About Poptropica®
Poptropica® was developed by Family Education Network (FEN), the makers of Funbrain.com. For over a decade, kids, teachers, librarians, and parents have enthusiastically turned to Funbrain for its interactive learning games, online books, and comics. The popularity of Funbrain in schools prompted FEN to use its expertise to build a unique online experience for kids to enjoy during their free time.
In September 2007, FEN launched Poptropica®, a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Accessibility to this world for kids is important to the creators, which is why the Poptropica® Islands are free for all kids to play.
Poptropica® is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
Press & Media
PRESS RELEASE
Ghost Story Island Launches on Poptropica®, Popular Virtual World for Kids
Poptropica Membership Makes Perfect Last-Minute Holiday Gift for Kids
BOSTON - Dec. 14, 2011 - Poptropica visitors face a hauntingly fun challenge with tomorrow's debut of the new Ghost Story Island, the 23rd Island on the popular virtual world for kids. Poptropica Members with Early Access can explore the entire Island on Dec. 15, while non-members will have access to a limited portion until its public launch on Jan. 12, 2012.
Ghost Story Island's setting is a seaside town called Hemlock Harbor - said to be haunted by restless spirits. Poptropica players will use a variety of ghost-hunting technologies to find out if the ghosts they encounter are real and, if yes, what they want. Along the way, players will discover a long-hidden secret about Hemlock Harbor.
Ghost Story Island launches just in time for the holidays, and Poptropica Membership is a great last-minute gift for kids. Membership can be purchased online at any time at Poptropica.com in monthly, three-month or six-month increments.
"With our newest Island, Poptropica players embark on a scary, fun adventure as they explore and conquer its challenges," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica.
Other Poptropica merchandise is also available for gift giving this holiday season. Poptropica: The Official Guide, the first of many upcoming books, offers fans a detailed walkthrough of the site as well as background on the Islands, characters and behind-the-scenes content. And fans of the popular virtual world can also add Poptropica toys manufactured by Jazwares, Inc., to their holiday gift lists. The sets of plush figures, three- and six-inch action figures, and playsets are available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at www.Toysrus.com/Poptropica and select Barnes & Noble stores.
Recently named as one of TIME magazine's Top 50 websites of 2011, Poptropica has been visited by more than 185 million kids worldwide since its launch in 2007. Players come from more than 130 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian. All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
First Official Poptropica App Launches
Free App for iPhone, iPad and Android Devices
BOSTON - Dec. 12, 2011 - Poptropica fans can now learn more about the popular virtual world for kids anytime, anywhere with today's launch of the site's first official app for the iOS and Android platforms. Now available for free in the iTunes store and the Android Market, the Poptropica® Official Tips & Tricks app includes a walkthrough of the site's newest adventure, Game Show Island, along with additional Island Guides for in-app purchase.
Other Island Guides that will walk players through Mystery Train, Shrink Ray Island, Mythology Island and Spy Island are available for purchase in the app for $0.99 each, with more Islands to be added in the near future. With this official walkthrough app from the creators of Poptropica, players will learn all of the tips and tricks that they need to progress through the site's toughest Islands.
"When kids get stuck on one of our quests, we now have an app for that," said Jeff Kinney, Poptropica creator and author of the bestselling "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. "It is so cool to know that now kids can use mobile technology to learn more about Poptropica's great adventures and solve its challenging quests."
The Island Guides in the Poptropica app provide detailed information about the Islands. They introduce the main characters, important items that players need to progress through the game, and an in-depth look at the goals of the Island and what needs to be done to solve the quest and win the Island medallion. Each Island Guide features full-color screenshots and easy-to-read text to help master Poptropica's challenges.
"The kids playing Poptropica don't remember a time when there weren't mobile devices, such as iPhones and iPads, so it makes perfect sense for them to turn to an app for help exploring Poptropica," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "With the official app, our new guidebook and other resources, such as the 'Creators' Blog,' kids now have lots of different ways to get the tips and hints that they need to experience all of the great storytelling on our virtual world."
Recently celebrating the launch of its 22nd Island, Poptropica was named one of TIME magazine's Top 50 websites of 2011. The Poptropica Islands have been visited by more than 185 million kids worldwide since its launch in 2007. Players come from more than 130 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian. All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica® 2011 Holiday Wish List Now Available for Kids to Print and Create Their Gift List
Virtual World's Plush Toys, Action Figures, Playsets and Official Guidebook Top the List of Hot Toys
BOSTON - Nov. 16, 2011 - The holidays are right around the corner, and now Poptropica fans everywhere can tell their friends, family or Santa which gifts they want the most with the new customizable Poptropica Wish List for the 2011 Holiday Season. On the popular virtual world, kids can print and create a personalized gift list cataloging the Poptropica items they have and the ones they would most like to unwrap this holiday season.
Fans can choose from Poptropica toys such as plush figures and three- and six-inch action figures and playsets, manufactured by Jazwares, Inc., and available at Toys"R"Us and Barnes & Noble stores. Featured are some of kids' all-time favorite Poptropica characters, such as the infamous Dr. Hare and Shark Boy, as well as characters from Super Power Island, Astro-Knights Island, Skullduggery Island and Shark Tooth Island. Sure to be one of the hottest toys for Christmas and other winter holidays is the Poptropica 30-inch Inflatable Blimp, which was recently honored with The National Parenting Center's 2011 Seal of Approval.
Kids can also put the new book, Poptropica: The Official Guide, on their wish list. Available for purchase from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, the first of many Poptropica books offers fans a detailed walkthrough of the site, as well as background on the Islands, characters and behind-the-scenes content. The book features sections on popular Poptropica quests, such as Wimpy Wonderland and Steamworks Island. A full-color wall poster is included so fans can easily display their Poptropica pride.
"With the launch of its line of toys, the first Poptropica book, six new Islands and prestigious recognition including being named one of TIME magazine's Top 50 websites of 2011, Poptropica is having a banner year," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "We developed this holiday wish list to encourage Poptropica fans everywhere to celebrate the season with us by putting the brand's great toys and new guidebook on their gift lists."
Recently celebrating the launch of its 22nd Island, Poptropica was named one of TIME magazine's Top 50 websites of 2011. Poptropica's Islands have been visited by more than 185 million kids worldwide since its launch in 2007. Players come from more than 130 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian. All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
POPTROPICA: The Official Guide
Poptropica (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group) / on sale now; $12.99 / ISBN: 978-0-448-45726-0 / Ages 8-12
About Jazwares, Inc.
Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Jazwares, Inc. has been committed to creating 'quality products that push the boundaries of product design' since 1997. With its focus on innovation and function, Jazwares has established itself as a well-respected leader in the licensed products industry, delivering a diverse line of goods featuring some of the most contemporary entertainment properties in the marketplace. Today, through the expertise of their design specialists, Jazwares continues to offer a wide array of products and has expanded its line of action figures and electronics with some of today's hottest licenses around. This includes FanBoy & Chum Chum™, Adventure Time™, Poptropica®, Star Wars™, WWE™, Ben 10™, Beyblade™, Sonic the Hedgehog™, Mortal Kombat™, Street Fighter™, "Robot Chicken", among others. Jazwares' goal is to invent toys and related products that are new to the marketplace, featuring the licenses that kids want at an affordable price. For more information about Jazwares, Inc., please visit www.jazwares.com
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica®, Virtual World for Kids, Unveils Game Show Island
Site's 22nd Island Adventure Challenges Players with Trivia, Word Games, Obstacle Courses and More
BOSTON - Oct. 26, 2011 - Global challenges await Poptropica visitors with tomorrow's launch of the new Game Show Island, the 22nd Island on the popular virtual world for kids. Poptropica Members with Early Access can experience the entire Island on Oct. 27, while non-Members will have access to a demo - a limited portion of the Island experience - until the public launch in November.
When Poptropica players visit Game Show Island, they will discover that Robots have taken over the world by winning all of the money and prizes from game shows. Under the diabolical leadership of a computer mastermind named Holmes, they are now forcing the humans of Poptropica to do all of their grunt work for them. The player's goal is to beat the robots at the five different game shows and reclaim the dignity of all Poptropicans.
The engaging game shows take place in cities all over the world, such as Moscow, Buenos Aires and Istanbul, and feature challenges such as trivia games, word games and obstacle courses.
