Fantage
| Fantage | |
|---|---|
 Fantage Logo | |
| Developer(s) | Fantage, Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | Fantage, Inc. |
| Engine | Adobe Flash |
| Platform(s) | Online |
| Release | April 2008 |
| Genre(s) | MMORPG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Fantage is a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) involving a virtual world containing a range of online games and activities, developed by Fantage, Inc. Players are able to customize their cartoon avatars from hair color to clothes and explore a town-like virtual world. Fantage was made available to the general public in April 2008[1] and has since expanded into a large online community —by January 2012, the world had over 16 million registered users.[2]
The game was designed for the ages of 6 to 16.[2] According to its founders, Fantage is focused on child safety, made possible by a three-tiered safety system. This safety system has several features, such as professional chat moderation, automatic word filtering, an in-game user reporting system, and varying chat options for parents.[3]
History and development
Virtual World
Fantage was founded by David Hwang, Peter J. Bae, and Cindy Hwang. The office was previously located in Palisades Park, New Jersey. Their new office is currently located in Fort Lee, New Jersey. This move was due to a need and demand for a bigger office space to accommodate the growing staff.[4]
Mobile Development
Recently Fantage.com, Inc. has created several mobile applications such as, Fantage Bullseye, Fantage IDFone, and Fantage Fish Fish for the iPhone platform. Fantage has also created Fantage Bullseye and Fantage IDfone for the Android platform. Fantage Bullseye iPhone has accumulated nearly 300,000 downloads to date from the iTunes App Store.[5]
Business model
Fantage started out as a self-funded organization but received an infusion of capital by Korean online game company Nexon Corporation.[6] Initial admission into Fantage is free and users can continue to use it as such; however, premium membership is required to access the full site including most clothing items, rare items, most gems, customization options, and most pets. Users also can purchase eCoins in bulk amounts for set fees to use in-game for micro transactions. eCoins can be used to purchase almost every item. The only items not available for purchase with eCoins are double star coupons and pet eggs (eCoin users can collect all of the pets by purchasing pet codes).Items purchased with eCoins never expire and can be used by the player regardless of membership status.[7]
Environment
When users register with Fantage they are automatically given a basic home. Users have the option of opening their home to everyone, or just their buddies, so that other users can access it. Premium Members may purchase more elaborate homes, and decorate their homes with items bought with virtual currency. Premium Members can have their homes displayed on the User Home Map, accessible from the World Map. Fantage currently consists of 14 areas for users to explore Downtown, Uptown, Mt. Fantage, Castle, Carnival, Beach, Forest, Wizard’s Domain, The Dock, Oasis, Fantage School, Creature Area, Pet Town, and Hidden Meadow. These areas house more than 30 games, 14 shops, and a number of features. Clothing for avatars, pets, and other customization options can be purchased at shops throughout the world. The games are scattered about establishments in each town. Users may also opt to visit the Mission Center to play up to 7 missions which are quest-style adventures where the user has to complete a number of tasks assigned to the user.[8]
Recent additions include the pet system (the ability to adopt a variety of fantasy-based pets)[9]
Features and Activities
Games
Fantage.com has many mini-games for its users to play, such as Splash!, Buzzer Beater, Bricks Breaking, Whack-a-Veggie, and more. Many of these games are multiplayer games. Users earn stars from playing these games and the number of stars they earn is based upon how well they played. Fantage also has developed a new platform-style game called Secret Adventure which takes the user inside of a new world to try to pick up keys and unlock treasure chests. Players can also play several games with their pets.[8]
Items
Premium Members may use the free virtual currency they earn from games (Stars) to purchase nearly any item in Fantage, with the exception of a few designated eCoin-only items. Non-premium users also can access a number of items in the world’s many shops without paying for membership, such as select clothing items, hairstyles, skin tones, and all stickers. Any user may choose to purchase items with eCoins. eCoins can be purchased in a variety of amounts for a set fee. The only items not available for purchase with eCoins are double star coupons and pet eggs (eCoin users can collect all of the pets by purchasing pet codes).[8]
Pets
Users can collect pets by purchasing and hatching eggs or by using pet codes. Only Premium Members can hatch all pets using eggs. Non-Premium members can hatch two pets using eggs. Users who obtain eCoins are able to purchase Magic Codes to hatch a specific pet they want and at a faster rate. There are three magic code hatching times available 1 hour, 20 minute, or Instant.
Parties and Socialization
Users may add up to 200 ‘buddies’ and chat one-to-one through instant messenger or through a group chat where you can chat with many buddies at once. There also is an open chatting system inside the world where users can chat with whoever is in the same room as them. Premium members may purchase ‘parties’ for a small amount of 50 stars and invite either everyone or just their buddies to their party. Users can pick the party theme and have a piñata game in their home.[8]
Educational Content
A new edition to Fantage is the Fantage School, which includes a variety of educational games ranging from math and chess to language arts and geography. More recent editions included adding checkers and the ability to join and/or host a private classroom. Users also may play "Off the Hook," a true-or-false trivia game testing student's knowledge on a variety of subjects, including Geography, Pop Culture and Math.[2]
Reception
Fantage received the Editor’s Choice Award from the Children’s Technology Review for excellence in children’s interactive media. Children’s Technology Review.[10] Gaming sites including Gamer’s Info have lauded the world for its safe social environment [11] VentureBeat praised Fantage’s ability to double its membership in the midst of competition amongst kids’ virtual worlds during a recession, contributing its success to constant refining of the site.[12]
References
- ^ Takahashi, Dean (2009-10-19). "With 3 million fans, Fantage formally launches virtual world for kids". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ a b c "Fantage recruits schools one by one for kids online virtual learning world". 2012-01-23. Retrieved 2012-02-02.
- ^ Fantage. "Fantage: Safe Virtual Playground". Fantage Website. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ Mitra, Sramana (2010-06-15). "Deal Radar 2010: Fantage". Sramana Mitra on Strategy. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ "Fantage Hits the Bullseye with First Foray into Mobile Gaming". 2011-09-12. Retrieved 2010-11-11.
- ^ Ashby, Alicia (2009-10-19). ",Fantage Official Launched Announced". Virtual Worlds News. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ "Fantage Introduces New Microtransaction System and BilltoMobile™ Payment Option". 2010-06-22. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ^ a b c d Fantage. "Fantage: What is Fantage". Fantage Website. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
- ^ "Fantage Adds Pet System". MMO Hut. 2010-07-14. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ Dellafave, Lisa (2010-03-09). "Fantage". Children's Technology Review. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ Alladania (2010-07-11). "Review: Fantage". Gamers' Info. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
- ^ Takahashi, Dean (2010-09-18). "Watch out, Disney, Fantage doubles its growth for kids virtual world". VentureBeat accessdate=2010-09-19.
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