User:MissSage/sandbox

National Geographic Kid's Animal Jam is a massively multiplayer online game launched in 2010 by Smart Bomb Interactive, in partnership with the National Geographic Society. The game, "which has experienced 500% year-over-year growth," already has millions of registered players, and "is one of the fastest-growing online kids properties worldwide." Animal Jam is free from outside advertising and adheres to a strict privacy policy. It requires Adobe Flash to play the web-based game.

Animal Jam takes place in the world of Jamaa, where players can travel through various ecological environments. Each environment features different interactive facts, games, and virtual shops. Players are represented in the game with customizable animal avatars. Players can accessorize their avatars, decorate their dens, and adopt virtual pets. Players interact with one another through chatting, trading/gifting, or by participating in multiplayer games and parties. Players are rewarded with achievements for collecting facts in game, making friends, and decorating their dens. Players also earn the in-game currency, called Gems, by completing games. Gems enable players to make in-game purchases of additional animal avatars, pets, accessories, dens, and den items.

Development
The game was developed in 2009 by Smart Bomb Interactive. It began beta testing between July 15, 2010 until September 7, 2010. It's official public launch with memberships was on September 9, 2010. In May 2011, Animal Jam announced it had surpassed 1 million registered players. By August 2012, the game surpassed 6 million players worldwide. In March 2013, the 10 million players benchmark was celebrated.

Membership
Animal Jam has several membership offerings (1 month, 3 month, 6 month, or 12 month), as well as various gift card options available at retailers throughout the United States. Each retailer has a special code with an exclusive type of playable animal. Membership grants players access to member-only animal avatars, virtual pets, additional customization options, and more.

Communication & Safety
There are several forms of communication in the game that are all monitored by a safety chat filter, each with a variety of parent controlled safety chat options for their child's accounts. These options can be set using the Parent Dashboard associated with the child's account. New accounts start out with Restricted Chat, which allows you to type from a preselected dictionary of words. There is a Bubble Chat option that does not allow you to type although the user can select from a limited list of sayings. The third type of chat option is Safe Chat or free chat, where the user may type their own messages. However it is still filtered through a safety chat and a warning will appear if you try to use potentially unsafe words that are not allowed. Other users will not see any message appear if your free-chat includes certain words or phrases.

You can also send Jam-A-Grams, which is the in-game mail system. Each Jam-A-Gram includes a background image selection, a stamp image selection and a list of sayings you can send. Players with safe or restricted chat can also type a message but the safety chat filter is much more strict than in-game chatting. You may also attached a gift to send to another user. However, keep in mind that non-members cannot open any jam-a-gram gifts, though they can still send them to members.

Game Economy & Trading
The in-game monetary system is the use of Gems that you can earn by playing mini-games and buddy games. There are also Gem gift certificate codes that can be purchased in the Animal Jam Outfitters Shop. There is a daily gem bonus that you get during your first daily log on that you spin for a random amount which is multiplied by how recently you logged on last (x1, x2, or x3). However you earn your gems, they can be spent at the various shops throughout the lands and parties of Jamaa for den items, pets, clothing and accessories. There is no option to trade or gift gems to other players. There is a Gem Donation area in the Conservation Museum that you can donate any gem amount towards helping an endangered animal of your choosing. The trading system was introduced into the game in March 2011 after players petitioned the designers to create a safer way for trading items between players.

Gem Donations
The Gem donation box in the Conservation Museum is one way that Animal Jam helps support the mission of the National Geographic Society to inspire kids to care about the planet. A significant portion of all revenue Animal Jam collects goes to support National Geographic's worldwide conservation efforts. By June 2012, players enabled the Animal Jam creators at Smart Bomb Interactive to contribute over $3 Million to the National Geographic Society's work. The Play Wild Fund was introduced in November 2011 to allow players to choose which animals and conservation efforts they wanted to donate to.

On April 12, 2012, monkeys went endangered in Jamaa. Players could no longer create these animals during this time. Players donated 100 million gems, to help save the endangered monkey population. The monkeys were saved and returned to Jamaa on August 30, 2012.

Gameplay Environment
Animal Jam is divided into multiple lands, oceans, parties, and games. Each account is provided with a free basic den, which is a lockable home that can be decorated with den items. Players are able to shop for den furniture and clothing. Only members can shop for different dens. Each location in Jamaa features different habitats, shops, pets, games, journey books, educational videos, and reading information. There are even a few hidden areas and Easter eggs for explorers to find.

Lands & Habitats
Jamaa is the fictional world in which players interact with one another in-game. Jamaa is an ever-expanding map that includes both land and ocean based areas to explore. When you change from a land-based habitat using a land animal avatar to an ocean-based habitat, the game will switch to your last used ocean animal avatar. If you do not have an animal that can be used in the ocean, then you will not be able to explore these areas of Jamaa until you create one.

