Toy Makers Enter Virtual World
-It's a virtual world in toy land.
The furry animals of Webkinz helped jumpstart the craze two years ago, and
now, "I'm seeing every single toy down to pre-school," that connects to the
Internet,
Kids play differently than even five years ago
technology is playing a larger role
in toy designs, with toy makers creating a number of virtual worlds to nurture
pets, create fashion shows, race cars, and dress dolls.
Mattel is making Barbie more virtual, while Jakks
and Hasbro are pushing further into the pet kingdom.
Mattel launched
BarbieGirls.com, a Web site that allows girls to combine fashion, music, and
social networking. Its core audience is 10 and 11 year olds.
the site has accumulated 10.5 million registered users
targeting boys with Hot Wheels Turbo Driver
customized on
the Web site
a huge cyber pet playground, with 44 million registered
users
will feature 11 new
animals
and an expanded pet boutique with
clipped from: money.cnn.com 