"Poptropica players will embark on an exciting new adventure with many games to challenge their knowledge and skills on Game Show Island," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "Plus, they will travel to new corners of the world, learn about other cities and cultures and, in the end, hopefully, conquer those pesky Robots."
Recently named as one of TIME magazine's Top 50 websites of 2011, Poptropica's Islands have been visited by more than 185 million kids worldwide since its launch in 2007. Players come from more than 100 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian. All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge.
Earlier this month, Poptropica: The Official Guide was released offering fans a detailed walkthrough of the site as well as background on the Islands, characters and behind-the-scenes content. This guide, the first of many Poptropica books to be published, joins a line of Poptropica toys manufactured by Jazwares, Inc. The sets of plush figures, three- and six-inch action figures, and playsets are available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at www.Toysrus.com/Poptropica. In addition, beginning in November, fans will be able to find the toys at select Barnes & Noble stores.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
First Official Guidebook for Poptropica® Publishes Tomorrow
Much-Anticipated Book is First in a Series, Launching the Poptropica Publishing Imprint
BOSTON - Oct. 12, 2011 - Poptropica players can make the most of their adventures on the popular virtual world for kids with tomorrow's publication of Poptropica: The Official Guide.
The 192-page official Poptropica guidebook offers Poptropica fans a detailed walkthrough of the site as well as background on the Islands, characters and behind-the-scenes content. The book features sections on popular Poptropica quests, such as Wimpy Wonderland and Steamworks Island. A full-color wall poster is included so fans can easily display their Poptropica pride.
Poptropica creator and author of the bestselling "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series Jeff Kinney said, "I'm very excited that we're releasing our first-ever guidebook. When playing on our site, a lot of kids get to a certain point in our quests where they can't figure out what to do next. The guidebook is going to help them get unstuck and to experience all of the great storytelling on Poptropica."
To celebrate the launch of the Poptropica guidebook, kids can participate in a series of scavenger hunts beginning Oct. 13. The book provides tips for decoding the clues in this online hunt to win exclusive prizes for a kid's personalized Poptropica avatar.
"Now kids can flip through the pages of this great new guidebook and see their favorite Poptropica characters on the printed page, discover more about their favorite Islands and use what they learn to delve more deeply into the virtual world," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "The launch of this first print book is an exciting next step in the continual evolution of Poptropica."
The new guidebook, the first of many Poptropica books to be published, is part of the site's growing line of branded products designed to provide fans with both an online and offline Poptropica experience. Earlier this year, Poptropica announced a line of Poptropica toys manufactured by Jazwares, Inc. The sets of plush figures, three- and six- inch action figures, and playsets are now available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at www.Toysrus.com/Poptropica. In addition, beginning in November, fans will be able to find the toys at select Barnes & Noble stores.
Since the virtual world's launch in 2007, more than 185 million kids worldwide have experienced the spirit of adventure and discovery found by exploring the many Poptropica Islands. Players come from more than 100 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
POPTROPICA: The Official Guide
Poptropica (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group) / on sale October 13, 2011;
$12.99 / ISBN: 978-0-448-45726-0 / Ages 8-12
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica® Virtual World for Kids, Hires Licensing Executive Pamela Dixon
New Business Development Director to Manage Poptropica's Growing Line of Licenses
BOSTON - Sept. 28, 2011 - Poptropica announced today that licensing executive Pamela Dixon has joined the popular virtual world for kids as business development director. In her new role, Dixon will manage Poptropica's growing line of licenses, including those assigned to Penguin, Jazwares, Hardee's and Carl Jr's.
Dixon brings more than 20 years of experience in the development of licensing, marketing and revenue strategies for global brands to the virtual world for kids ages eight to 12. Most recently, she was executive director with Peanuts Worldwide, the licensing company that represents brands such as Charles Schulz's Peanuts. There she was responsible for brands including Fancy Nancy, Iron Chef America, Goodnight Moon, The Deadliest Catch and brands owned by Hallmark and A&E Television Networks.
As vice president for global licensing at Marc Brown Studios, she directed the growth and global revenue of "Arthur & Friends." Dixon also spent more than a decade with The Walt Disney Company, where she managed major licensing partners in book publishing, including Golden Books Sight & Sound, Publications International and Grolier.
"In four years, Poptropica has seen incredible growth in the number of kids worldwide who have fun exploring its challenging, story-based adventures and, as a result, explosive growth in its image as a global brand," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "As a member of our team, Pamela brings the wisdom, network of industry connections and diverse experience necessary for us to continue to grow and manage the Poptropica brand while realizing our long-term vision for publishing engaging content for kids in a safe, online world."
Just last month Poptropica announced an all-new line of Poptropica toys manufactured by Jazwares, Inc. The sets of plush figures, three and six inch action figures and playsets are now available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/Poptropica.
Since the virtual world's launch in 2007, more than 180 million kids worldwide have experienced the spirit of adventure and discovery found by exploring the many Poptropica Islands. Players come from more than 100 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
To learn more about Poptropica licensing opportunities:
Pamela Dixon, 203.864.5277, pamela.dixon@pearson.com
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica® Launches Mystery Train on Its Popular Virtual World for Kids
The 21st Island Adventure Takes Kids Back in Time to Chicago's World's Fair for a Suspenseful Whodunit
BOSTON - Sept. 7, 2011 - Poptropicans will journey back in time to the Chicago World's Fair to solve a crime when they take a ride on Poptropica's "Mystery Train." The launch of the 21st Island from the popular virtual world for kids coincides with Poptropica's 4th birthday celebration. On Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, at 4:21 p.m.(4 o'clock for Poptropica's 4th birthday and 21 minutes past the hour for the 21st Island), Poptropica Members can enjoy the entire new adventure with Early Access, while non-Members will have access to a limited portion of the game until its public launch on Oct. 7, 2011.
The site's new challenging and suspenseful online quest is set in 1893. Players are on a train headed to the Windy City for the World's Fair when a dastardly crime puts the fate of the Fair in peril. As Poptropicans collect clues and uncover secrets to collar the criminal, they also meet famous historical figures such as Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla and Susan B. Anthony.
"When kids board Poptropica's Mystery Train and head off to the Chicago World's Fair, they will explore an event that had a profound impact on the development of architecture and the arts in our country - not to mention the introduction of inventions such as the Ferris Wheel and the movie projector, and now-beloved foods such as Cracker Jack, hamburgers and Juicy Fruit gum," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "In addition, as kids play this new adventure and solve the crime, they will meet some of the brightest minds in history."
To prepare for the challenge of the Mystery Train, all kids can now play the site's D.C. Diner game, trying to beat the clock while serving food to the train's many prominent, historical passengers.
Kids can get Early Access to travel on the Mystery Train with Poptropica Membership. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from favorites such as the Summer Beach Ball and Wild West Outlaws costumes, special abilities and effects - shrinking other Poptropicans to microscopic size, launching fireworks into the sky, and much more.
Recently named as one of TIME magazine's Top 50 websites of 2011, Poptropica is visited by as many as 10 million kids each month. Players come from more than 100 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian. All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge.
Kids can get Early Access to new Islands with Poptropica Membership. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from favorites such as the Summer Beach Ball and Wild West Outlaws costumes, special abilities and effects - shrinking other Poptropicans to microscopic size, launching fireworks into the sky, and much more.
Poptropica's next Island, Mystery Train, is just around the bend, launching with Early Access for Members on Friday, Sept. 9, at 4:21 p.m. Kids can get the latest news on upcoming Islands and more, straight from the Poptropica creators, on the official Poptropica blog.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica® Celebrates Its Fourth Year - and 180 Million Readers - as Leading Publisher of Digital Stories for Kids
Global Business and Brand Licensor Commemorates Fourth Birthday With Special Celebration for Fans
BOSTON - Aug. 31, 2011 - This September, kids everywhere can help celebrate Poptropica's fourth birthday with special games, costumes and other fun. One of TIME magazine's Top 50 websites of 2011, Poptropica debuted in September 2007. Today, as many as 10 million kids visit the popular virtual world every month for hours of safe, secure online fun.
