Interactive kids’ play isn’t just a game
What: Play Visions, based in Woodinville
Who: Stephen Cosgrove, 62, strategic partner
Mission: Provide interactive entertainment for children that involves them with characters and stimulates creativity. “This isn’t just a toy,” Cosgrove said. “It’s a toy with soul.”
Swing set: At a new Web site (www.zibbies.com) Cosgrove developed with Play Visions, children become part of the action. Doorways and caves lead to virtual rooms, creating a “safe virtual world” where kids between 6 and 10 can be in - rather than on - the Internet.
Attention spam: Fads come and go, with Cabbage Patch Kids and Tickle-Me-Elmo dolls capturing and losing the collective juvenile imagination. While the company markets a line of plush Zibbie toys, it expects the virtual connection will give them a longer life than the average Pet Rock.
Real life: The site is designed to teach kids a certain level of responsibility. For instance, they may adopt a virtual animal, but they will be accountable for its care. Additionally, they learn skills such as text messaging. “The animals hit a device with their beak,” Cosgrove said. “And a second later the kids get a direct response to their questions.”
Employees: 33 internal, with an outsourced sales force.
Financials: With the Web site, the private company expects to double its business, though it won’t provide specifics. Cosgrove said it expects to recover the cost of the site’s development through toy sales.
Play date: Cosgrove, who lives in San Antonio, Texas, is a former Seattleite who has written more than 300 children’s books. He says he is happy about the partnership with Play Vision. “I was looking for something I could glom on to that had magic,” he said.
Virtual literature: Reading these stories online includes an audio-visual element. Kids don’t just read about the wind blowing; they hear it whistle through the trees. These aspects provide training wheels for readers. “By the time they are adults their visualization skills will be well in place. When they read a regular book they won’t need to be entertained,” Cosgrove said.
- Charles Bermant