Club Penguin
News, coverage and analysis tracking Club Penguin across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Why the world needs a Club Penguin successor – that isn't Roblox
Stephen MacDonald, a former senior manager at Disney for Club Penguin, discusses the need for a safe, successor virtual world for children, arguing that Roblox does not adequately protect its young users. He has founded Magic Potion Games to develop Imagine Island, a new game focused on robust moderation and child safety, aiming to fill the void left by Club Penguin's demise.
Digital Third Spaces: How Games Replaced the Café
As traditional 'Third Spaces' decline due to economic pressures, video games like WEBFISHING and Flock Around are emerging as digital alternatives for social connection. While platforms like Roblox and Fortnite offer vast online communities, they often come with issues of hyper-monetization and exploitation. Newer, low-stakes social games aim to provide accessible, inclusive gathering places, though concerns remain about the gamification of social interaction and online moderation challenges.
MMOs You’ve Never Heard Of: Roads & Riches, The Story Page, and Texturetown
This article rounds up three lesser-known multiplayer online games: Roads & Riches, a traveling merchant simulator; The Story Page, an early access indie MMORPG focused on roleplaying; and Texturetown, an experimental MMO built from assets of defunct children's online games. The Story Page is developed by SPR-Games, and Texturetown is the work of solo developer Aidan Strong.
Texturetown is a Frankenstein's MMO created by remixing Club Penguin, Pirates of the Caribbean Online and other dead MMOs
Texturetown is an experimental MMO created by LA-based academic Aidan Strong, remixing assets from defunct children's MMOs like Club Penguin, Pirates of the Caribbean Online, Toontown, and Fusionfall. The game uses altered code, audio, text, and textures to evoke disjointed nostalgia for abandoned online spaces of the early 2000s.
Perfect Ten: Video games that spun off from MMORPGs
This article highlights ten video games that originated as spin-offs from MMORPGs, exploring various genres and platforms. Examples include Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes, RuneScape Dragonwilds, and EVE Online's Gunjack, showcasing how established MMO IPs have been adapted into different gaming experiences.
Former Club Penguin co-founder's new job announcement sparks rumours about game's return
Speculation about the return of Club Penguin has resurfaced following an announcement by co-founder Lane Merrifield about his new job at Disney. Merrifield's social media post has led fans to believe he may be involved in reviving the popular 2005 kids MMO, which was shut down in 2017. While Merrifield has not confirmed any plans, the news has sparked nostalgia and demand for safe online social spaces for children.
