26 March 2008
VizWoz, the animated virtual world for teens, has launched in the UK with the investment of a number of high-profile backers.
The site provides a virtual world were teens a can create their own avatar and interact through chat, games and user generated content.
VizWoz was founded by entrepreneur, Daniel Laurence who has also had previous success with School Stickers, UK’s largest sticker company and MyStickers, a school incentive and reward initiative.
The Flash-based site does not require any downloaded software, instead running directly on a user’s browser.
VizWoz includes a variety of worlds in a theme park style. Users can create and customize their own character avatars all of whom move on futuristic ‘hover boards’.
The site is aimed at boys and girls, and caters for a range of tastes and interests in the teen sector including film, music, sport and fashion.
To keep the site safe for children, VizWoz site is policed by key word screening, artificial intelligence and human moderation. Enforcement is either automatic (3 strikes and out), or by the VizCops – an online VizWoz ‘police force’ who patrol the community.
Daniel Laurence, Founder of VizWoz, said:
VizWoz, a stimulating, interesting and safe space for kids and teenagers to explore and ‘hover and hang out in’ whilst stretching their imagination and creativity, is set to become the future of chat and gaming. With the combination of unprecedented Flash animation and innovative technology, created by our strong team, the service aims to produce a catalyst for interaction and virtual entertainment in its most realistic form.
Basic membership is free and allows users to enter and explore with others; send messages to friends; play games and earn the site currency; Viz Dolla.
Meanwhile, VIP membership (from £2.95 a month) provides access to additional rooms and games, clothes and accessories for the avatars plus additional room on the VizWoz servers.
The site also has partnerships with numerous companies, which will run branded content on the site.
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