Freaky Pets – Real Toys and a Virtual World

Abandon Interactive is the latest company to see the appeal – and potential profit – of combining the real and virtual worlds. The company has announced a new range of plush toys called Freaky Pets which will be backed up with a virtual world.

Freaky Pets are plush toys aimed at children aged four plus. An interesting feature is that the toys are reversible – one side is cute, the other cranky. According to Abandon this allows kids “a funny and safe outlet to explore their emotions”.

They’ll also be able to explore the special virtual world where they can train and feed the virtual versions of their Freaky Pets. Jamie Ottillie of Abandon said:

We’re eager to provide the younger demographic an animated reversible plush combined with an engaging virtual world game that is unlike anything on the market today

Freaky pets will be distributed in the US through Hallmark Gold Crown stores. Frank DeLeo of Hallmark Gold Crown said:

This is part of our continuing effort to create a destination for children’s products that are not only fun but also help them develop and express their social and emotional skills.

The first ten Freaky Pets will be available to buy from hallmark in 2010. They’re expected to cost $14.99 each which will include a one year subscription to the online virtual world.