Join millions of players in the adventures of Poptropica! Complete unbelievable quests, written by Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! Customize your character and adopt pets! Decorate your clubhouse and hang out with friends! There's so much to do in Poptropica! Poptropica is an MMORPG which connects players all over the globe. Such games teach players to interact with others, to complete tasks, and achieve small game-based goals. Now, there are many other games that are similar to Poptropica. Let's check them out.
| Poptropica | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Jeff Kinney Group (formerly) StoryArc Media |
| Publisher(s) | Pearson Education(formerly) Sandbox Networks |
| Designer(s) | Pete Amomaur Jeff Kinney |
| Engine | Adobe Flash |
| Platform(s) | Web iOS |
| Release | July 2007 September 2007 |
| Genre(s) | Educational, Adventure, single-player with Massively multiplayer online game elements. |
| Mode(s) | Single and multiplayer |
Poptropica is an onlinerole-playing game, developed in 2007 by Pearson Education's Family Education Network, and targeted towards children aged 6 to 15. Poptropica was primarily the creation of Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. As of 2015, he remains at the company as the Creative Director.[1]
In the game, players can go to different 'islands' (game quest scenarios), compete in multiplayer games, and communicate with each other. The islands all have various difficulties, but all center on a problem that the player must resolve by going through multiple obstacles or completing goals. All islands, upon finishing, award 'Poptropica credits' which are non-negotiable but may be used to buy costumes and special effects in the Poptropica store.
In 2011, Poptropica was listed on Time magazine's list of '50 Websites that Make the Web Great', where it was described as 'an inventive megasite for kids with a wholesome and slightly educational bent.'[2] In 2012, Poptropica had an Alexa Internet rating of 1,302 in the United States, and a ranking of 5,162 in the world.[3] By 2012, the game had grown to have over 500 million registered users, with 35 million in the 15-25 age group.[4] Versions of the game have been released on Nintendo DS and 3DS, and iOS mobile devices. In May 2015, it was announced that Family Education Network was sold by Pearson to the interactive-education venture capitalist Sandbox Networks,[5] and that Poptropica had 'over 3.2 million monthly unique users in 200 countries and territories.'[6]
In 2015, Poptropica was sold to educational-technology investment ground, Sandbox Partners.[7]
Gameplay
When it first launched in 2007, Poptropica only had one island, titled Early Poptropica Island. As of 2017, it has 58 islands to be explored, all with a different theme: examples include Back Lot Island, where the player helps produce a movie, and Super Power Island, where their goal is to defeat six super villains. Each island has its own quest, for which a player can receive an island medallion as well as 150 credits to spend in the in-game Poptropica Store. Starting July 6, 2011, Poptropica allowed players to replay islands without creating a new account, while still keeping track of all the Medallions the player had earned.
Advertisements
In addition to the available island quests, advertisers contract for temporary mini-games that appear on the site, sometimes targeted to players of a certain age group or gender. Regular advertisers have included Disney, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Lego toys, and various animated movies and DVD releases. Advertisement mini-games normally appear only during a two-week period. If the player completes an advertisement mini-game, they receive a temporary prize, usually related to the media being advertised.
A few Poptropica islands are themed after certain book series: these include Big Nate, Timmy Failure, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Magic Tree House. These islands are permanent, and can be played at any time. In 2015, a total of seven of these islands became members-only.
Mini-games
Poptropica features different mini-games that users can play with other people. These include Switch, Sudoku, Hoops, Sky Dive, Paint War, Star Link, Balloons, Soupwords and Pathwise. The game keeps track of how many times the player wins or loses a certain mini-game.
Expansions
Island Creator Kit
In August 2013, an island creator kit was made available for purchase. It is an activity book that walks the player through all the same steps the developers take when they make a new Island: coming up with a storyline, creating characters, and designing puzzles.
