Press & Media — 2013

• Poptropica New Islands 2018
• Poptropica New Island 2020
• Poptropica Counterfeit Island

Jan 31, 2017 → Poptropica-Years 2008-2016 Worst To Best ← Dang this video took me a long time to make due to research on this video! In this video I rank all the years worst to best from how fun.

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PRESS RELEASE

Poptropica's New 'Mocktropica' Takes Players Behind the Scenes to Save the Virtual World for Kids

Poptropica's 37th Island Launches Today for Members With Early Access

BOSTON - Dec. 19, 2013 - Chaos abounds on Poptropica with today's launch of 'Mocktropica.' Available now to Poptropica Members with Early Access, the popular virtual world's 37th Island presents a unique challenge that players have never faced: they must save Poptropica itself! Non-Members will have access to a limited demo of 'Mocktropica' before its full public launch on Jan. 16, 2014.

When Poptropica players arrive on 'Mocktropica,' they will discover that the virtual world is under new management and things are falling apart at the seams. The new Island isn't finished, the staff is nowhere to be found, and everywhere they turn they will discover a game-breaking bug. Players will travel behind the scenes of Poptropica on this quest to help ensure that Poptropica survives.

'The quest on 'Mocktropica' presents players with the opportunity to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to help complete Poptropica's 37th Island,' said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. 'And this adventure — like all of our new Islands — features a full soundtrack and a players' map where Poptropicans can compare their skills with others around the world.'

Poptropica Members can get a special gear pack, which includes a Glitch power, Narf follower and, during Early Access only, an Unfinished costume.

Hundreds of millions of kids have visited Poptropica since its launch six years ago and the number grows every day. Poptropica players come from more than 200 different countries and territories and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages. The virtual world offers kids a safe place to play and connect online.

All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official Poptropica blog.

About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)

Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.

Kids create a 'Poptropican' character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing — and learning — in a safe online environment.

Poptropica is published by Pearson, the world's leading learning company.

For more information, press only:

Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica,
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
773-227-1049

###

PRESS RELEASE

Competition Awaits Kids on Poptropica's 'Poptropolis Games 2013'

Virtual World for Kids' 36th Island, Featuring New Tests of Skill, Now Available for Poptropica Members With Early Access

BOSTON - Nov. 13, 2013 - The competition begins today with Poptropica's latest Island launch, 'Poptropolis Games 2013.' Available to Poptropica Members with Early Access, the 36th Island on the popular virtual world for kids presents players with new tests of skill as they compete to be the Champion of Poptropica. Non-Members will have access to a limited demo of 'Poptropolis Games 2013' before its full public launch on Dec. 5, 2013.

The story behind the Poptropolis Games is rooted in ancient history. Poptropicans will discover that once every 100 years, the ancient capital of Poptropica — Poptropolis — rises from the sea to host a tournament created to prove tribal supremacy. Each of the tribes of Poptropica sends a representative to compete across a series of grueling events for a chance to become the Champion of the virtual world for kids. This time, Poptropica players will have a chance to test their skills with two new events: the Volcano Race and Octopus Volleyball, competing to win glory for their tribes.

'When kids come to play in the Poptropolis Games, they will discover fierce competition and great challenges of skill brought to life through Poptropica's new visual and audio features, including a full soundtrack,' said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. 'Plus, they can discover all of the places around the world where the tournament has been played and their global standing on the new Poptropolis Games World Champions map.'

After completing the Poptropolis Games, Poptropica Members will have access to a bonus quest where they will discover that an ancient warrior has returned to the Island to reclaim the championship himself. They must wrestle the toughest competitor in the history of the Poptropolis Games to claim victory for their tribe. In addition, a special new members-only gear pack features a Plant-a-Statue power, Discus item and, during Early Access only, a Wrestling Singlet costume.

Hundreds of millions of kids have visited Poptropica since its launch six years ago and the number grows every day. Poptropica players come from more than 200 different countries and territories and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages. The virtual world offers kids a safe place to play and connect online.

All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official Poptropica blog.

About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)

Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.

Kids create a 'Poptropican' character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

Poptropica New Islands 2018

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing — and learning — in a safe online environment.

Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company.

