Casual Cartoon Wars. The two bigs players going for it

THE KEY ELEMENTS

1) The big kids networks both releasing MMO's that support their own IP
2) Importance of Child protection. Remember club penguins success.
3) Browser based games
4) Avatar September 15th Launch 10 language options in over 77 countries
5) The start of cross media casual experiences
6) financing for these kind of projects announced last year at Casual Connect

Predictions Watch out for Club Penguin cartoons.

Worlds In Motion - Nickelodeon Launching Avatar MMORPG Worldwide In September: "Nickelodeon Launching Avatar MMORPG Worldwide In September

Nickelodeon has announced that it is developing a browser-based online game adaptation of its popular Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon. Titled Avatar: Legends of the Arena, the game will serve as a prequel story to the series and will be Nick.com's first 3D MMORPG.

In Avatar: Legends of the Arena, players create their own Avatar characters and challenge others to battle in several arenas. As players level up, they can unlock new content, challenges, custom character outfits, and exclusive equipment.

Said Nick.com SVP Jason Root: 'The launch of this multiplayer online game gives Avatar fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the storylines during and beyond its tenure on-air. This property has always had a deep online connection with its audience and the game offers a natural extension of the franchise to keep fans engaged with the property indefinitely.'"

Google Reader (1000+): "Cartoon Network, Crisp Thinking Partner For Child Protection In FusionFall
from Worlds In Motion by research@gdmag.com (Eric Caoili)

Cartoon Network New Media, cable television channel Cartoon Network's online publishing division, has teamed up with Crisp Thinking to integrate the online child protection services provider's NetModerator system into its upcoming MMOG, Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall.

Developed by Seoul, Korea-based studio Grigon Entertainment, FusionFall features a multitude of characters from Cartoon Network shows, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Dexter's Laboratory, and Ben 10. The MMOG has been designed primarily for kids aged 8-14 years old and is scheduled to launch in fall 2008.

Safety features built into the game include moderated character names, parental approval required for 'open chat,' chat filtering and monitoring, and forum filtering and monitoring. FusionFall will be the world's first MMOG to bear Crisp Certification, a standard indicating to parents that their children are being protected with Crisp Thinking's child safety measures.