Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[When a game is no longer a game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/when-a-game-is-no-longer-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/when-a-game-is-no-longer-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/when-a-game-is-no-longer-a-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


With the advent of the next generation of social networking MMOs on the rise, and the retirement announcement of Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom, we can't help but wonder what is the real definition of an MMO these days? Where is online gaming headed, and what is there a real demand for anymore?

After VMK's closing announcement last week, users let it be known that they were not happy with Disney's decision. As we reported yesterday, there were several comments concerning the fact that taking down this virtual world was like taking down their real world. Many of them were not only fiery and disparaging, but the retorts to these comments were even more dramatic. Yes, this happened on the internet! Can you believe it? The fact is, this makes us wonder if we're approaching dangerous ground with the immersion factor of these virtual worlds, especially as they pertain to our children and their interpretation of the world. The real world, that is.

MassivelyWhen a game is no longer a game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrendisneyimmersionkidsreal-lifesocial-networkingvirtual-magic-kingdomvirtual-worldsvmkTue, 15 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fans speak out passionately on Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom closing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/fans-speak-out-passionately-on-disneys-virtual-magic-kingdom-cl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/fans-speak-out-passionately-on-disneys-virtual-magic-kingdom-cl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/fans-speak-out-passionately-on-disneys-virtual-magic-kingdom-cl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

We reported on the closing of Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom the other day, and at the time, it seemed like business as usual -- Disney had created the virtual world for an event, and the event was over, so it was time for the world to close. But the comments thread over on this Virtual Worlds news post about the closing has to be seen to be believed: fans of this place loved it completely and are painfully heartbroken over its closing. There are tons of eloquent, emotional comments lauding VMK for its sense of community, the friends made there, and the opportunity to connect on a virtual level with other people and Disney's attractions when, for various reasons, the same can't be done in real life.

What's most amazing here is that, from these comments, it seems VMK was one of the strongest virtual communities out there. This is why we play these MMO games -- to connect with others online, to experience things that can't be experienced any other way, and to create connections that otherwise wouldn't be there. It's an amazing story -- here's an MMO that worked perfectly in terms of building community and developing social connections between players, and yet Disney chooses to close it down.

There is a petition online, with 11,000 signatures as of this writing, to keep VMK open. Disney has responded to this emotion with a short statement only saying "we hear you," and the game itself is still set to close down as planned on May 21st.

[Via Waxy.org]

MassivelyFans speak out passionately on Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom closing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualclosingcommunitiescommunityconnectionsdisneyemotionkidsmmovirtual-magic-kingdomvirtual-worldsvmkMon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Magic Kingdom comes to an end]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/virtual-magic-kingdom-comes-to-an-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/virtual-magic-kingdom-comes-to-an-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/virtual-magic-kingdom-comes-to-an-end/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's a sad day for for those who enjoy some digitalized Disney magic. It's been decided that Virtual Magic Kingdom, the virtual world developed and released in 2005 to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the real Disneyland's opening, will be closed for good on May 21. According to an FAQ posted on the official website, the reason VMK is closing is because it was originally intended simply as a promotion for the event in 2005, and has continued to run far longer than they originally intended.

Of course, all is not lost for those who subscribe to the cult of Disney. They've already announced a commitment to spend over $100 million in the virtual world space, and they recently consolidated all of their online efforts, including Pirates of the Caribbean Online and Toontown Online, into one division. Their execs already have a firm grasp on the role virtual worlds have to play in building up their brands, so it seems likely that they'll be actively chasing after the casual gaming dollar for the foreseeable future.

[Via Worlds in Motion]

MassivelyVirtual Magic Kingdom comes to an end originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closingdisneypirates-of-the-carib...shutdowntoontown-onlinevirtual-magic-kingdomvmkWed, 09 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST