Napalm Riot

Kids like games. Kids like texting. Kids like Nintendo. Now Disney is hoping to turn this holy kiddie trinity into cold hard cash and a warm fuzzy virtual community with the introduction of DGamer.

A new service launched Friday that essentially brings the chat and connection features of MSN or Xbox Live to the younger set, DGamer isn't just an online community tailored for Disney fans. According to Disney spokesperson Michelle Jacob, the service can also turn anyone's Nintendo DS into a text- messaging device.

``Once you go to DGamer (www.dgamer.com) and register . . . you can access the chat functions, which appear as a drop down menu,'' says Jacob.
Once parents or caregivers decide which level of chat is age-appropriate for their youngster, users can send messages via their DS unit - or their home computer. DGamer also allows users to trade virtual merchandise, exchange gaming tips and showcase their achievements in a variety of game environments.

``If you get honours (awards) in a certain game, the community can see what you've accomplished and they can see your personalized avatar - which DGamer allows you to create. And kids love that. They spend hours creating their avatars and trying on different looks,'' says Jacob.


(Continuation Source: http://www.canada.com/top…c0-4e00-b9dc-f755a1f221e3)