For more information, press only:

Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica,
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
773-227-1049

###

PRESS RELEASE

Kids Around the World Are Invited to Poptropica's Sixth Birthday Celebration

Poptropica New Island 2020

Virtual World for Kids Celebrates Enhanced Features, Continued Growth in Quality Content for Kids

BOSTON - Sept. 18, 2013 - Kids love a birthday party, and all kids around the world are invited to celebrate Poptropica's 6^th birthday this month. Launched as one simple Island in September 2007, the virtual world for kids has grown to 35 Islands, each with its own story to tell and unique experiences for players.

Poptropica was created by Jeff Kinney, author of the bestselling 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series. To date, kids around the world have created more than 560 million virtual characters. Just last month, Poptropica's newest Island, Virus Hunter Island, debuted with new and enhanced features, including better navigation, a larger screen, and a full soundtrack with sound effects. For the first time, kids are able to find out how they compare to other players by viewing the Virus Hunter World Champions map. Players can see the top finishers of the Island, enter their username to find out their rank, or just view the entire map to check out all the countries where kids have played Virus Hunter Island.

'With the recent addition of a full soundtrack and the players map, millions of Poptropicans around the globe are now fully immersed in a multimedia gaming experience when they embark on our high quality adventures,' said Kinney. 'It has been a fantastic six years as our virtual world has expanded and improved and I am excited about the plans we have for the future.'

Visitors to Poptropica this month will have several opportunities to celebrate. By visiting the Poptropica Store, all kids can get a free 6^th birthday balloon for their Poptropicans. In addition, all kids can play Poptropica's annual birthday balloon pop game to try and win a commemorative jack-in-the-box birthday cake hat for their Poptropican.

'Poptropicans have every reason to celebrate: six years, 35 Islands and more than 560 million characters,' said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. 'We are proud to continue to provide kids around the world with quality online story adventures in a safe, secure place to play and connect online.'

In addition to its explosive popularity with kids, Poptropica continues to garner awards and accolades in the toy and game community. The virtual world for kids was selected as an Official Honoree in the 17^th Annual Webby Awards for excellence on the Internet in the games category. Plus, one of Poptropica's popular storylines from one of its earliest Islands, 24 Carrot Island, Dr. Hare's Lair, garnered 10,000 supporters in seven months on LEGO® CUUSOO for consideration as a future Lego set.

Poptropica Counterfeit Island

Hundreds of millions of kids have visited Poptropica since its launch five years ago and the number grows every day. Poptropica players come from more than 200 different countries and territories and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages. The virtual world offers kids a safe place to play and connect online.

All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official Poptropica blog.

About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)

Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.

Kids create a 'Poptropican' character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing — and learning — in a safe online environment.

Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company.

For more information, press only:

Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica,
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
773-227-1049

###

PRESS RELEASE

Poptropica's New 'Virus Hunter Island' Takes Players on a Trip Inside the Human Body

Virtual World for Kids' 35th Island Debuts New Features, Including a Full Soundtrack and Player Map

BOSTON - Aug. 30, 2013 - Poptropica players will embark on a mission to locate the source of a dangerous disease with the launch of 'Virus Hunter Island.' Poptropica Members with Early Access can begin their adventure today on the site's 35th Island. Non-Members will have access to a limited demo of 'Virus Hunter Island' before its public launch on Sept. 26, 2013.

On 'Virus Hunter Island,' Poptropica players will learn that an unknown citizen harbors a dangerous new virus. Their mission is to locate Patient Zero and eradicate the disease before it spreads. Their search will take them on a perilous journey to the most far-out place of all - inside the human body.

On this fantastic voyage, Poptropica players will experience the virtual world's new and enhanced features, including better navigation, a larger screen and, for the first time, a full soundtrack. Players who complete the mission can find out their rank and see other top finishers by viewing the Virus Hunter World Champions player map, which will also show all the places around the world where Virus Hunter Island has been played.

'With the debut of 'Virus Hunter Island,' Poptropica fans will now have an amazing multimedia experience,' said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. 'As they are solving this scientific quest, they will experience new sights and sounds that will make the human body and their adventure come to life.'

