Animal Jam

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About

Animal Jam or National Geographic Animal Jam is a massively multiplayer online virtual world launched in 2010 by WildWorks in partnership with the National Geographic Society. The game, which has experienced 500% year-over-year growth, has more than 70 million registered players, and it is one of the fastest-growing online children's properties worldwide.

History

The game was developed in 2010 by WildWorks (formerly called Smart Bomb Interactive), and it was launched on September 9, 2010. It is one of the fastest-growing online children's properties worldwide; in May 2011, Animal Jam announced it had surpassed 1 million registered players. By August 2012, the game surpassed 6 million players. In March 2013 the game had surpassed 10 million players. In 2014, it was announced Animal Jam has reached 30 million players worldwide. By 2016, it had reached over 50 million players.

Reception

The game has received relatively positive reviews, however was criticized for moderation flaws and strict limitations. Common Sense Media reviewer Dana Villamagna gave Animal Jam a 3-star rating, saying that the site was most appropriate for ages ten and over due to dangerous "unmonitored chat." Gamezebo reviewer Nick Tylwalk gave the site a 4-star review, stating that "there's something for animal lovers over a wide range of ages."

Gameplay

Animal Jam takes place in a fictional area known as Jamaa, containing various biomes and cartoon player-created animals. Players can create an animal with an anonymous 3-part name, such as "Majestic Smartybear", dress it up with virtual clothing, and control it in the gameplay environment. The original six virtual animals that could be created were the panda, rabbit, tiger, wolf, koala, and monkey. Many more animals have been added following the six, letting players have the possibility of seeing one of their favorite animals in the game. Players can also customize their dens with furniture, chat with other players, adopt pets, play mini-games, buy additional furniture and clothing with gems and diamonds, attend parties, and go on various RPG-style adventures. There is a membership feature costing real money, and members get access to exclusive dens, pets, animals, and adventures among other things.