"It's exciting to think that four years ago we quietly launched Poptropica with a single Island, and that today we have 20 Islands and 390 million avatars in our virtual world," said Jeff Kinney, Poptropica creator and author of the bestselling "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. "We're excited about the years ahead. Our mission will always be to provide kids with the best interactive content on the web."
During Poptropica's birthday month, all kids can play a fourth-birthday balloon-popping game to try to win a commemorative fourth-birthday costume, complete with a cake to throw. Plus, when they visit the Poptropica store, they can get a free fourth-birthday balloon as a party favor for the celebration.
Poptropica Members will have access to rare Member-only items throughout the month. The popular Light Ninja, Renegade Robot and Limited Edition Robin Hood costumes will all be returning to the Poptropica Store as part of the festivities, for a limited time.
"When we launched Poptropica, our goal was to share stories with a generation of kids empowered with digital and gaming literacy," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "In four short years, our simple notion reconfirmed what every generation of kids truly values. The concept has exploded into a worldwide business phenomenon with toys, game cards and more, but, best of all, we have remained true to our vision."
Poptropica fans can let the world know of their excitement with a variety of branded merchandise, including game cards, t-shirts, device skins and wall graphics. Plus, they can enjoy their favorite Poptropica characters outside of the computer screen with Poptropica toys, available at Toys"R"Us.
Kids can get Early Access to new Islands with Poptropica Membership. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from favorites such as the Summer Beach Ball and Wild West Outlaws costumes, special abilities and effects - shrinking other Poptropicans to microscopic size, launching fireworks into the sky, and much more.
Poptropica's next Island, Mystery Train, is just around the bend, launching with Early Access for Members on Friday, Sept. 9, at 4:21 p.m. Kids can get the latest news on upcoming Islands and more, straight from the Poptropica creators, on the official Poptropica blog.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica®, Virtual World for Kids, Named to TIME Magazine Top 50 Websites of 2011
Leading Newsmagazine Calls Poptropica "Inventive Megasite for Kids"
BOSTON - Aug. 23, 2011 - Poptropica, the popular virtual world for kids, is one of the top 50 websites of 2011, according to TIME magazine. Named one of five sites for Family & Kids in the magazine's annual list, Poptropica is visited by as many as 10 million kids each month.
"It's incredibly exciting to be recognized by TIME magazine as one of the top 50 websites of 2011," said Jeff Kinney, Poptropica creator and author of the bestselling "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. "At Poptropica, it's our goal to write great interactive content for kids, and we feel that it's a privilege to be in a position to reach so many children across the world. We're thrilled that TIME has recognized our efforts."
In the 50 Best Websites of 2011 list, TIME writes of Poptropica, "If you've never heard of Poptropica, chances are you're a grownup. An inventive megasite for kids with a wholesome and slightly educational bent, it features quests, games and puzzles set on 20 themed islands, including Shrink Ray Island, Wild West Island and ones based on the Wimpy Kid and Peanuts franchises. As many as 10 million kids explore Poptropica each month, but the site also aims to please parents. The chat feature, for instance, doesn't permit free-form conversation. Instead, members can select questions to ask one another from a collection of family-friendly choices."
Just recently celebrating the debut of its 20th Island, Poptropica is a safe, fun virtual world for kids ages 8 to 12. All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Since its launch in 2007, more than 170 million kids worldwide have experienced the spirit of adventure and discovery found on the popular virtual world. Players come from more than 100 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
Kids can enjoy their favorite Poptropica characters outside of the computer screen with Poptropica toys, now available at Toys"R"Us. They can also track the whereabouts of an infamous Poptropican by following Where in the World is Dr. Hare? on the Poptropica Creators' Blog.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica®, Virtual World for Kids, Unveils New Toys
Poptropica Toys Now Available Exclusively at Toys"R"Us and Toysrus.com
BOSTON - July 5, 2011 - Poptropica, the popular virtual world for kids, now comes to life in the offline world with an all-new line of toys manufactured by Jazwares, Inc. The sets of plush figures and three- and six-inch action figures and playsets are now available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/Poptropica. Each Poptropica toy comes with a code redeemable for an in-game costume or mind-blowing power to enhance kids' online adventures. Kids can collect all of the toys to get each of the exclusive costumes or powers never before available online at Poptropica!
Featured in this new line of plush characters and poseable figures are some of kids' all-time favorite Poptropica characters, such as the infamous Dr. Hare and Shark Boy, as well as characters from Super Power Island, Astro-Knights Island, Skullduggery Island and Shark Tooth Island.
"I'm very excited to see the wonderful 2-D characters in Poptropica come to life in the form of 3-D toys. When I first held the characters in my hands, it felt like magic," said Jeff Kinney, Poptropica Creator and Author of the bestselling "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. "I'm excited for kids to have the same feeling!"
"As kids become more engaged in online play, they regularly look for ways to take the fun of their virtual friends into the physical world," said Lisa Harnisch, Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Core Toy and Seasonal, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "This exclusive line of Poptropica toys is a great addition to our differentiated product assortment, offering children a variety of ways to play with their favorite Poptropica characters while away from the computer."
Now celebrating its 20th Island, Poptropica is a safe, fun virtual world for kids ages eight to 12. Since its launch in 2007, more than 170 million kids worldwide have experienced the spirit of adventure and discovery found by exploring the popular virtual world. Players come from more than 100 different countries and have their web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian. "Every day on Poptropica, millions of kids are engaged in challenging, story-based adventures," said Jess M. Brallier, Publisher of Poptropica. "Now with these new plush and poseable toys, favorite Poptropica characters seem to jump right off the computer screen and into kids' laps, encouraging more creative play and imaginative thinking."
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming toys, Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica®, Popular Virtual World for Kids, Unveils Milestone 20th Island
Shrink Ray Island Launches for All to Play on June 30
BOSTON - June 30, 2011 - Today Poptropicans have to think small to overcome a big challenge on the online virtual world for kids' new "Shrink Ray Island." This quest marks the 20th Island published on Poptropica, which is known for developing engaging stories for kids. Shrink Ray Island launches today for all to play. Poptropica Members with Early Access can experience the entire Island. For the first time ever, non-Members can experience several levels of an Early Access demo at launch.
On "Shrink Ray Island," a young scientist has invented a ray gun that shrinks anything it touches - including Poptropica players. Their job is to find the scientist and her powerful shrink ray gun before it falls into the wrong hands. In their shrunken state, players will have to use their wit and creativity to navigate the Island and find the shrink ray gun.
"Every month, millions of kids from around the world visit Poptropica for a fun, engaging and challenging online experience," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "Today's debut of our 20th Island provides them with yet another exciting opportunity to play and learn in a safe, virtual world."
To commemorate the launch of the 20th Island, the official Poptropica blog has revealed the 20 rarest items in the history of Poptropica. Kids can also play the 'Shrink Shot Game,' which is filled with more free and Members-only items than any other game. For the complete list of the 20 rarest items, plus news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica, kids can visit the blog at www.poptropica.com/20rareitems.
Kids can get Early Access to play all of "Shrink Ray Island" today with Poptropica Membership. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream, and much more.
Late last year, the rapidly growing virtual world for kids ranked No. 5 in the Hot Video Games Category of the 2010 Google Zeitgeist. It was the only kids' gaming site in the top five on the list of the year's most searched-for video games. Poptropica's 20 Islands (and still growing), stories, comics and games offer countless hours of safe, secure, online fun to as many as 10 million kids each month.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica®, Popular Online Virtual World for Kids, Launches "Red Dragon Island"
Bestselling Magic Tree House® Series Featured in the Site's 19th Island
BOSTON - May 10, 2011 - The Magic Tree House lands on Poptropica. Fans of "The New York Times" No. 1 bestselling book series can now explore "Red Dragon Island" with Jack and Annie, the brother and sister from the series who have discovered a magical tree house, which is filled with books and transports them to different places and times. A favorite of children everywhere, the Magic Tree House books have sold more than 70 million copies in North America alone.
On "Red Dragon Island," visitors will join Jack and Annie on a journey back in time to a world of samurai warriors, sumo wrestlers and great dangers that lurk in the clouds. When trouble strikes, it is up to players to master a set of elite ninja skills and undertake a dangerous rescue mission to find their way back home.
Currently available to Poptropica Members with Early Access, this Island will launch to the public on June 2, 2011. Nonmembers can currently get a sneak preview to "Red Dragon Island" and play the "Prepare for Impact" game to win a free costume for their Poptropican.