At public launch, Poptropica Members will have access to a special 'Virus Hunter Island' bonus quest where they will discover that while Poptropicans are feeling fine, man's best friend isn't so lucky. A sick dog needs their help and they must head back into the fray to take down a new threat: the vicious heartworm.

Poptropica Members can take advantage of a 'Virus Hunter Island' gear pack, which includes a Sneezing Powder item, Inside-Out power, and, during Early Access only, a Virtual Virus costume. Even more Members-only exclusives are available for Virus Hunter Island and everyone can download a free desktop wallpaper and printable postcards.

Hundreds of millions of kids have visited Poptropica since its launch five years ago and the number grows every day. Poptropica players come from more than 200 different countries and territories and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages. The virtual world offers kids a safe place to play and connect online.

All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official Poptropica blog.

About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)

Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.

Kids create a 'Poptropican' character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.

Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company.

For more information, press only:

Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica,
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
773-227-1049

###

PRESS RELEASE

POPTROPICA PARTNERS WITH PENGUIN YOUNG READERS GROUP TO LAUNCH THE 'CREATE YOUR DREAM POPTROPICA ISLAND CONTEST'

New York, NY - July 23, 2013 - Penguin Young Readers Group, together with Poptropica, today announced launch of the Create Your Dream Poptropica Island Contest, a competition that gives children the opportunity to envision a brand-new Island on Poptropica.com. A grand prize winner, selected by Poptropica's creative team (including Jeff Kinney, the author of the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series) and experts from Penguin Young Readers Group, will have their winning entry produced alongside Poptropica's existing Islands. The contest officially launches on August 1, 2013 and winners will be selected in February 2014.

Created by Family Education Network with a creative team led by Kinney, Poptropica is a fun, popular virtual world in which kids explore and play on different Islands in complete safety. Since the site's launch in September 2007, Poptropica has drawn over 285 million users.

'Poptropica is all about bringing new stories to kids, so we're thrilled to expand the Poptropica print line with four new books, available in August 2013,' said Kinney. 'We think kids will especially love the Island Creator Kit, which gives them the chance to go through the creative process of designing a new Island adventure on Poptropica and then they can submit their idea to us in the 'Create Your Dream Poptropica Island Contest' for a chance to see their Island come to life.'

'Creativity has always been the core of Penguin's partnership with Poptropica,' said Francesco Sedita, President and Publisher of Grosset & Dunlap, who oversees the Poptropica publishing program for Penguin. 'With every book we look for new ways to engage the reader's imagination and this contest is the ultimate way to celebrate those readers' original ideas and stories.'

The contest coincides with the August release of the new Poptropica Island Creator Kit (Poptropica; On Sale; August 1, 2013; ISBN: 9780448464930; Ages 8 - 12 years; $7.99), a firsthand look at creating a custom Island in the Poptropica style. Envisioned and written by the site's creative team, this unique how-to book will guide fans and aspiring Island architects through every step in the process of creating their own Poptropica Island.

Be creative, be original, and think big! For official rules and for a downloadable entry form, please visit www.penguin.com/poptropica. Please see below for mini-rules.

Media Contact:
Courtney Allison
Publicity Manager
Penguin Young Readers Group
212.414.3639 / Courtney.allison@us.penguingroup.com

CREATE YOUR DREAM POPTROPICA ISLAND CONTEST

Enter for the opportunity to have your 'dream Island' featured on the Poptropica website (plus a collection of Poptropica books)! (ARV = $56.00.)

No purchase necessary.

Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia, ages 8-12.

Contest begins August 1, 2013. Entries must be postmarked on or by December 24, 2013 and received on or by December 31, 2013.

On or about February 28, 2014, one Grand Prize winner and ten (10) runner-up winners will be selected by a qualified panel of judges chosen by Sponsor, including Jeff Kinney and the Poptropica creative team. Entries will be judged based upon how creative and inspiring the ideas are, with equal weight being given to each criterion.

Void where prohibited by law.

For full Official Rules and for a downloadable entry form, go to www.penguin.com/poptropica.

Poptropica ©2007-2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

NOTE TO THE PRESS:

Penguin Young Readers Group and Poptropica have been publishing books together through PYRG's Poptropica imprint since 2011. They have released a wide range of formats including guide books, non-fiction titles, chapter books, creativity books, and quiz books.

