| Ty Girlz was one of the first virtual worlds | | | | Dazzlin' Destiny dressed in miniskirts with the |
| targeted towards young girls. It was launched in | | | | latest hair styles and jewelry just doesn't seem |
| April 2007, as an extension of the Ty Girlz range | | | | like the ideal game for little girls. It is only obvious |
| of dolls. Essentially, this is a collection of dolls | | | | that parents will be apprehensive about the values |
| accompanied by an online virtual world. Every Ty | | | | that their kids are learning at such a tender age. |
| Girlz doll comes with a unique code which can be | | | | If we set aside these concerns, the virtual world |
| used to activate an online account at their web | | | | offers a lot for young girls. Nearly everything |
| site. This opens up an all new virtual world for | | | | starting with the hair to the clothes to the shoes |
| users of Ty Girlz dolls. If somebody purchases | | | | excites them to no end. There are tons of |
| another Ty Girlz doll, it will be added to the | | | | clothing options like a princess dress, the school |
| existing account and the user will also get a | | | | look, the casual look etc. There is a separate code |
| bonus, which will allow him/her to avail some | | | | for clothing which comes with the physical dolls |
| services or buy some goodies for the dolls. | | | | and activates the clothing options in the online |
| Ty Girlz targets young girls between the age | | | | virtual world. |
| group of 5-9 years. Young girls are absolutely | | | | The users can then shop all over the virtual world |
| smitten by the virtual world they see replete with | | | | and it is precisely this thrill for clothes that keeps |
| cute little things like trendy clothes, salons and | | | | little girls addicted. To buy these clothes, one has |
| boutiques where they can try new hair styles, | | | | to win games and earn virtual money. These |
| their own room for Ty Girlz dolls and what not. | | | | games are fun and make the experience more |
| However, most of these features are recent | | | | enjoyable. |
| additions. Prior to this, the virtual world was fairly | | | | If you haven't fallen in love with this virtual world |
| empty and lacked the vibrancy and color that it | | | | just as yet, then there is more to come. Little |
| has today. Besides this, the original form of the | | | | girls also get their own rooms, which can be |
| Ty Girlz did not go too well with parents for they | | | | decorated with colorful and adorably cute |
| found the dolls to be a bit too trashy. Their | | | | furniture. Users could build the room of their |
| clothes were skimpy, loud and not suitable for | | | | dreams. |
| little girls. | | | | Other than the huge cute factor, Ty Girlz's game |
| However, over the years this has been | | | | plan ensures that users don't get bored and keep |
| consciously toned down and the Ty dolls have | | | | returning to the virtual world. The all too alluring |
| become appropriate for the age group they | | | | fashion goodies can be bought by Ty dollars (or |
| target. To ensure that parents have no objection | | | | Ty $, as the makers put it), and the fastest way |
| to their kids playing with these dolls, the company | | | | to earn those dollars is by winning games. |
| has also taken some other measures. Online | | | | The virtual world, along with the dolls is a hot |
| accounts are only activated once a confirmation | | | | favorite among young girls. They love the |
| e-mail form the parents account is received. | | | | dresses, the hair, the games and their fairy tale |
| Ty Girlz also regulates the kind of vocabulary | | | | like world. Ty Girlz does well to maintain their |
| used in the virtual world. Only a predetermined set | | | | interest, despite the fact that the virtual world |
| of phrases and words can be used. This is done | | | | could use some daily spicing up or regular updates. |
| to make sure that no abusive terms are used | | | | The major problem with the Ty Girlz is how |
| anywhere. Thus, Ty Girlz has made every | | | | parents react to the dolls and the values they |
| possible effort to make their dolls more | | | | preach. But if parents can negotiate the value |
| acceptable to parents. However, parents still | | | | system offered by Ty Girlz, it can be a whole |
| seem to have some reservation about the whole | | | | world of exciting fun for young girls. |
| concept. Dolls with names like Sizzling Sue and | | | | |