All of the main habitat locations can be found by using the map. Canyon's Pathway is the only habitat location that cannot be reached via map; it can only be accessed from Coral Canyons or Crystal Sands. The Chamber of Knowledge has an indoor area with several rooms that can be accessed from the Temple of Zios, the last room of the Chamber of Knowledge includes the Mystery Emporium. However, the hidden chamber rooms include several games and reading areas. There are also several other social and educational rooms throughout Jamaa that can be reached from the main map locations such as the Pillow Room, Club Geoz, Sol Arcade, Hot Cocoa Hut, Art Studio, Brady Barr's Labratory, Captain Melville's Juice Hut, Tierney's Aquarium, Conservation Museum and the Serepia Theatre. There are also several rooms that are primarily shops.

Here are the main land-based locations and areas you can explore:

Here are the main ocean-based locations and areas you can explore:

Shops
There are multiple shops throughout Jamaa where players can purchase items for both land and ocean use such as: clothing and accessories for their animals; virtual pets and pet items; den furniture and decorations. Many of the Parties also have party shops that sell special den items, wearable accessories or even den music that can't be found in other shops. Since many of the parties are seasonal, the shop items are only available for limited time periods and only when the party is active.

Games
Pet Games:


 * Ducky Dash - (pet duck) Jamaa Township, Crystal Sands, Pets Only Party
 * Disc Toss - (pet puppy) Appondale, Sarepia Forest, Pets Only Party
 * Sssssnake - (pet snake) Lost Temple of Zios, Coral Canyons, Pets Only Party

Mini Games:


 * Jamaa Derby - Jamaa Township, Horses Only Party, Sol Arcade
 * Spider Zapper - Jamaa Township (Club Geoz), Sol Arcade
 * Phantom Fighter - Jamaa Township (Club Geoz), Sol Arcade
 * Falling Phantoms - Temple of Zios, Sol Arcade
 * Temple of Trivia - Temple of Zios, Sol Arcade
 * Gem Ball - Temple of Zios (Chamber of Knowledge), Sol Arcade
 * Mira Says - Temple of Zios (Chamber of Knowledge), Sol Arcade
 * Hedgehog - Sarepia Forest, Sol Arcade
 * Wind Rider - Sarepia Forest, Sol Arcade
 * Pill Bugs - Sarepia Forest, Sol Arcade
 * Super Sort - Sarepia Forest, Sol Arcade
 * Gem Breaker - Mt Shiveer, Sol Arcade
 * Fruit Slinger - Appondale, Sol Arcade
 * Pest Control - Appondale, Sol Arcade
 * Overflow - Crystal Sands, Sol Arcade
 * Double Up - Crystal Sands, Sol Arcade
 * Touch Pool - Crystal Sands (Tierney's Aquarium)
 * Twister - Canyons Pathway, Sol Arcade
 * Sky High - Coral Canyons, Sol Arcade
 * Long Shot - Coral Canyons, Sol Arcade
 * Best Dressed (land) - Coral Canyons, Sol Arcade
 * Best Dressed (ocean) - Bahari Bay
 * Splash 'N Dash - Bahari Bay, Sol Arcade
 * Eat 'Em Up - Crystal Reef, Sol Arcade
 * Phantom's Treasure - Deep Blue, Sol Arcade

Buddy Games:


 * Scooped
 * Marbles
 * Shell Game
 * Rock Paper Scissors
 * Four Gem
 * Tic Tac Toe

Pay-to-play Games:


 * The Claw -- Cost 5 gems per play, Earn Plushie Prizes
 * The Claw (normal)- Crystal Sands, Sarepia Forest (Theater Lobby), Sol Arcade
 * The Claw (gift) - Trading Party
 * The Claw (phantom) - rare member monthly gift released August 2011 for dens
 * The Claw (horses) - Horses Only Party
 * The Claw (bunny) - Bunny Only Party
 * The Claw (wolf) - Wolves Only Party
 * The Claw (monkey) - Monkeys Only Party


 * Phantom Invasion -- Cost 10 gems per play, Earn Toy Prizes
 * Phantom Invasion (normal) - Sol Arcade
 * Phantom Invasion (phantom) - rare member monthly gift released May 2012 for dens


 * The Photo Booth -- Cost 50 Gems per save; Jamaa Township (Club Geoz), Sarepia Forest (Theater Lobby)


 * Pet Stop -- Cost 200 Gems per save
 * Pet Stop (land) - Appondale (Claws 'N Paws), Pets Only Party, Pet Selection Menu
 * Pet Stop (ocean) - Crystal Reef (Flippers 'N Fins), Pet Selection Menu

Non-Gem Games:


 * Brady Barr's Chemistry Set - Temple of Zios (Brady's Laboratory)
 * Smoothie Machine - Crystal Sands (Captain Melville's Juice Hut), Heatwave Party
 * Pet Wash - Crystal Sands, Pets Only Party
 * Hot Cocoa Machine - Mt Shiveer (Hot Cocoa Hut)
 * Popcorn Machine - Sarepia Forest (Theater Lobby)

Animals and Pets
Animals are the playable avatar characters that you can change into. Each animal is allowed a different character name from a first name and a surname composed of two words, each of which are selected from an approved list. Your starting animal is free, each additional animal costs gems to buy. Each non-member account is allowed 2 animals and member accounts can have up to 24 animals. The colors, patterns and eyes are customizable and can be changed after creation from the character customization window. They can also be dressed with different accessories, jewelery, hats, armor, weapons and clothing purchased throughout Jamaa's many shops.

