MMO BinA Geek's Look at Massively Multiplayer Online Games

New Chat Enhancements Announced
We are releasing new community enhancements very soon!

One of the enhancements is 18+ Chat*. 18+ Chat will allow players a more open communication environment with other 18+ players. Starting tonight, we are adding web-based account controls for 18+ chat. Please be aware that although the control will be added to your account, 18+ Chat will NOT be launched tonight.

This chat feature is in response to our community’s requests. To ensure the highest level of safety, we have chosen to launch this for our active Subscriber community only. Please note that this option is off by default, and you must actively select this option under Account Management.

Our terms for in-game communication with other players will remain the same. Violent and abusive behavior, as well as the exchange of personal information is still not acceptable.

Once we launch this feature, the following updates to chat will apply:

1. Menu Chat (default setting for under13)
1. players will continue to see only Menu Chat.
2. 13 to 18+ Text Chat (default setting for 13+)
1. players will continue to see only our Dictionary Text Chat.
2. players will NOT see the 18+ chat.
3. New 18+ Chat
1. will be filtered for profanity.

*Accounts must be 18+ and must be an active subscriber with a valid credit card on file.

You can read the full post on the Wizard 101 news! I for one, am REALLY looking forward to these changes. Not because I don’t value the safety of children, but for those of us who are adults, this will be a feature that certainly comes in handy. I can’t recall the number of times I have tried to meet up with a friend and have been unable to spell out a number properly or a location.

What do you think of the chat changes?

Free Realms has finally started sending out beta invites to those who have signed up via the web site. With so many new games being developed it’s nice to hear about some that are releasing specifically for younger children, in the case of Free Realms it’s aimed at kids ages 9-14 although there are certainly parts of the game that will interest those of all ages. 

If you’re not familiar with the game it’s an MMORPG developed by Sony Online Entertainment set in a fantasy themed world with bright bold colours and cartoon like characters. 

The game is host to a number of things for your character can do as opposed to most MMORPG’s that offer a hack and slash main focus. These include things like  mini-games, housing, combat, pet-raising, exploration and building. 

Free Realms is available to download and play free of charge (it’s also coming to the PS3 as well as the PC) but you can also snag yourself a subscription for $5/m or a family plan of $10/m which allows you to log in up to five characters at the same time, great for those with families who are looking for a kid-safe game for their children to play.

This certainly isn’t the first MMO aimed at a younger audience and for those parents who may be gamers themselves, it’s a nice way to introduce your children to gaming. There’s also FusionFall which is the Cartoon Networks universe and has a huge following of players not to mention my personal favorite Wizard 101 where people of all ages can enjoy Wizard City and its card based combat as well as unique pets and outfits. KingsIsle has also just recently announced that player housing will be incorporated into the game in late spring allowing wizards to purchase and customize their own spaces, something a lot of the player base has been looking forward to.

It’s great to see so many options opening up in regards to gaming. One could argue that there is perhaps too much choice now and the decision on what to play is more complicated then it ever was in the past - but personally speaking I love it. Whether you’re young or old, have children or not, the games certainly warrant a look if for no other reason to suggest to a friend who may be searching for a family friendly MMORPG. 

Are there other family-friendly MMO’s out there that you’re currently playing or want to suggest people check out? Feel free to leave a comment below!