Moshi Goes Big

UK based, children’s free-to-play game developers Mind Candy has recently announced that they’ve passed the 15 million registered players landmark with their hit Moshi Monsters. The game, aimed at the children’s market allows players to adopt their own digital monster to play mini-games, solve educational puzzles, customize their homes, and explore the in-game world.

Players can choose from one of six unique monsters that they may then customize and nurture. Once satisfied with their custom creation, players navigate the virtual world by solving puzzles that are designed to increase the player’s skills in basic math, spatial awareness, logic, and vocabulary. As a reward for solving said puzzles, players receive Rox, Moshi Monsters’ in-game currency that can be used to purchase accessories used to customize their pets’ home.

“The ongoing global growth and success of the game has amazed us,” said Michael Acton Smith, CEO of Mind Candy. “Moshi Monsters has been adding over 150k new players a day and is now one of the fastest growing children’s games in the world.”

To commemorate this landmark even, Mind Candy will be hosting a “15 Million Monster Party” at the London Aquarium. Dubbed a “Green Carpet” event, Mind Candy is inviting hundred of the game’s most loyal players to the event.

Fusion free-to-play Fall

Lanuched in January of 2009, Cartoon Networks’ FusionFall is based on the idea of bringing content from multiple Cartoon Network shows (Adventure Time with Finn & Jake, Generator Rex, Symbionic Titan, etc…) all under one virtual roof, and accessible via a monthly subscription.

Whether that business model is working or not, the head honchos at Cartoon Networks have decided that the free-to-play model works better for them. As noted by Virtual Worlds News, post April 19th, FusionFall will go strictly free-to-play. Those that had paid subscription time past the April 19th deadline are expected to receive a refund. As a final adieu to the subscription fee, paying members will receive a steampunk inspired exclusive armor kit.

No word yet on how or if Cartoon Network will choose to monetize the new free-to-play property. They may go the microtransactions route, charging for individual virtual goods to be used within the game. However, they might simply opt for the advertising supported route, and use the platform mainly as a marketing and promotional tool for their television based properties.