Homemade Virtual Family Kingdom Set to Replace Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom

The news that Disney would be shutting down Virtual Magic Kingdom on May 21, hit fans hard [see these comments]. Some have taken to petitions and write-in campaigns, others are looking to roll out their own replacement. A "small group of technology specialists and engineers who primarily create complex internet applications for insurance companies and universities" has spent 8 months adapting those skills to working on social networks and virtual worlds. Originally intended to create a business platform, the technology instead became the background for Virtual Family Kingdom.

Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom isn't specifically referenced as an inspiration and the first area being shown off on Virtual Family Kingdom is a Colonial Williamsburg setting instead of a Frontierland or Adventureland. The VFK site does, though, host a banner ad for the VMK petition sites, and is set to launch in beta on May 22, a day after Disney's virtual world is set to shut down.  And also available are Victorian Turn of the Century Main Street settings and a Wild West theme.

The site, to some degree, is a labor of love to provide the creators and their families a virtual world replacement. It's also a business, though. The details just haven't been released.

"The game will be free, just as you have experienced," explains the site's About Us page. "We will not be accepting advertising, as we believe this is inappropriate when children are involved. We have put together a solid business model for this effort and you can rest assured that the Virtual Family Kingdom will not disappear in three years."

With items, stores, and customization options, though, it seems likely that microtransactions will come into play.

When virtual worlds and MMOGs have shut down in the past, other enthusiast groups have taken the hosting and operation duties on themselves to keep the world engaged. It'll be interesting to see if Disney lets this one continue.

Comments

[Amelia]

Hey my name is amelia and i used to play vmk

[diana]

i love vmk it can not close or i have no life plz do not close

[jessica]

hi i play vmk i hope vfk will be better because ppl in disney dont no that my once in a life time best friend i will never talk to again i cant belive thay would do this

[VMK Fan ;)]

I can't beileve VMK would do this. I was so trusting in them. I mean, kids with cancer are playing VMK to just live a normal life, and they are taking it away.
Grrrr... Great job Disney.... >:(

[Anonymous]

Oh my god. VMK has been my second life for 3 years now. It's throwing me out of my personal orbit; out of whack. God...I used to love disney but now i'm starting to have doubts.

[Hope For VMK]

I Hope VMK's creater change their mind since everyone still love to play it!!! I agree about the cancered kids... =( poor kiddys =( !!!!! I hope VFK is as good ad VMK, maybe better!

Im mad at VMK right now, But im still playing it... ODD

[VMK FAN]

I Loveeee VMK, id hate to see it close, it has always been the thing i go to when i dont feel like actually talking or when im sick and cant talk, i come and type to all my virtual friends. If i cannot come here i dont know what ill do with the extra hours of my life! It has been my second life for three years and now im all on my own. DISNEY PLEEAASSEE RECONSIDER CLOSING!! WE ALL BEG YOU!!

[kelsey]

vmk is closing bc disney is too cheap to upgrade there surver!!

[maggie]

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG are they really closing vmk down i've been playing it for about one year and thats all i do on the computer i really do hope they dont close it and hope vfk is better

[CynAnne]

I'm still hoping against hope that Disney DOESN'T close VMK (I'll pay to play gladly, rather than lose my beloved VMK - I'm a 'grown-up', btw, who's been playing VMK for three years..). Regarding VFK, from the demo that I've seen at the VFK page the art is on a par with my VMK standards (lol). So I'll keep my toes crossed for luck, and hope for the best of both worlds..! :)

[Rachel]

this is cool i was upset about vmkclosing now i have something to look forward to!!

[VMKer]

i'm sad vmk is shutting down but vfk looks like fun. let's all make the best of the situation even though they may be taking away part of our lives. together we can be strong. we, the vmkers, can continue vmk traditions in vfk, as well as start new traditions. vfk may be replacing vmk in real life, but in our hearts, souls, and spirits, vmk will remain alive and well in tact. vmk may just be a game, but we have created friends on there. though we have no idea of their real identities, they are still friends and losing friends hurts. so ask your friends what their username on vfk will be so you can keep in touch. i did that with two of my many friends. it might just make things seem better than they really are. don't pretend you don't miss vmk, cuz you will. remember vmk, and everything else should fall into place. best of luck on vfk! my username is gonna be Alphabeta.

[VMKer]

also, i'm a girl.

[Tony]

this is not fare vmk has been keeping me out of trouble i use to be bad but know befor i do bad things i just play VMK not to do them

[Rachel]

omg save vmk don't let it close

[brownrichtop]

plz oh plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz dont close vmk i love this place its the best place ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bob]

hi

[Sharkhearts]

plz do not close :(

i will be your bff :)

[marissa]

I DONT WANT VMK TO CLOSE ITS MY LIFE, YOUR TAKING AWAY VMK AND YOU TAKING AWAY FRIENDS.PEOPLE HAVE MADE GOOD FRIENDS AND YOUR TAKING THEM AWAY.PLZ DONT CLOSE VMK ITS MY LIFE NOT JUST MINE YOUVE TAKEN AWAY EVERYONES.:(

[Jean]

VMK's closing is indeed a loss to our family! We too have playing for several years and have bought into the game and community; hook line and sinker. We, along with others, have purchased Disney movies for rewards points to use for virtual items; pins at the parks for codes and made visits to the parks solely to get addtional codes. We have spent hours upon hours building up our collection of virtual items. I think it was very poor planning on Disney's part to let a game continue to this extent only to come back and say it was just supposed to be temporary! Shame on you Disney.