Shidonni Releases The Beta Of Its Premium Version, Announces First Set Of Global Partners

Dec. 11, 2008 - PRLog -- Shidonni, the free to play virtual world for kids based on creativity and imagination, is launching an open beta of its game's premium version today.  During the past two months Shidonni captured the interest and hearts of kids, parents and K-5 educators. Over 30,000 kids visited the game that brings children's imaginary pets to life, creating tens of thousands of fun creatures. Over 60% of the registered users visited the game more than 3 times a week to create, play and care for their pets.

Shidonni goes beyond the typical interactive pet game environment to actually empower kids to draw their own creatures and worlds and play with them in a safe, fun environment. By providing kids with drawing tools and effects rather than "ready made" elements, Shidonni promotes imagination, creativity and responsibility in kids ages 4 and up.

The new premium version introduces an advanced set of creation tools and activities as well as a number of features that were created based on children's feedback.

Shidonni features include:
-          Safe registration, complying with COPPA rules
-          Pets and worlds creation, using simple and intuitive drawing tools.
-          A wide set of fun games featuring the kids' creations
-          Fun goals, puzzles and gifts that stimulate kids' imaginations and creative values
-          Safe buddy list and creation sharing system
-          Ability to send, share and print creations

"Shidonni supports and develops creativity and responsibility among children ages 4 and up in a fun environment that they create" said Ido Mazurski, CEO of Shidonni. "In a culture where everything comes ready-made, we are proud to launch a product based on values that promote kids' imaginations and thinking skills".

Many K-5 educators support Shidonni and use the game to teach and have fun with children starting kindergarten through early grades. Kelly Tenkely, a K-5 teacher and blogger from Denver, CO, wrote: "the site is a great way to let younger students practice interaction with the computer and mouse manipulation.  It is also a great introduction to drawing programs. Students can use Shidonni as a place to start digital storytelling."  

With this launch, Shidonni is pleased to announce the first set of partners and affiliates to promote and enhance the game online. Among these partners are: Zazzle, Gimme5games.com and Ultimate Arcade.
Shidonni welcomes distribution partnerships with relevant online game and education portals that promote similar values - creative fun and safe entertainment for kids online.

Virtual worlds for kids are a fast growing market with a yearly growth of over 55%. Over 76 % of US kids and tweens are playing at social and gaming sites today with a growing percent staying in virtual worlds.

About Shidonni
Shidonni http://www.shidonni.com is a browser-based virtual world for young children. Shidonni provides safe and creative fun for kids online. Shidonni encourages imagination and creativity, allowing every kid to create their own world. Shidonni was founded in 2008 by Nachshon Peled and Ido Mazurski, former CEO of Toys'R'Us Israel. Shidonni is backed by a group of UK investors and raised to date $ 1.5 M. The Shidonni world is online at http://www.shidonni.com . Watch the user experience movie at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05DIBc46eYc .




Shidonni LTD
7 Openhaimer st. Science Park, Rehovot, Israel
For more information about Shidonni please contact Guy Bendov via email at info@shiodnni.com.

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Shidonni is a virtual world for young kids. It is based on creativity and allow kids to play with creatures they draw, as they come to life online.
http://www.shidonni.com/