BBC Plans Children’s Virtual World

The BBC is planning to create a virtual world aimed at 7-12 year olds, which will allow digitally literate youngsters access to characters and resources.

The BBC stressed that the online universe, known as CBBC World, will not have the financial aspects of other online worlds such as the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) Second Life.

Richard Deverell, BBC Children’s controller, said: “It will give children a chance to move around a safe, secure world where they can not only interact with familiar characters but have an opportunity to make that world a more fascinating place with their own imaginations.”

“CBBC World is a good example of the way we need to go.

“The thing that interests me is that children are at the vanguard. And that is where we are taking Children’s BBC.”

CBBC World is expected to go live in the summer with a full launch following in the autumn intended to coincide with the relaunch of CBBC.

The BBC is also understood to be in talks with Google over making BBC programmes available via a branded channel on the search giant’s video sharing site (see BBC Close To Google Deal).

Yesterday, Ofcom revealed the findings of its first Market Impact Assessment on the BBC’s on-demand services, which said that the corporation’s proposals “could have a negative effect on investment in similar commercial services” (see BBC On-Demand Proposals Could Impact Commercial Services).

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk