AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

The Hollywood Reporter

NEW YORK — Nickelodeon is building up its virtual world in a bid to increase revenue in the real world.

The company is expected to announce Thursday that it is developing an entire virtual world based on the network hit “SpongeBob SquarePants” that likely will add games, avatars and a strong social-networking component connected to the blockbuster show.

Nick also is expected to announce that it is developing Monkey World, a social-networking and massive multiplayer game based on an original concept and not tied to any of its existing franchises.

The network also will announce that it will increase the interactivity on its Neopets site through a new virtual world called World of Neopia, and will add a paid tier to Nicktropolis, the overarching virtual world that’s divided into sections based on Nick television shows and other properties. SpongeBob, Monkey World and Neopia also will have paid tiers when they launch next year. …more