Poptropica Adventures
In 2012, in partnership with Ubisoft, Poptropica released a new video game for the Nintendo DS, titled Poptropica Adventures.[8]
Poptropica: Forgotten Islands
On September 5, 2013, Poptropica launched Poptropica: Forgotten Islands, an iOS game, which allows players to meet new characters and discover story elements about Poptropica by finding artifacts littered throughout the game. It was also released on the Nintendo 3DS system through Ubisoft in 2014.[9] It has been replaced on iOS with a mobile version of the desktop Poptropica game.
Poptropica Worlds
On January 11, 2017, Poptropica announced via their blog that they were introducing another game called Poptropica Worlds, developed in Unity. It was released in Spring 2017. Poptropica Worlds has new features, such as redesigned characters, customizable homes, and new Islands. Returning players are able to port over their avatar's look and name to Poptropica Worlds. Poptropica Worlds can be played on both the web and mobile. If membership was bought for Poptropica, it carries over to Poptropica Worlds, and vice versa.
References
- ^Dossena, Tiziano Thomas (October 29, 2014). 'From Lost Side Of Suburbia to Poptropica, An Exclusive Interview with Artist Kory Merritt'. L'Idea Magazine. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^McCracken, Harry (August 16, 2011). '50 Websites that make the web great'. TIME. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^Alexa ranking
- ^Brian Solis (2010). 'Virtual Worlds'. Engage. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN978-0-470-57109-5.
- ^Rosen, Judith (May 21, 2015). 'New Owner for Poptropica and FEN'. Publisher Weekly. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
- ^Dorbian, Iris (May 21, 2015). 'Pearson sells Family Education Network to Sandbox Partners'. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^'Pearson sells Family Education Network to Sandbox Partners - PE Hub'. PE Hub. 2015-05-21. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
- ^'Ubisoft and Poptropica partner to bring popular virtual world for kids to the Nintendo DS system'. PRWeb. May 29, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^https://web.archive.org/web/20141012014051/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/CoA7KDYAI99r7hBGI2w-hZtcxRBtTbQb/
External links
12 Games that are Similar to Poptropica
Poptropica is an MMORPG which connects players all over the globe. Such games teach players to interact with others, to complete tasks, and achieve small game-based goals. Now, there are many other games that are similar to Poptropica. Let’s check them out.
A research showed that children who play MMOEPGs like Poptropica and other similar games are better at multitasking and leadership; they also pay more attention to detail and are more creative. Their game playing ability also improves their hand- eye coordination.
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Games like Poptropica are Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) which have a fan following in the millions. Most MMORPGs let the players personalize characters and interact with other players, complete individual and/or group tasks to gain points and game money (money that can only be used in the online world) to acquire items, and advance in their levels. Following are some games that are similar to Poptropica.
Bin Weevils
Age Rating: 6 to 12 years
Bin Weevils is a virtual game which has won the BAFTA Kids vote 3 years in a row. The characters in the game are based on real animals, called the Weevils, and is set in a bin. There are houses, shopping malls, fountains, etc. The player can have an 8-room mansion with a private garden, plaza. cinema, etc., in his or her virtual Weevils’ life, which can be obtained through a membership fee.
Club Penguin
Age Rating: 6 to 14 years
Club Penguin is a Massive Multiplayer Online Game (MMO) in which players use cartoon penguins to play in the virtual world. This game was made with a certain age group in mind; hence, the creators made the ultimate safe chat which filters and prevents swear words, flirting, personal information, and the like. The game however allows players to cheat.
Elsword
Age Rating: 6 to 14 years
Elsword is a MMORPG with free-to-play feature. It is a real-time action game that includes both player vs. player and player vs. environment. The game offers several characters with distinct abilities and back-stories, giving the game a certain depth. Though playing is free, certain costumes and items in the game are paid, and need to be purchased with real money. The game offers chat, guilds, and items trade. There are many different types of skills as you advance the levels.