Penguin Young Readers Group includes such preeminent imprints as Dial Books, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Philomel, Puffin, Speak, Firebird, G. P. Putnam's Sons, Razorbill, Viking, and Frederick Warne. These imprints are home to such award-winning, New York Times- bestselling authors as Laurie Halse Anderson, Jay Asher, Judy Blume, Jan Brett, Eric Carle, Roald Dahl, Tomie dePaola, Sarah Dessen, John Green, Eric Hill, Anthony Horowitz, Brian Jacques, Mike Lupica, Richard Peck, Patricia Polacco, and dozens of other popular authors.

Penguin Young Readers Group is also the proud publisher of perennial brand franchises such as The Little Engine That Could, the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series, Peter Rabbit, Spot, the Classic Winnie the Pooh, the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Strega Nona, Madeline, Mad LibsR, Alex Rider, Ranger's Apprentice, Skippyjon Jones, Flower Fairies, and Pippi Longstocking, among many others.

Penguin Group (USA) LLC. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Viking, G. P. Putnam's Sons, The Penguin Press, Riverhead Books, Dutton, Penguin Books, Berkley Books, Gotham Books, Portfolio, New American Library, Plume, Tarcher, Philomel, Grosset & Dunlap, Puffin, and Frederick Warne, among others. The Penguin Group (http://www.penguin.com) is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.

###

PRESS RELEASE

Poptropica Launches Online Shop for Custom Merchandise

Popular Virtual World Collaborates With Custom Personalization Solutions, Experts in On-Demand Products, for E-Commerce Retail Shop

LAS VEGAS - June 17, 2013 - Today at Licensing Expo 2013, Poptropica announced the launch of an online shop where fans can customize merchandise with their Poptropica avatars. Developed in collaboration with Custom Personalization Solutions LLC (CPS), the Poptropica Shop will feature items including t-shirts, pullover hoodies and zip-up hoodies.

To date, kids have created more than 500 million individual avatars on Poptropica. These avatars can be printed on an array of t-shirts and sweatshirts to create distinctly unique custom merchandise for the Poptropica fan.

'We collaborated with Custom Personalization Solutions, experts in print-on-demand products, to develop this online store in response to the countless requests from Poptropica fans around the world for a way to easily purchase items to show off their love of the site,' said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica.'With today's opening of Poptropica's online store, kids can now express themselves with items featuring their unique Poptropica characters.'

It's easy to get a Poptropican on a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Fans begin at poptropica.com/shop and enter their Poptropica username in the box and click 'Ok'. They click 'Yes' to confirm their avatar and then continue to the custom site on Ty's Toy Box. There they can select from many high quality clothing items starring their very own Poptropica avatar!

Hundreds of millions of kids from countries worldwide have visited Poptropica since its launch five years ago and the number grows every day. Poptropica players come from more than 200 different countries and territories and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages. The virtual world offers kids a safe place to play and interact online.

All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official Poptropica blog.

About Poptropica ()

Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.

Kids create a 'Poptropican' character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.

Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

For more information, press only:

Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica,
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
773-227-1049

Mike Tabakin, Sr. Vice President CPS, 973-420-8070, mtabakin@brand-xpand.com

###

PRESS RELEASE

Poptropica Players Will Make Movie Magic on the Virtual World's 34^th Island

'Back Lot Island' Features an Adventure in Film Making

BOSTON - April 05, 2013 - It's lights, camera, action for Poptropica players with the launch of 'Back Lot Island.' Poptropica Members with Early Access can make movie magic now on the popular virtual world for kids' latest Island. Non-Members will have access to a limited demo of 'Back Lot Island' before its public launch on April 25, 2013.

When Poptropicans arrive on the new Island, they will venture into the back lot of a movie studio. There they meet the greatest filmmaker of all time, who has come out of hiding and needs their help to make his masterpiece. The adventure begins as they visit different sound stages to produce the movie. Players will cast for actors, meet movie stars, coordinate stunts, use the camera to shoot scenes, and even act in a gorilla suit. However, they quickly learn that there may be trouble in tinseltown.