The Magic Tree House books consistently land in the No. 1 slot on "The New York Times" children's bestseller list. They have been translated into 28 languages and are available in more than 30 countries around the world. Written by Mary Pope Osborne, the series introduces young readers to different cultures and times in history, as well as the world's legacy of ancient myth and storytelling.
"I'm absolutely delighted that we have the good fortune to further extend the love for adventure and learning that Mary brings to her books," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "Her Dragon of the Red Dawn book in particular is a perfect fit for the stunning illustrations and active discovery that are native to Poptropica. This is a great Island for curious kids."
"Magic Tree House is all about going to new worlds on the wings of imagination. I hope kids will now have a wondrous journey with Jack and Annie to Red Dragon Island on Poptropica," said Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House series.
Kids can now get Early Access to play "Red Dragon Island" with Poptropica Membership. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream, and much more.
Prepaid Poptropica Game Cards in the amount of $10 can be purchased at select retailers, such as Target and Best Buy. Game cards redeemed for Membership receive a free extra month of Membership.
Every month, as many as 10 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual Islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 100 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid"-Inspired Island, "Wimpy Wonderland," Debuts on Poptropica®, Virtual World for Kids
Popular Site's 18th Island From Creator Jeff Kinney Takes Members and Wimpy Kid Characters on a Snow Day Adventure
BOSTON - March 15, 2011 - Fans of the bestselling "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series can now join all their favorite characters on a snow day adventure with today's Early Access launch of Poptropica's new "Wimpy Wonderland Island." As a special bonus, Poptropica members who log in and play "Wimpy Wonderland" during March will get an exclusive Gold Card, "Paper Boy" or "Paper Girl," which they can use to turn their Poptropican into lined paper like in the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book series. This exclusive members-only item will also allow kids to turn other Poptropicans into lined paper boys or girls.
"I'm thrilled to be bringing the two parts of my life together: Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Poptropica," said Jeff Kinney, author of the bestselling series and Poptropica creator. "For the first time ever, kids will get to interact with Greg Heffley and his family and friends in a virtual world. I've created an original storyline for the island, and I'm hoping fans of the series will enjoy experiencing the characters in a whole new way."
Players who visit "Wimpy Wonderland" will discover a snow day in which everyone's enjoying a day off from school - except for "Wimpy Kid" hero Greg Heffley, whose little brother Manny is missing. As they follow Manny's trail and solve the mystery of his disappearance, players will tussle with the Whirly Street kids, fend off cantankerous senior citizens and even venture within arm's length of Fregley.
"Jeff's 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' is a huge hit in print and on the big screen, and I am confident that Greg will now be at his wimpy best online at Poptropica," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "Kids will delight in having Wimpy Kid and Poptropica together in an inventive and surprising experience."
Poptropica Membership gives kids Early Access to new Islands, so they can be among the first to play and complete the newest Islands. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream, and much more.
Parents can buy a Poptropica Membership for their kids in one-month, three-month or six-month increments. In addition, prepaid Poptropica Game Cards, redeemable for Membership to the site or Credits to use in the Poptropica Store, can be purchased at select retailers, such as Target and Best Buy.
Late last year, the rapidly growing virtual world for kids ranked Number 5 in the Hot Video Games Category of the 2010 Google Zeitgeist. It was the only kids' gaming site in the top five on the list of the year's most searched-for video games. The robust gaming platform offers countless hours of safe, secure, online fun to as many as 10 million kids each month.
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica, Fastest Growing Online World for Kids, Adds Wild West Adventure
"Wild West Island" Offers Visitors Chance to Saddle Up and Capture Fearsome Bandits in Safe, Online Environment
BOSTON - Feb. 15, 2011 - Poptropicans will saddle up and head for the wild west when they play the newest Island on the popular online world for kids. Now available to members with Early Access, Poptropica's "Wild West Island" will be available to the public on March 14.
Players who visit "Wild West Island" will join the good citizens who are being terrorized by the most fearsome bandit in the land. In their quest to capture all the members of his gang and bring them to justice, players will explore the Wild West on horseback and by rail, visiting burgeoning cities, viewing stunning natural landscapes and battling outlaws in the most action-packed Poptropica adventure yet.
"Launching Poptropica's 17th Island is a great way to start the new year," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "Poptropica visitors can now add an adventure in the old west, complete with marauding bandits, to the exciting quests - involving everything from stolen works of art to pirates and mythical creatures - that are available on our popular, safe and secure online environment for kids."
Poptropica Membership gives kids Early Access to new Islands, so they can be among the first to play and complete the newest Islands, weeks before it becomes available to the public. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream, and much more.
Parents can buy a Poptropica Membership for their kids in one-month, three-month or six-month increments. In addition, prepaid Poptropica Game Cards, redeemable for Membership to the site or Credits to use in the Poptropica Store, can be purchased at select retailers, such as Target and Best Buy.
Late last year, the rapidly growing virtual world for kids ranked Number 5 in the Hot Video Games Category of the 2010 Google Zeitgeist. It was the only kids' gaming site in the top five on the list of the year's most searched-for video games. The robust gaming platform offers countless hours of safe, secure, online fun to as many as 10 million kids each month.
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica, Popular Online World for Kids, Launches "Cryptids Island"
Visitors Will Hunt for World's Mythical Creatures on Safe, Online Environment's Newest Adventure
BOSTON - Dec. 21, 2010 - The world's mythical creatures have taken up residence on the new "Cryptids Island" from Poptropica, the popular online world for kids. Members now have Early Access to the brand new Island just added to the rapidly growing, safe and fun virtual environment. Public access to Cryptids Island will be available January 17, 2011.
Players who visit "Cryptids Island" will take off on a globetrotting adventure, hunting for creatures others have only heard about. They will visit the depths of Loch Ness to look for Nessie, scale the snowy Himalayas in search of the Yeti, and scour the deepest parts of the Pine Barrens for the Jersey Devil. All the while, they will be racing against another monster hunter, who has devious plans for the creatures.
"Mythical creatures such as the Loch Ness monster have a special allure for kids because they represent a unique combination of fantasy and reality," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "When Poptropica visitors embark on the adventures presented on Cryptids Island, they will delve deeply into the legends of these fabulous beasts while playing in a safe, secure online environment."
Poptropica Membership gives kids Early Access to new Islands, so they can be among the first to play and complete the new Island weeks before it becomes available to the public. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more.
Parents can buy a Poptropica Membership for their kids in one-month, three-month or six-month increments. In addition, prepaid Poptropica Game Cards, redeemable for Membership to the site or Credits to use in the Poptropica Store, can be purchased at select retailers, such as Target and Best Buy.
Every month, as many as 10 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual Islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 100 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica: Number 5 on Google List of Hot Video Games of 2010
One More Island on Its Way in 2010, Get Ready With Membership $10 Poptropica Game Cards Available Now at Target Stores
BOSTON - Dec. 15, 2010 - Poptropica, the rapidly growing virtual world for kids, is Number 5 in the Hot Video Games Category of the 2010 Google Zeitgeist. It is the only kids gaming site in the top five on the list of the year's most searched-for video games. The robust gaming platform offers countless hours of safe, secure, online fun to as many as 10 million kids each month.
Just three years since its launch, Poptropica has grown from one simple Island to a world with 15 Islands, each with its own story to tell, mystery to solve and unique adventures for the player to experience. There is still one more Island scheduled to be unleashed in 2010: The new "Cryptids Island" sets players on a globetrotting adventure in search of mythical creatures. A glimpse of Cryptids Island can be seen online right now.
"Poptropica's recipe for success is the engaging, quality online adventures that we publish for kids in a place where their parents can be confident that they will be safe," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "Popularity for the site has soared since its launch, and we have many more Islands and features to come in 2011. Being the top kids' gaming site searched for on Google this year is a true testament to our great reputation with parents and kids."
Membership is needed to play Cryptids Island during Early Access in 2010. Poptropica Game Cards are now available at Target stores for purchase in time for the holidays and can be redeemed on Poptropica.com for Membership.