Each member can buy pets with gems that your animal avatar can adventure with. Some pets are monthly member gifts while others are only available during special celebrations or parties. Many of the pets, however, can be bought in the pet shops, pets only party or throughout Jamaa's different lands. The pets are customizable and named upon creation. Although you cannot change their colors or features after creation, you can buy them accessories to wear from the "Pet Stop". You can reach the pet stop in your pet menu, at the pet's only party, or at the pet shop vanity stations.

Animals
Durring the game's beta release and after the official release there were only 6 playable animals available. Since the release in 2010, new playable animals have been added with the expansion of new lands and story lines. Each animal can be played on land or ocean habitats, however a few can be played in both. The following is a list of playable animal avatars:

Pets
Only members can use pets in Animal Jam. There are a few games that you must have the corresponding pet type to play, which can earn you special pet effects for the pet you use to play it. In the original release of the game, there were no pets. This feature became available in June 2011, beginning with the Puppy, Ducky, Frog, and Kitten. Many pets have since been added, and more continue to show up as time passes. Each account is limited to 27 pet slots, however they can be set free or repurchased at any time.

Here are some of the pets that have been available in Animal Jam:

Holidays and Parties
Since the game's beta days, there have been various changes in the evolution of Jamaa's holidays and parties. Originally the parties were held on one server during a specific date and time. In December 2011, however the new party system was introduced where players could click on the party icon to enter into a party room at any given time. Each party is held during a specific time that is shown up to 5 hours in advance through the party list. The parties rotate through out each season though some non-seasonal parties remain constant throughout the year. Many of them coordinate with time frames closely related to some of the US holidays of a similar nature, for example Friendship Day during February for Valentines.

Most of the holiday celebrations include a seasonal party with specialty shops and are available for both member and non-member players. Some of the parties however are not associated with a celebration. There are also several VIP parties that only members can go to, due to the allowance of member only features such as having pets or member only animals.

Holiday Celebrations
The Following are a listing of past and present holidays that have been celebrated on Animal Jam:

Parties
Parties are rotated in Jamaa and are themed, typically around events and holidays celebrated in Animal Jam. Parties include shops with seasonally available items for purchase using Gems that are not normally available in the other shops of Jamaa.

Spooky Party, Jamaaliday Jam, Haunted Forest Party, Birthday Party


 * Pets Only Party - Members Only (must have an active Pet)
 * Penguins Only Party - Only penguins may enter

The Lore of Jamaa
In the ancient lore of Jamaa, it was said that Zios was the Sky Father who created the stars and planets and set them in motion. But when he got lonely he created Mira, the Sky Mother, a grey heron. They loved each other deeply and were happy together. Together they created the lands of Jamaa along with the plants and animals. For 100 years the world of Jamaa and all it's animals were at peace. Then, a mysterious dark force crept into the land and stole away the animals. Mira became heartbroken when Zios was destroyed. No one knows where the Phantoms came from but their only goal is to bring destruction and chaos to Jamaa. The Alphas then appeared to stop the Phantoms. Liza, the Panda Alpha, stayed behind to protect Jamaa while the other alphas tracked down the phantoms. Now the other Alphas have returned to Jamaa, and thus the journey begins for each player.

Alphas and Shamans
There were originally 6 Shamans when the game was in beta and when it was first released in September 2010. There was one shaman for each playable animal at the time. They originally included: Liza, Greely, Cosmo, Sir Gilbert, Graham, and Peck. When you first begin your journey through the world of Jamaa, you meet Liza who guides you through the game's tutorial and basic functions. As the game evolved and more playable animals were added to the game, they eventually renamed the original 6 shamans to be called "Alphas" as new shamans were introduced for each of the new animals. Each Alpha has their own story that you can discover by reading the various in-game news announcements as well as the official Animal Jam Blog and AJHQ Support pages.

The following is a list of the Alphas:


 * Liza - The Panda Alpha
 * Greely - The Wolf Alpha
 * Graham - The Monkey Alpha
 * Peck - The Bunny Alpha
 * Sir Gilbert - The Tiger Alpha
 * Cosmo - The Koala Alpha

The following are other shamans found from the statues in the Mystery Emporium, although not much is known about them yet.


 * Harper - The Seal Shaman
 * Otto - The Elephant Shaman
 * Ruby - The Rhino Shaman
 * Cornelius - The Crocodile Shaman
 * Sophia - The Horse Shaman
 * Marco - The Penguin Shaman
 * Edmund - The Giraffe Shaman
 * Amelia - The Fox Shaman
 * LaSalle - The Raccoon Shaman