Disney Launches DGamer Community For DS Gamers

With the North American release of its Nintendo DS game, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Disney Interactive Studios has launched DGamer, its online community developed exclusively for Disney gamers and accessible through the Nintendo DS. Disney is scheduled to release DGamer in other international regions by 2009. DGamer leverages the community technology of Disney.com to allow players to login with their DS to create and customize 3D avatars and persistent profiles. Different outfits, hats, eyewear, accessories, and Disney-themed costumes are available for players to dress up their avatars. Kids can chat, view their friends' profiles, and post high scores on DGamer's leaderboards. DGamer also offers "honors," displayable badges that symbolize specific achievements, sometimes unlocking special avatar gear and exclusive content for Disney's DS games and the DGamer channel online. Parents can access features at DGamer's website which they can use to specify the level of their kids interactivity online. DGamer provides three different chat options: Speed Chat, which uses a predetermined list of words and phrases; Speed Chat Plus, which uses modified free-form typing that blocks inappropriate language or suggestive phrases; and Open Chat, which requires that users first exchange a "True Friend Code." This is in addition to the safety features already employed at Disney.com to moderate chat communication. Said Disney Interactive Studios executive vice president and general manager Graham Hopper, “DGamer was built around the vision to connect Disney video game fans in a secure, fun environment and it is truly the first integrated online community of its kind to do so on multiple platforms. We recognize the importance of delivering unique experiences to our consumers and how crucial it is for parents to feel confident that the community is secure for their kids."