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Prepaid Game Cards for Poptropica, Virtual World for Kids, Now Available at Best Buy
Game Cards Redeemable for Poptropica Membership or Credits Make Great Holiday Gifts for Poptropica Fans
BOSTON - Dec. 1, 2010 - Starting today, popular Poptropica Game Cards are available at participating Best Buy stores around the country. For just $10, the prepaid cards are redeemable for Membership to the site or Credits to use in the Poptropica Store. And, as part of a special Best Buy offer, $10 Game Cards purchased there and redeemed for Membership entitle the user to an additional free month of Poptropica Membership.
"The holidays are upon us, and Game Cards make great gifts for Poptropica fans in every family," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "As we grow the network of major retail stores where Poptropica Game Cards are sold, we know we will reach even more kids who are looking for a fun, safe and secure place to play online."
Once the prepaid game gift card is activated on Poptropica.com, kids who choose Membership receive exclusive Early Access to new Islands, such as soon-to-be released "Cryptids Island," as well as unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store. Players who select Credits can instantly redeem them for costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store. Gold Cards allow kids to customize their Poptropicans with special abilities and effects, such as electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more.
Every month, as many as 10 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual Islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 100 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
Currently, there are 15 Poptropica Islands with intricate stories for kids to explore, and many more are planned for release in the future. Kids can get the latest news on upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica straight from the creators on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica Debuts PEANUTS "Great Pumpkin Island" in Time for Halloween
Iconic PEANUTS Brand Partners With Popular Online World for Kids
BOSTON - Oct. 5, 2010 - Charlie Brown and the rest of the PEANUTS cast of characters are coming to Poptropica this month with the launch of "Great Pumpkin Island." Now available to Poptropica Members with Early Access, the site's 15th Island will be available to the public on Oct. 14.
Based on the much-loved comic property created by Charles M. Schulz, "Great Pumpkin Island" features the PEANUTS characters as they get ready for Halloween. Throughout the Island quest, Poptropicans will experience all of the memorable scenes from the popular television special, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," including visiting the pumpkin patch with Linus, trick-or-treating with the whole gang, and taking flight with Snoopy as the World War I flying ace.
"In its 60th anniversary year, PEANUTS continues to remain relevant to fans of all ages. We're always looking for new ways to get in front of younger audiences, so they too can fall in love with Schulz's characters the way generations have before us," said Joshua Kislevitz, senior vice president of domestic licensing at Peanuts Worldwide. "As the most popular online place for kids to safely play and explore, Poptropica is the perfect virtual world to host Great Pumpkin Island."
Like PEANUTS, Poptropica has an international following. Every month, as many as 10 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual Islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 100 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
"For nearly 45 years, kids of all ages have gathered in October to watch the popular PEANUTS television special, 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.' We are thrilled to bring this icon of Halloween to the kids on Poptropica," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "Great Pumpkin Island is the third of many Islands based on popular brands that will be coming to our virtual world for kids over the next two years."
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
About Peanuts Worldwide
The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R), OCEAN PACIFIC(R), DANSKIN (R), ROCA WEAR(R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R) and WAVERLY (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), ZOO YORK (R), MATERIAL GIRL(TM), and PEANUTS brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
Ilona Zaks, Peanuts Worldwide, 212-293-8788, izaks@peanuts.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica Celebrates Milestone Birthday
Popular and Safe Site for Kids Turns 3, Promises More Online Adventures
BOSTON - Sept. 21, 2010 - Kids who log in to Poptropica through the end of September have the chance to win a rare outfit for their avatar in celebration of the virtual world's third birthday. Poptropicans will encounter birthday celebration balloons in common rooms, and if they find a balloon with the number "3" on it, they can pop that balloon to win. Also during this period, a free, surprise birthday accessory is available for those who visit the Poptropica Store.
Conceived by Jeff Kinney, author of the bestselling "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series, and launched in Sept. 2007, Poptropica offers as many as 10 million kids a month countless hours of safe, secure online fun.
Kids will see more Islands on the Poptropica map than ever before, as Island Quests continue to be the major draw for kids on Poptropica, which has grown from one to 14 Islands over the past three years. Kids get to be the "star of the story" on the virtual Islands, customizing their game experience through avatar accessories, virtual items, mini-games and more.
"We created Poptropica to offer kids ages 8 to12 a place to have a really fun and engaging online experience - one that parents could trust," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "From the day Poptropica launched, we've seen amazing growth. Kids spend hours on the site, engaged in stories focused on topics including history, mythology, art and inventions."
He added, "Over the next two years, we will continue to grow Poptropica by adding even more Islands and exciting features, including daily updates, new online genres and a book series."
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the only official blog, at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
Poptropica Islands are always free for visitors to play. Membership or Credits are not required for kids to be able to enjoy the narrative quests on Poptropica.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica, Virtual World for Kids, Launches Prepaid Game Gift Cards
Game Cards Redeemable for Poptropica Membership or Credits Available at Target Stores Nationwide
BOSTON - Sept. 7, 2010 -Poptropica Game Cards are now available for purchase at more than 1,100 Target stores across the United States. For just $10, the prepaid cards are redeemable for Membership to the site or for Credits to use in the Poptropica Store.
"With our Poptropica Game Cards available at one of the country's largest retailers, parents who don't have access to a credit card now have an easy way to purchase Memberships or Credits for their kids," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "The economically priced gift cards offer a great birthday or holiday gift for a fan of Poptropica, and the visibility of the cards at Target gives us a tremendous opportunity to reach new players looking for a fun, safe and secure online world."
Once the prepaid game gift card is activated on Poptropica.com, kids who choose Membership receive exclusive Early Access to new Islands, such as the recently launched "Steamworks Island," as well as unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store. Players who select Credits can instantly redeem them for costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store. Gold Cards allow kids to customize their Poptropicans with special abilities and effects such as electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more.
Currently, there are 14 Poptropica Islands with intricate stories for kids to explore, with many more planned for release in the future.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Newest Poptropica Adventure, "Steamworks Island," Now Available for Early Access
Popular Online World for Kids Unveils 14th Island
BOSTON - Aug. 17, 2010 - A steam-powered adventure awaits visitors to the new "Steamworks Island" from Poptropica, the popular online world for kids. Poptropica Members now have Early Access to the 14th Island, to be added to the rapidly growing, safe and fun virtual environment. "Steamworks Island" will be available to the public on Sept. 9.
Players arriving on "Steamworks Island" find an empty town filled with steam-powered technology that has been long abandoned and overrun by vicious "plant monsters." With the help of a robot sidekick, Poptropicans piece together clues to discover what happened to the vanished inhabitants of this intriguing new Island.
"Steamworks Island offers Poptropicans another online adventure to both challenge and entertain them," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "As always, when they participate in Poptropica's newest safe, online game, no personally identifiable information is ever collected or shared, so they are having fun and learning in a safe, online world."
Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.
Poptropica Membership gives kids Early Access to new Islands, so they can be among the first to play and complete the new Island weeks before it becomes available to the public. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more. Parents can buy a Poptropica Membership for their kids for $3.95 for one month, $10.95 for three months or $19.95 for six months.
There are currently 13 Poptropica Islands that are always free for visitors to play. Membership or Credits are not required for kids to be able to enjoy and play educational games on Poptropica. Players can earn Credits when they successfully complete an Island. Credits can be used in the Poptropica Store to purchase costumes and Gold Cards.
Every month, more than 9 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual Islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 100 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica, the Popular Online Virtual World for Kids, Introduces "Skullduggery Island"
Early Access to Swashbuckling New Adventure Available Now for Poptropica Members
BOSTON - June 3, 2010 - Adventure and discovery await kids who visit Poptropica's new "Skullduggery Island," which is available now exclusively to Poptropica members. Featuring the virtual world's most extensive quest to date, "Skullduggery Island" will be available to the public on June 17.
On "Skullduggery Island," Poptropicans discover the challenge of conducting trade in a world filled with the unexpected. To restore the island to the prosperous trading port it once was, they need to build their own pirate ship and gather the tools they need, including a hidden treasure map, to confront and battle the evil Captain Crawfish. Once they are defeated, Poptropicans reap bountiful rewards.
"Kids love a good swashbuckling adventure, and they'll delight in the stealth introduction of trading and market risks - especially the pirates of Skullduggery Island," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "As they participate in Poptropica's newest safe, online game, kids will also learn about maps and pirate history."
