Nickelodeon Online Launches Nicktropolis

According to C21 Media, Nickelodeon Online has launched Nicktropolis.

Nickelodeon's universe goes online

Nickelodeon, the children's TV network of Viacom's MTV Networks, has today launched Nicktropolis, its web-based virtual world for children.

The new project is in the same vein as online universe Second Life, allowing kids access to their own virtual community where they will have the opportunity to watch video, explore Nickelodeon-branded and original environments and interact with other kids or Nickelodeon characters in real time.

The site will push popular Nickelodeon brands and help young viewers to interact with Nickelodeon characters as well as each other. Online 'avatars', 3D representations of other kids online, will be registered anonymously so as to avoid the risk of unwanted tapping of personal information.

The initiative follows MTV Networks recent online projects such as NeoPets, AddictingGames.com and Xfire.

"Virtual worlds like Nicktropolis are part of our strategy to bring immersive, relevant entertainment experiences to our audiences wherever they are, and to build communities around our content across every kind of platform," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO at MTV Networks.

Antony Reeve-Crook
30 Jan 2007
© C21 Media 2007

TurboNick jumps aboard MS Vista platform

According to C21 Media, Nickelodeon has announced that it will offer TurboNick on the Windows Vista platform.

TurboNick jumps aboard MS Vista platform

Nickelodeon has confirmed it will offer its kids broadband video service TurboNick on the Windows Vista platform when the latter launches at the end of the month.

TurboNick will be launched on Media Center for Windows Vista, allowing Nickelodeon's audience to access TurboNick using a remote for the first time.

When Windows Vista starts on January 30 TurboNick users will have access to a video catalogue of Nickelodeon content by browsing either the channels, shows or Nickelodeon characters themselves. There is also an option for users to create their own personalised playlists, rate video content and play trivia challenges and games based on Nickelodeon properties.

Nick content available through the partnership includes hundreds of clips in addition to full-length Nicktoons, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar and Jimmy Neutron, as well as live-action series from The Amanda Show to Zoey 101.

The TurboNick service also goes behind the scenes with TEENick, which features online exclusives, celebrity interviews and extended versions of select kids titles.

Steve Youngwood, executive VP of digital media for Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group, said the launch gives audiences a brand new way to interact with Nickelodeon's shows. "We are always looking to better our consumers' experiences. This is the latest entertainment platform on which we are able to extend our programming and content offerings for kids and families," he said.

Nickelodeon recently launched TurboNick 2.0 on Nick.com, its broadband video platform, which offers streaming video, customised playlists, content in multiple languages and the ability to search the Nickelodeon content library.


Antony Reeve-Crook
8 Jan 2007
© C21 Media 2007