Fantage
Age Rating: 6 to 16 years
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Fantage is an MMORPG in the virtual world. Players can personalize their cartoon characters by changing their color, clothing them, changing their hair, and accessorizing them. The makers of this game have ensured child safety, with automatic filters in place. As new players, the characters are given the basic necessities; however, the game offers paid premium membership, which allows the character to buy a lavish lifestyle. The virtual world involves a castle, downtown, sea breeze, lighthouse, hidden meadow, pet town, user home, school, wizard’s domain, carnival, Mount Fantage, islands, etc. The game has several quest-type adventures, with tasks to be performed to advance the levels.
Hello Kitty Online
Age Rating: 6 to 12 years
HKO or Hello Kitty Online is a game where players can register and play for free. The mission in this game is to help Hello Kitty and her friends in waking up from an eternal hibernation, and to defeat the mysterious villain.
Moshi Monsters
Age Rating: 6 to 14 years
This game allows the player to choose a monster character as a virtual pet, giving it a name and nature. The game enables the player to earn virtual money or Rox by playing daily puzzling challenges. The characters can walk around the city called Monstro City, and communicate with others safely.
MovieStarPlanet
Age Rating: 6 to 12 years
This game is every child’s dream come true. It allows the child to personalize his/her own little movie star. Players get to earn points to advance in their levels. They can even buy accessories and movie equipment to move ahead in their game. Since it involves young children, the game allows only friends whom they know to play with them.
Panfu
Age Rating: 6 to 13 years
Panfu is derived from two words: Pan from panda and ‘Fu’ meaning happiness in Chinese. A virtual world that offers kids free registration and to personalize their own little panda. This game teaches through playing little quests and taking the character through Panfu island. Security is a major concern that the game developers thought about, and like others, they too have adults located internationally monitoring every word in every chat. Usage of aggressive language and giving personal information is strictly banned. Players can be banned for their being bad influences and not adhering to the game rules. Word filters protect the other players from vulgarity and verbal attacks, and warns players about disobeying game rules. The game has mini games all over the little Panfu island, which children can play alone or with other players. Players communicate through the monitored chat rooms. The game rewards players with panda coins, which enable them to buy items to personalize their character.
Pora Ora
Age Rating: 5 to 12 years
Pora Ora is a MMORPG which inculcates learning new things through activities, quests, and puzzles. The makers have added a lot of features in the game to ensure the safety and security of its players. Pora Ora offers memberships to school and individuals. The game offers quests which are aligned to the educational curriculum, while allowing the players to socialize and connect with each other. The game recommends games and quests that help the child in their studies. Schools are given free subscriptions to use the resources to complement topics being studied in the classroom.
Space Heroes Universe!
Age Rating: 5 to 14 years
Space Heroes Universe! was previously know as Little Space Heroes. This game offers freemium policy. It allows players to explore the galaxy by making and personalizing their own heroes. Players have to get their basic learning (which is taught during the game) to defeat the villain ‘Lord Shadowbot’ (who is scared of darkness), and has stolen ‘Glows’ mysterious glowing creatures. The quest is to find clues to get to these glows.
Wizard101
Age Rating: 6 to 14 years
Wizard101 allows players to make wizard students who have to save the virtual universe called the ‘Spiral’ from creatures by casting spells. Players can advance in the game by either earning certain points called crown or by purchasing memberships. The game offers its players three types of chats: menu chat, text chat, and open chat. Players above the age of 18 get to have an ‘open chat’. To secure the safety of the younger players, the game makers have installed chat filters appropriate to age groups. Players may trade single use spell cards.
YoWorld
Age Rating: 6 + years
YoWorld was formerly known as Yoville. This game offers single players with multiplayer interactions. It enables players to create and personalize their virtual characters and homes. The game operates on a freemium model, meaning, it allows the player to purchase virtual money by paying real money. Facebook is the distributor of YoWorld, thus, the games allows players to add friends to the game. The game encourages its players by rewarding them with items, which they get on advancing the levels. Players can harvest their own magical herbs, which can be used by them. On consumption, the player transforms into a troll-like creature. The character earns by going to the widget factory. Players have to explore and collect certain items.
While it is safe to say that you would enjoy playing all these Poptropica clones, remember to keep a balance indulging yourself in real-life activities too. Enjoy!
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