Continuing, Brallier said, "Response to Poptropica membership, which gives kids early access to new islands, has been terrific. And as always, after the early access period, Skullduggery Island will be free for anyone to play."
Poptropica membership gives kids early access to new islands, so they can be among the first to play and complete the new island weeks before everybody else. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more.
Currently, there are 12 Poptropica Islands that are always free for visitors to play. Membership or credits are not required for kids to be able to enjoy and play educational games on Poptropica's many virtual islands.
Every month, over 10 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 90 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
New Island on Poptropica, Online Virtual World for Kids, Brings Greek Myths to Life
Early Access to "Mythology Island" for Poptropica Members Available
April 19, 2010 - Mighty Zeus and other legends of Greek myths will come to life for kids on Poptropica's new "Mythology Island." Now during early access, Poptropica members have exclusive access to the challenges on this island before its public availability on April 29, 2010. Poptropica is the fastest growing virtual world for kids.
As they play "Mythology Island," Poptropicans will discover the Tree of Immortality. When they pick an apple from it, Zeus appears and their adventures unfold. To satisfy Zeus, they battle monsters, swim the depths of the ocean, cross the river Styx and climb Mount Olympus -- all while learning about Greek mythology and receiving help in their challenges from well-known characters, such as Hercules and Aphrodite.
"Mythology Island brings the tales of the Greek gods and their adventures to life for Poptropicans," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "As they meet Greek gods -- both good and evil -- they are also having fun in a safe, online environment designed specifically for young gamers."
Poptropica membership gives kids early access to new islands, so they can be among the first to play and complete the new island weeks before everybody else. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all Costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store, allowing them to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more. Parents can buy a Poptropica membership for their kids for $2.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months or $12.99 for six months.
Poptropica Islands are always free for visitors to play - membership or credits are not required for kids to be able to enjoy and solve the online virtual islands for kids that make up Poptropica. In fact, kids earn 100 free credits when they complete islands and 50 free credits when they complete mini-quests, and can use these credits to redeem items in the Poptropica Store.
Every month, more than 7 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 70 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 90 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica, Fastest Growing Online Virtual World for Kids, Launches New "Reality TV Island"
Early Access to New Islands Now Available Only With Membership
BOSTON - Mar. 3, 2010 - The reality television craze comes to Poptropica's virtual world for kids this month with the early access launch of "Reality TV Island," available exclusively for Poptropica members before its release to the public on March 24, 2010.
Everyone who lives on the island dreams of being a contestant on the new hit show, "Reality Island." Poptropicans who visit are whisked away by helicopter to compete against other contestants in a series of fast-paced mini-games, hoping to "wow" the audience and become the ultimate champion of the island.
"When kids visit Poptropica, they find a virtual world designed just for them where they can safely interact, compete and have fun," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "With Reality TV Island, they will have the experience of competing against their fellow contestants for fame, just like on 'Survivor' or 'American Idol,' but in an environment where their personal information is never shared. This new island is just one of many new islands for exciting online fun for kids planned for Poptropica this year."
Poptropica Islands are always free for visitors to play - membership or credits are not required for kids to be able to enjoy and solve the many islands that make up Poptropica. In fact, kids earn 100 free credits when they complete islands, and 50 free credits when they complete mini-quests, and can use these credits to redeem items in the Poptropica Store.
Poptropica Membership gives kids early access to new islands, so they can be among the first to play and complete the new island weeks before everybody else. Early access to the newest islands is only available through membership and can no longer be purchased with credits. Membership also gives kids unlimited use of all Costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store. This allows members to customize their Poptropicans by choosing from their favorite costumes, special abilities and effects - electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more. Parents can buy a Poptropica membership for their kids for $2.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months or $12.99 for six months.
Every month, more than 7 million kids explore Poptropica's virtual islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 70 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 90 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica, Largest Virtual World for Young Kids,
Unveils "Counterfeit Island" With Educational Games
Early Access to Island Exploring Art Theft and Forgery
Now Available
BOSTON - Dec. 22, 2009 - Kids can explore the world of art theft and forgery with today's early access launch of Counterfeit Island on Poptropica, the Web's largest virtual world for young kids. In the newest island on this safe, online environment for fun and learning, someone is out to steal the world's most famous artwork. Kids play online while learning about art forgery detection and how to spot a fake, and with their new skills retrieve the stolen art and save the day. Kids can use credits to get the Early Access Pass to Counterfeit Island in the Poptropica Store and be the first to explore this island before its release to the public in early January 2010.
"Poptropica's virtual islands give kids a wide range of opportunities for safe, online fun and discovery," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "On Counterfeit Island, they will be introduced to some of the world's most famous artwork and develop skills for detecting visual differences, while having a great time playing in a unique online world designed especially for kids."
In November 2009, nearly 7 million visitors explored Poptropica's virtual islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 70 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 90 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
Upon arrival at Poptropica, kids are asked to select an age and gender to create the "Poptropican" character they will use to explore the online virtual islands for kids. They can choose from numerous hairstyles, eyes, lips and clothing in various colors to create their own unique character. Using scripted chat, Poptropicans easily interact with others in the islands. The absence of free type in chat ensures that kids never share any personally identifiable information, and the site never collects this type of information.
The Early Access Pass for Counterfeit Island is now available for 500 credits in the Poptropica Store, which also has costumes, special powers and features for Poptropicans. Parents can buy Poptropica Credits for their kids at the cost of $5 USD for 500 credits, and kids can earn a limited number of free credits when they complete islands and mini-quests on Poptropica. Poptropicans who solve Counterfeit Island during the Early Access period will earn 200 free credits.
About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, tens of millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.
Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each island.
There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe, online environment.
Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Poptropica, Educational Virtual World for Kids,
Ranks in Top 300 Web Sites
Millions of Kids Find Educational Games and More
on Safe, Online Environment for Fun and Learning
BOSTON - June 30, 2009 - Poptropica, the Web's fastest growing virtual world for kids, has entered Quantcast.com's list of top 300 Web sites, based on monthly visitors. Less than two years old, the safe online environment for fun and learning recently secured the 274thslot on the online audience measurement firm's list. Poptropica users have created more than 120 million online characters that explore and learn on the site's nine virtual islands.
This news follows the remarkable launch of the site's new Astro-Knights Island on June 10, when 1.2 million users logged on to explore this online Medieval space adventure. Early access to this new island was made possible by Poptropica's recently launched virtual economy system for kids, through which parents or other adults can purchase credits for their children's accounts. Kids can then use these credits to purchase Early Access passes to play new islands before they are launched to the public, and can buy costumes, special powers and features for their online avatars. Kids also earn a limited number of free credits when they complete islands on Poptropica.
Parents and online pundits around the world have been singing the praises of this educational virtual world for children. "NetFamilyNews" sent an "undercover Mom" on to Poptropica, and she concluded, "Poptropica does indeed boast an admirable educational dimension. Kids travel back in time and meet historical figures like Leonardo daVinci and Thomas Edison. They traipse through Aztec Ruins and learn about the dorsal fins of Great White sharks. Children who want to learn more can click a button that links them directly to more information at FEN's FactMonster.com."
In her blog, "My Digital Summer," a parent and graduate student in library science said, "Due to its educational aspects, many kids are allowed, and even encouraged to play the game at school. I think it is a fantastic resource, and I am excited to share it with others."
Or, as "Wired" magazine's "Geek Dad" said in May 2009 when his daughter chose Poptropica over all of the other gaming options in the house, "All in all, this is a great site."
Poptropica is visited by nearly 7.5 million kids each month. The members of this virtual world for kids come from more than 70 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 90 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian. Upon arrival at Poptropica, kids are asked to select their age, a user name and password. They then create an avatar that will explore the online virtual islands for kids. They can choose from numerous characters, hairstyles and colors, eyes, lips and clothing to create their own unique character. Using scripted chat, young Internet users on Poptropica safely and easily interact with others online, never sharing any personal or identifying information.
"Poptropica offers parents and kids the best possible online world. Kids can enjoy challenging stories and online games, while parents can trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. That's why the site's popularity has grown so quickly," said Jess M. Brallier, general manager, Family Education Network, publisher of Poptropica. "Poptropica's virtual economy adds another element for parents to enhance their kids' experience on the site if they wish. All Poptropica islands are - and will continue to be - free for all kids to play."
