must use the Hashtag #AmazingWorldGame
3) You must mention that Amazing World is “free–?to–?play” in the tweet.
4) Post your Twitter name in the comments of this post, so we’re able to pick out one of our readers.
EXAMPLE TWEET: Come discover and explore Amazing World, a new free-to-play 3D virtual world full of challenges and fun! #AmazingWorldGame
The contest ends on August 24th, 2012 at 11:59pm (EST). US winners only. Ganz will not be held liable for any problems during the administration of the contest.
tweeted! – https://twitter.com/RealiaMazing/status/237295862…
An awesome post. You have correctly said that online gaming and the use of social networking are beneficial to children but to some extent. Excessive use of it is not good for children. Thanks for the interesting post.
I visited Amazing World and set up and account for my 7 year old daughter, I never post about anything I have not tired and will never provide information that is not 100% my own opinion. In my opinion this is a great game that offers your child:
– A safe controlled environment
– Fun and colorful setting
– Fun way to use critical thinking and problem solving skills.
– Help hand eye coordination and concentration