'On Poptropica's new 'Back Lot Island,' players get the chance to be in pictures and discover the magic of movie making as well as the pitfalls of producing for the big screen,' said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. 'This newest quest introduces kids to yet another creative world as they have fun and play in a safe, secure virtual environment.'

In a special 'Back Lot Island' bonus quest, Poptropica Members are surprised by the studio's owners who have returned and want them off their property. They'll have to outrun the studio security and get away with a valuable souvenir. Poptropica Members also get an additional 'Back Lot Island' gear pack, which includes a Silent Treatment power, Clapperboard item and, during Early Access only, a Film Director costume.

Hundreds of millions of kids have visited Poptropica since its launch five years ago and the number grows every day. Poptropica players come from more than 200 different countries and territories and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages. The virtual world offers kids a safe place to play and connect online.

All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official Poptropica blog.

About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)

Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.

Kids create a 'Poptropican' character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.

Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

For more information, press only:

Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica,
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
773-227-1049

###

PRESS RELEASE

New 'Night Watch Island' Puts Poptropica Players on High Alert for Trouble at the Mall

Thirty-Third Island Kicks Off the New Year After a Stellar 2012

BOSTON - Feb. 22, 2013 - Poptropica players will be called to the rescue when trouble arises at Twin Palms Mall on the site's newest quest, 'Night Watch Island.' Poptropica Members with Early Access can discover what happens at the mall after hours on the popular virtual world for kids. Non-Members will have access to part of 'Night Watch Island' before its public launch on March 14, 2013.

On 'Night Watch Island,' Poptropicans arrive at the Twin Palms Mall after the stores have closed and the shoppers have gone home, but they quickly discover that they're not alone. From escaped animals to creeping cat burglars, someone or something is watching them and players must stop the trouble at the mall.

'Poptropicans around the world will love playing the fun and engaging adventure on our 33rd Island,' said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. 'When they arrive on 'Night Watch Island,' they will quickly discover the challenge they face overcoming the mysterious happenings at the mall during the night watch.'

Poptropica Members will get an additional 'Night Watch Island' gear pack, which includes a Burnt Orange Tan power, Whoopzie Cushion item and, during Early Access only, a Cat Burglar costume. Poptropica Members will also discover a special 'Night Watch Island' bonus quest. They will learn that a training robot has gone haywire and scattered valuable collectibles around the mall. Their task will be to explore every nook and cranny of the building and return the items to their rightful owner. Parents can buy Poptropica Membership for their kids in one-, three- or six-month increments.

As it launches this new Island, Poptropica also celebrates a stellar 2012. Last year, nine new Islands launched and Poptropica fans created more than 81 million characters. Looking at the Poptropica Year in Review for 2012, visitors will discover the year's highlights, such as which character Friended the most people and which character is the Super User of the Year.

Hundreds of millions of kids have visited Poptropica since its launch five years ago and the number grows every day. Poptropica players come from more than 200 different countries and territories and have their web browsers set to more than 100 different languages. The virtual world offers kids a safe place to play and connect online. All Poptropica Islands are free to play, and each represents a unique theme and challenge. Kids can stay up to date on news about upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica on the official Poptropica blog.

About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)

Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories and games.

Kids create a 'Poptropican' character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, watch movies and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment.

Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

For more information, press only:

Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications for Poptropica,
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
773-227-1049

###

Poptropica is an onlinerole-playing game, developed in 2007 by Pearson Education's Family Education Network, and targeted towards children aged 6 to 15. Poptropica was primarily the creation of Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. As of 2015, he remains at the company as the Creative Director.^[1]

In the game, players can go to different 'islands' (game quest scenarios), compete in multiplayer games, and communicate with each other. The islands all have various difficulties, but all center on a problem that the player must resolve by going through multiple obstacles or completing goals. All islands, upon finishing, award 'Poptropica credits' which are non-negotiable but may be used to buy costumes and special effects in the Poptropica store.