Later this summer, Poptropica will launch its 10th new island to challenge, entertain and educate the millions of kids around the world who visit the site every month.
About Poptropica (Poptropica.com)
Developed by Family Education Network, the makers of Funbrain, Poptropica is a virtual world where kids can travel, play games, collect objects and compete with other players in head-to-head competition. Players can also safely interact and communicate with other inhabitants of Poptropica. There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world, and players can read digital books and comics and watch movies along the way.
Family Education Network is part of Pearson, the world's largest education and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
PRESS RELEASE
Jeff Kinney, "Diary of Wimpy Kid" Creator
& Family Education Network Designer, Named to "Time" 100
Designer of Popular Web Sites, Author of Bestselling Children's Book
Among World's Most Influential People
BOSTON - May 6, 2009 - Family Education Network's Jeff Kinney has gone from "Wimpy Kid" to one of "Time" magazine's 100 most influential people of 2009. Kinney, design director for the family of educational and informative Web sites and author of the global bestseller "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," joined world leaders and pop stars, actors and environmentalists on this annual list of the people who most affect our world.
The bestselling and soon-to-be a major motion picture, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," first debuted online five years ago on Family Education Network's Funbrain.com, the world's largest, most popular, site of educational games. The online edition of "Wimpy Kid" has been read by more than 80 million children, and the print version published by Amulet, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams Publishing, has held multiple positions on "The New York Times Book Review Children's Best Sellers List."
"Who should be on the list of the world's 100 most influential people? A cartoonist who writes about adolescent kids? The designer of Web sites that engage 1.5 million readers every 24 hours? The creative force behind Poptropica, the Internet's fastest growing virtual world for kids? Absolutely!" said Jess M. Brallier, publisher, Family Education Network. "The creativity and insight that Jeff has brought to the design of our sites as well as to his 'Wimpy Kid' series have not only played an important role in our popularity and success, but have also encouraged millions of kids from across the world to read. He is a really influential person."
In the May 4 issue of "Time," featuring the 100 most influential people of 2009, Forrest Simpson, "Time for Kids" reporter and sixth-grader at Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, N.Y., writes, "Even my friends who say they hate to read can be heard recalling hilarious scenes. Each book resembles a real diary, with text and cartoons that look hand-drawn by a sixth-grader. We love these books because of Kinney's ability to vividly describe the life and problems of an average middle-schooler, with pictures and language that capture our sense of humor and perspective."
Kinney designed Family Education Network's popular and influential parenting site, FamilyEducation.com, including the popular "finders" for quickly and easily searching the site for everything from parenting advice and baby and family name finders to recipes and activities. He also developed the popular Funbrain Math Arcade, where kids can play great games while building math skills.
Most recently, Kinney was the creative force behind Poptropica, the Web's fastest growing virtual world dedicated solely to publishing for kids. Launched less than two years ago, Poptropica now features eight interactive islands and is visited by more than 17 million kids each month.
About Family Education Network (FEN.com)
Family Education Network is the Web's leading source of educational content and resources for parents, teachers and kids. They are developers of several distinct properties including FamilyEducation, TeacherVision and Funbrain.
Family Education Network is part of Pearson, the world's largest integrated education company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
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PRESS RELEASE
New Island Featuring Big Nate, Popular Comic, Debuts
to Millions on Fastest Growing Virtual World for Kids
Digital and Print Publishing Worlds Combine to Engage Kids
in Safe Online Environment for Fun and Learning
BOSTON and NEW YORK - March 10, 2009 - Two top publishers - one print and one digital - have joined forces to create Big Nate Island, a new online quest that will excite kids all over the world. Family Education Network, the publisher of Funbrain.com and Poptropica, and United Media, the syndicator of Big Nate, recently launched the island on the Web's fastest growing virtual world dedicated solely to publishing for kids.
In the week following its launch, Big Nate Island was visited by more than 2.2 million different kids, each of whom spent an average of 23 minutes each time they logged on. On its first day alone, the new interactive quest was explored by nearly one million users.
"The synergy created by combining one of the most popular comic strips and the fastest growing virtual world for kids resulted in an explosion of activity on Poptropica," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher, Family Education Network, developer of Poptropica. "Today's kids make a seamless connection between print and digital, and Big Nate Island demonstrates how easily they move between those environments."
The Big Nate comic strip was launched in January 1991 and is published in more than 200 widely read newspapers around the country, including "The Washington Post." Created by cartoonist Lincoln Peirce, Big Nate is a wisecracking kid who holds the all-time record for detentions at his school. On Big Nate Island, kids will embark on a mission to find a long-lost time capsule, which, if found, will save the school from demolition. But the only way they can complete their quest is with help from Nate and his friends.
Big Nate has much in common with middle school student Greg Heffley of the bestselling, and soon-to-be movie, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series, which was first introduced on Funbrain.com.
"Lincoln Peirce is one of my cartooning heroes, and Big Nate ranks as a comics classic. Year in and year out, Big Nate is among the best comics on the funny page," said Jeff Kinney, author of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and creator of Poptropica.
"Big Nate Island gives comics fans a great new opportunity to interact with a character they've come to love in print," said Lisa Klem Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of United Media's syndication division. "And, it's a very exciting way to introduce Big Nate to a whole new audience of kids on the Web."
Launched less than two years ago, Poptropica now features eight interactive islands and is visited by more than 13 million kids each month. The members of this virtual world for kids come from more than 70 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 90 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.
Upon arrival at Poptropica, kids are asked to select their age, a user name and password. They then create an avatar that will explore ten online virtual islands for kids. They can choose from numerous characters, hairstyles and colors, eyes, lips and clothing to create their own unique character. Using scripted chat, young Internet users on Poptropica safely and easily interact with others online, never sharing any personal or identifying information.
About United Media
United Feature Syndicate and Newspaper Enterprise Association are divisions of United Media, the worldwide syndication and licensing company that focuses on building brand equity around a wide range of creative content including Peanuts,Dilbert, Pearls Before Swine, Get Fuzzy, Cokie and Steven Roberts, Nat Hentoff, Precious Moments, Fancy Nancy andRaggedy Ann and Andy. United Media (www.comics.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company.
About Poptropica (Poptropica.com)
Developed by Family Education Network, the makers of Funbrain, Poptropica is a virtual world where kids can travel, play games, collect objects and compete with other players in head-to-head competition. Players can also safely interact and communicate with other inhabitants of Poptropica. There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world, and players can read digital books and comics and watch movies along the way.
Family Education Network is part of Pearson, the world's largest integrated education company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Poptropica
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
United Media
Mary Anne Grimes, United Media, 212-293-8626, magrimes@unitedmedia.com
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PRESS RELEASE
FableVision and Pearson Team Up to Develop Virtual Island
on Poptropica Kids Game Site
FableVision's Game Island Designed as "Safe Harbor" for Inspiring
and Nurturing Kids' Creativity
BOSTON - Sept. 9, 2008 - Boston-based educational media developer FableVision and Pearson, the world's largest integrated education company, announced today that they are collaborating to create a new "island" on Poptropica, an online environment with a rapidly expanding user base that already includes more than 20 million young Internet users. Developed by Family Education Network, a business of Pearson and the developer of Funbrain.com, Poptropica is a virtual world where kids can travel, play games, read digital books and comics, and compete with other players. Players can also safely interact and communicate with other inhabitants of Poptropica.
Creative development for FableVision's game island will be led by "New York Times" bestselling children's book author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, FableVision's founder and executive creative director, whose works include "Judy Moody," "Someday," "The Dot" and "Ish."
"The key to Poptropica's success is its ever-expanding content that has just the right mix of education and irresistible fun, and no one delivers that better than FableVision," says Jess M. Brallier, publisher, Family Education Network, developer of Poptropica.
Family Education Network is no stranger to developing games that are fun and educationally valid, much to the delight of parents, teachers and kids. "Poptropica and its sister site, Funbrain.com, ...are the titans of sneaky learning," says "The Gainesville Sun."
In Poptropica, kids can play games, undertake quests, develop computer skills, and learn much more about the world in which they live. When they encounter other characters, they can interact by using scripted chat, never sharing any personal or identifying information. The number of kids exploring the virtual world of Poptropica has exploded since its launch in September 2007. The current collection of five islands will grow to 10 by the end of 2008, providing even more territory for kids to explore.
