Updated: Virtual Worlds Management Report: 100+ Youth-Oriented Worlds Live or Developing

Virtual Worlds Management released a new report today on Youth Worlds: Based on a comprehensive research available through Virtual Worlds News, we've found that there are now over 100 virtual worlds operating or in development with a focus on the youth market (18-and-under). It's worth noting that, at the younger level, the lines between virtual worlds, games, and social networking blur heavily. If nothing else, it's a fascinating trend at how users are merging their activities into one immersive space. Likewise, while the list is sure to change (please feel free to send in updates) it's a good snapshot of where the industry is at: [These numbers are updated according to several worlds that I'm currently adding to the list.] While there are 60 listed youth worlds currently live, another 53 are in concepting, development, or testing phases. In other words, keep an eye on this space.

I've also broken down the worlds according to age demographics, but one of the other unique aspects of the space is the wide overlap of users--you only need to read the comments about the closing of Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom to get a sense of the variety. Adults are attracted to kids worlds, and kids are attracted to teen worlds, and many virtual worlds are happy to spread their demographics all around. Meez, for example, has an average age of 18, but sees tails of users extending in both directions.

That said, there's a lot of overlap in the demographic categories, so it's easier to look at them as ideas of where  developers are  focusing than in actual numbers. Meez, again, is the number-one avatar site for expecting mothers, but it still includes a youthful audience. As another example, the upcoming Lego Universe cites a target audience of 8 to 12, but plenty of adults are eagerly anticipating the launch.

For that focus, though, the general tween category (here looked at as 8 to 12) has the most interest, followed closely by  kids worlds (7 and under) and then teens (13+).

The lines get even more confusing with companies like Disney announcing plans to launch 9 additional unnamed worlds and Neostudios planning to launch an additional world per year. So far, most of their market has been targeted on kids and tweens, but the under-served teen and young adult market is sure to look more and more attractive.

I'll be updating the list with a few more entries from some very neat developers I spoke to at Virtual Worlds 2008 over the next week, but, please, if we haven't listed your world or I haven't spoken to you before, drop me a line with the name of your world, target demographic, and development status. We'd love to make the list as complete as possible.

For the full list of over 100 worlds, please visit Virtual Worlds Management.

Comments

[RAy]

seems like most of those are english language based or am i wrong?

[Joey Seiler]

Ray: That's definitely the case. I'm doing my best to keep up with the booming market here in the States and abroad, but if you know of any other worlds I've missed or ever catch any international news you think I should know about, please drop me a line.

[chris]

Hello Joey,
Why don't you add DinoKids to your list?
DinoKids is virtual worlds for kids and tween and now developing in progress.
You can find more informations at our blog.
http://blog.dinokids.com

[Koen Cornil]

October 29th, 2004, Ketnet, a popular Belgian TV-channel for children, launched KetnetKick.
Target: children (ages 6-12)  
Players enter a virtual fantasy world in which they can play, create and communicate with Ketnet. Players are able to send their creations (music, animated movies, drawings, etc …) directly to Ketnet. Ketnet in turn, as a broadcaster, puts these creations on TV, to show and use them during their programs, to broadcast the children’s own content back into their living room. In this way, players are able to interact in a very intimate manner with their favourite broadcaster.
KetnetKick is the preamble of BBC's Adventure Rock