In 2011, Poptropica was listed on Time magazine's list of '50 Websites that Make the Web Great', where it was described as 'an inventive megasite for kids with a wholesome and slightly educational bent.'^[2] In 2012, Poptropica had an Alexa Internet rating of 1,302 in the United States, and a ranking of 5,162 in the world.^[3] By 2012, the game had grown to have over 500 million registered users, with 35 million in the 15-25 age group.^[4] Versions of the game have been released on Nintendo DS and 3DS, and iOS mobile devices. In May 2015, it was announced that Family Education Network was sold by Pearson to the interactive-education venture capitalist Sandbox Networks,^[5] and that Poptropica had 'over 3.2 million monthly unique users in 200 countries and territories.'^[6]

In 2015, Poptropica was sold to educational-technology investment ground, Sandbox Partners.^[7]

Gameplay

When it first launched in 2007, Poptropica only had one island, titled Early Poptropica Island. As of 2017, it has 58 islands to be explored, all with a different theme: examples include Back Lot Island, where the player helps produce a movie, and Super Power Island, where their goal is to defeat six super villains. Each island has its own quest, for which a player can receive an island medallion as well as 150 credits to spend in the in-game Poptropica Store. Starting July 6, 2011, Poptropica allowed players to replay islands without creating a new account, while still keeping track of all the Medallions the player had earned.

Advertisements

In addition to the available island quests, advertisers contract for temporary mini-games that appear on the site, sometimes targeted to players of a certain age group or gender. Regular advertisers have included Disney, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Lego toys, and various animated movies and DVD releases. Advertisement mini-games normally appear only during a two-week period. If the player completes an advertisement mini-game, they receive a temporary prize, usually related to the media being advertised.

A few Poptropica islands are themed after certain book series: these include Big Nate, Timmy Failure, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Magic Tree House. These islands are permanent, and can be played at any time. In 2015, a total of seven of these islands became members-only.

Mini-games

Poptropica features different mini-games that users can play with other people. These include Switch, Sudoku, Hoops, Sky Dive, Paint War, Star Link, Balloons, Soupwords and Pathwise. The game keeps track of how many times the player wins or loses a certain mini-game.

Expansions

Island Creator Kit

In August 2013, an island creator kit was made available for purchase. It is an activity book that walks the player through all the same steps the developers take when they make a new Island: coming up with a storyline, creating characters, and designing puzzles.

Poptropica Adventures

In 2012, in partnership with Ubisoft, Poptropica released a new video game for the Nintendo DS, titled Poptropica Adventures.^[8]

Poptropica: Forgotten Islands

On September 5, 2013, Poptropica launched Poptropica: Forgotten Islands, an iOS game, which allows players to meet new characters and discover story elements about Poptropica by finding artifacts littered throughout the game. It was also released on the Nintendo 3DS system through Ubisoft in 2014.^[9] It has been replaced on iOS with a mobile version of the desktop Poptropica game.

Poptropica Worlds

On January 11, 2017, Poptropica announced via their blog that they were introducing another game called Poptropica Worlds, developed in Unity. It was released in Spring 2017. Poptropica Worlds has new features, such as redesigned characters, customizable homes, and new Islands. Returning players are able to port over their avatar's look and name to Poptropica Worlds. Poptropica Worlds can be played on both the web and mobile. If membership was bought for Poptropica, it carries over to Poptropica Worlds, and vice versa.

References

1. ^Dossena, Tiziano Thomas (October 29, 2014). 'From Lost Side Of Suburbia to Poptropica, An Exclusive Interview with Artist Kory Merritt'. L'Idea Magazine. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
2. ^McCracken, Harry (August 16, 2011). '50 Websites that make the web great'. TIME. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
3. ^Alexa ranking
4. ^Brian Solis (2010). 'Virtual Worlds'. Engage. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN978-0-470-57109-5.
5. ^Rosen, Judith (May 21, 2015). 'New Owner for Poptropica and FEN'. Publisher Weekly. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
6. ^Dorbian, Iris (May 21, 2015). 'Pearson sells Family Education Network to Sandbox Partners'. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
7. ^'Pearson sells Family Education Network to Sandbox Partners - PE Hub'. PE Hub. 2015-05-21. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
8. ^'Ubisoft and Poptropica partner to bring popular virtual world for kids to the Nintendo DS system'. PRWeb. May 29, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
9. ^https://web.archive.org/web/20141012014051/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/CoA7KDYAI99r7hBGI2w-hZtcxRBtTbQb/

External links