BarbieGirls Add-on Packs Add to Real and Virtual World

Mattel accidentally re-announced that it was unveiling Barbie Girls today, though that information has been public for a while. The MP3 player toys that unlock content on the virtual world, though, are now available at retail stores. The most interesting bit of information that no one has commented on here is that "Accessory Packs are sold separately for $9.99 and include various fashions, accessories and pets, as well as additional, exclusive content that comes to life online." It's worth noting these as an alternative to platforms like Habbo's prepaid cards that are available at retailers like Target.

For $12.95, this fashion pack gets you the physical goods, but it also provides a matching outfit online along with 100 B Bucks. This Deco Pack provides a virtual pet and 100 B Bucks. Since most kids may not have access to credit cards, real-world micro-transactions seem like a much easier way to get those transactions into easy nagging level and down to impulse buys.

It's also an interesting reversal from platforms targeted at older audiences, where the buzz is usually about allowing users to buy virtual outfits for their avatars and then have the real-world counterpart delivered. See, for example, Sony's interest in selling third-party physical goods over Home.

Comments

[csven]

Glad you reminded me of the issue I had with Edery's definition of "reverse product placement". Explained at the bottom of: http://blog.rebang.com/?p=1360

Thanks.