The new FableVision island merges Poptropica's exploratory game play with a storyline that promotes creative expression. Under Reynolds' creative direction, the game's story features a virtual artist colony where a disgruntled inventor is removing all color and creativity from the island and kids come to the rescue to reverse the colorless chaos.
Reynolds shares, "My hope is to bring the sensibilities of great children's books to the kids' gaming world, where there seems to be a very big void. The industry is in its infancy at the moment and needs creative leadership to bring integrity and creative authorship to this platform."
FableVision's director of production and technology Gary Goldberger will help make that vision a reality. Goldberger also serves as New England regional leader for Games4Change, the nonprofit that promotes digital games for social change. He notes, "What makes FableVision's games special is our ability to weave a redeeming message into the story-based game play - using games to promote the value of creativity and invention."
The development of the Poptropica island represents the latest evolution of a long-standing FableVision/Pearson relationship, which has produced a string of digital publishing successes. FableVision previously collaborated with Pearson and Jess M. Brallier on " Tess's Tree," an online book written by Brallier and illustrated by FableVision's Reynolds. The popularity of "Tess's Tree" on Funbrain - garnering 50,000 to 100,000 reads a day - led to a print publishing deal with Harper Collins; the book will hit the market next year.
A second digital book written and illustrated by Reynolds, "Eyebrow Story," is also on Funbrain. "Eyebrow Story" has already received more than a million reads. Pearson and FableVision also collaborated to create Gallery Builder, a software program that lets students create and curate their own art galleries. The program is used throughout the United States in K-12 arts and language arts curricula.
FableVision's President Paul A. Reynolds shares, "We are honored to collaborate with such a trusted name in family-friendly education on an endeavor that is so near and dear to FableVision's own mission."
The island created by FableVision will launch on Poptropica in the fall of 2008.
About Poptropica
Developed by Family Education Network, the makers of Funbrain, Poptropica (www.Poptropica.com) is a virtual world where kids can travel, play games, collect objects and compete with other players in head-to-head competition. Players can also safely interact and communicate with other inhabitants of Poptropica. There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world, and players can read digital books and comics and watch movies along the way.
Family Education Network is part of Pearson, the world's largest integrated education company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
About FableVision
FableVision (www.fablevision.com) is on a mission to bring the world to a better place through the creation and distribution of positive media, storytelling and technology. Located at the Boston Children's Museum in Boston, and with offices in Dedham, MA, Portland, OR, and London, the FableVision team enjoys an international reputation for its unique brand of innovative, technology-delivered storytelling and learning. Among its K-12 software products are Animation-ish™, Stationery Studio® and Get A Clue®, designed to promote creativity, writing, reading, and essential 21st century skills. Developed for learners of all types, BrainCogs®, Essay Express™, and SmartMoves™, have been recognized as being particularly effective for students with learning differences. FableVision's K-12 software product offerings are distributed worldwide.
FableVision also creates media and interactives with key players on the education landscape, including PBS, Maryland Public Television, MIT Education Arcade, Sesame Workshop, Scholastic, KCET, Carnegie Hall, National Academy of Sciences, WGBH, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Pearson, Girl Scouts of the USA, SARRC, the Research Institute for Learning and Development, Boston University and The Jim Henson Company.
Contact:
FableVision - Leigh Hallisey, 617-956-5701, leigh@fablevision.com
Pearson - Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
PRESS RELEASE
Growing Virtual World Offers Young Internet Users
Free, Safe Environment for Fun and Learning
More Than 14 Million Kids Learn and Explore on Poptropica,
Virtual World From the Developers of Funbrain
BOSTON- May 14, 2008 - Where do parents turn when their young children want to have fun and connect with others online? Parents of more than 14 million have found the answer on Poptropica, a free, safe online environment packed with games and discovery. The number of kids exploring the virtual world of Poptropica - from the developers of Funbrain, the long trusted learning Web site for children - has exploded since its launch just last September. With today's debut of the new "Time Tangled Island," Poptropica offers even more opportunities for young children to learn, play, explore and safely connect with other children on the Web.
"Today, young children want a place online where they can play games, learn and socialize just like their parents and older siblings," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher, Family Education Network, developer of Poptropica. "We created Poptropica so young children would have a free, safe online environment where they could explore, build computer skills and have a good time."
Upon arrival at Poptropica, kids create an avatar, choosing from numerous hairstyles and colors, eyes, lips and clothing to create their own unique character. They use their avatar to explore Poptropica, a safe environment where visitors are never asked to provide or share any personal information.
Kids can play individual games that help them build computer skills, identify shapes and patterns or build mouse skills. When they see another character, they can click on it and choose to "Chat" or "Battle." If they select "Chat," they are presented with a list of questions, such as "Do you play a musical instrument?" and "Are you good at math?" The other visitors then respond from a similar list of chat options. This scripted chat allows young Internet users to interact with others online safely and easily, never sharing any personal or identifying information. If they decide to "Battle" with the other character, they can play a game of head-to-head Sudoku or participate in a competitive game of online "Hoops."
"Time Tangled Island" joins two other islands on thisvirtual world for kids: "Early Poptropica" and "Shark Tooth Island." All the islands offer a wealth of educational games for kids. When kids arrive on "Time Tangled Island," they will find that a malfunctioning time machine has messed up history. By powering up the island's Future Machine, they can help the inhabitants of "Time Tangled Island" get history back on track. Woven through the island's educational games and activities are historical facts and other information, provided by the skilled editors at Fact Monster, Family Education Network's tween destination for homework help and facts on thousands of subjects. To repair the history of "Time Tangled Island," kids engage with and learn about Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, the ascent of Mt. Everest, the building of the Statue of Liberty, Aztec civilization (shortly before the Spanish Conquest), the future as it might be (with alternate energy sources, etc.), Ancient Greece, Thomas Edison and his laboratory, Viking explorers, the building of the Great Wall of China, Leonardo da Vinci and his workshop, Lewis and Clark, and Mayan civilization.
On "Early Poptropica," visitors help the island's first settlers recover their missing prized possessions. And when exploring " Shark Tooth Island," kids will discover that the citizens there are having big shark trouble and need help uncovering the secrets that will save their island.
Visitors to Poptropica will regularly discover new islands to explore. The next addition, "24 Carrot Island," is expected to launch in the next few months. The collection of islands will grow to 10 by the end of 2008, providing even more territory for kids to explore.
About Poptropica
Developed by Family Education Network, the makers of Funbrain, Poptropica is a virtual world where kids can travel, play games, collect objects and compete with other players in head-to-head competition. Players can also safely interact and communicate with other inhabitants of Poptropica. There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world, and players can read digital books and comics and watch movies along the way.
Family Education Network is part of Pearson, the world's largest integrated education company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-325-9935, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
###
Careers
| Front End Flash Game Developer |
Front End Flash Game Developer
Are you a front end flash developer who's up to the challenge of coding and contributing to an awesome virtual world? Would you like your work to be enjoyed by as many as one million kids every day? Do you enjoy building great games as much as playing them?
Poptropica, one of the most popular and fastest growing virtual worlds for kids, is looking for developers like you to create adventures like this:
If you share our passion for games and want to channel it into pushing the envelope of game development, read on.
In your role as a Flash developer on Poptropica (www.Poptropica.com ), you will:
- Extend the world of Poptropica with the creation of new quests and character abilities.
- Build a variety of game types: platformers, shooters, puzzle games and more.
- Contribute creatively to the game design process, from prototype to completion.
- Work with a talented team to continually innovate and expand a hugely successful virtual world.
- Take your development skills to the next level, building the best games played by millions of people.
Requirements:
- A strong portfolio demonstrating solid game development experience.
You must submit a portfolio with your resume. Resumes that are not accompanied by samples of your work will not be considered.
- At least 3 years experience in AS2 or AS3 with expert level skills.
- Good code organization and knowledge of ActionScript best practices.
- The ability to work well both on a team and independently.
- Experience using object-oriented design methods.
Check out http://www.poptropica.com/videos.html to experience our world for yourself. If you like what you see, and want to help to make it even better, we'd love to hear from you!
Please email portfolio and resume to poptropicajobs@gmail.com
