Article by Mike Snider
I think this article by Snider was very well done. It provided a lot of information regarding the new Kung Fu Panda World that DreamWorks Animation is planning on launching next year.
Snider does a good job of explaining some aspects of the world and how kids will be able to interact. One of the sources-- the head of production of DreamWorks Animation Online was a good choice and someone with reliable information regarding the new gaming atmosphere for children.
I was somewhat lost on the payment options to access the game world. The article discussed pay-as-you-go as well as premium prices. Yet, actual figures were never given and the different payment options weren't thoroughly explained or why the world needs to charge membership? This could be because DreamWorks doesn't have exact figures yet or were not willing to tell Snider, it does not necessarily mean Snider lacked the information. However, I am very interested in knowing more details in regards to the monetary end of the world.
Snider also briefly mentions the "universe of brand-based kids' online worlds" and throws out a few names. I would have liked to know more about them, when these worlds starting popping up, and are they a huge hit or a huge bust? I personally am not familiar with these online worlds and did not even know of their existence.
The last thing I think could have added to this article would to have touched on the topic of a specific "Kung Fu Panda" world. Kung Fu Panda came out over a year ago. Was it that big of a hit? Will kids be interested in playing now that the movie has been long gone out of the box office? Maybe an interview with some kiddos would have added a little more substance to Snider's article.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2009-11-09-kungfupanda09_ST_N.htm
That's all for now folks
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Someone sent me a link to this blogspot. It's really nice to see all the articles, criticisms and discussions. Unfortuantely I can't add anyhting to this one, as I agree with you opinion 100%. I will look at more later and comment. Good work.
ReplyDeleteYou've reviewed 2 or 3 articles by Mike Snider now- Could you make a comment about some of his strong characteristics, and where he might be continually lacking?
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good point. I do review a lot of Snider's work as he is one of the main journalists for the USA Today Technology beat. I feel as though overall, he does a great job of presenting information and getting the hard facts out to readers.
ReplyDeleteHowever, in almost all of his articles I am always left with quite a few questions and usually do not feel satisfied. I feel as though he could work on writing his articles in the mindset of someone that has no knowledge about anything he is saying.
Thanks for the comments!