With summer break winding down, the boys are using their computer time for fun. Both R and D spent some time checking out a new online game site for kids called Amazing World.
Now, I have to admit that we have a love hate relationship with gaming in our house. The boys LOVE it, Mr. O HATES it, and I’m somewhere in the middle.
I’ve seen first hand that the more fun environment of a game can get a child engaged in learning. R even wants to do a technology course this year that will include learning to create his own games and animation, all because he loves to play video games. But, I’ve also found there are times when they get so sucked into the game that they think about little else. In the end, it is a fine balance to be found between game time and living life.
I love to research when making decisions that impact the family. Here are a few articles that talk about the positive aspects of video games.
“Parents, don’t put away those video games just yet — today’s gamer may be
tomorrow’s top surgeon” – USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2008-08-18-970688034_x.htm
“….
a report about a study sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation which found
that online gaming and social networking are beneficial to children, teaching them basic
technical skills and how to communicate in the Information Age. “
–Slashdot
“A growing body of university research suggests that gaming improves creativity,
decision-making and perception.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203458604577263273943183932.html
Amazing World is a free-to-play virtual world from Ganz Studios. It’s a colorful 3D world where players discover, create, and make new friends in a controlled environment.
To start, you register a Zing (an avatar) one of the energetic and lovable Amazing World inhabitants. The Zings can be named and customized by your child and then accept challenges from several zany hosts. When they complete a challenge, the player is awarded with prizes that are sent back to the home zone where they create their own Amazing World.
In the Amazing World, kids can care for their Zings, chat with friends in a controlled environment, complete missions, collect prizes and customize virtual homes and their avatars (Zings). No two kids should have the same experience given the ways they can take ownership and make it their own.
Amazing World Plush Figures can be registered on the site to unlock a virtual representation of the figure as well as gain an exclusive item.
You will need to download software to your computer to play in the Amazing World. They also offer a premium subscription option for kids that are really enjoying themselves and want to expand the play options. There are 3 month ($23.85 ), 6 month ($39.90 ) and annual ($ 60)subscription options.
The verdict in our house? The boys spotted the similarity to Webkinz right away. At first glace, they found it a bit babyish for them. R’s going into 7th grade and D’s entering 4th grade, so they are beginning to enjoy more ‘mature’ games now. I still had to walk over and boot them off once they started exploring and being able to customize the experience. I think it’s definitely more likely to be fully enjoyed by a younger elementary student.
Curious what the Amazing World looks like? Check out this short video about it:
Want to win 2 Amazing World plush toys? Enter via the Giveaway Tools form below by Thursday, August 23rd for your chance to win.
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Disclaimer ~ This is a sponsored post through Global Influence. All opinions are still are own and reflect our true thoughts.
