SmallWorlds

Website review by Susan Yudt, Common Sense Media
SmallWorlds Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Engaging virtual world for teens and adults.

http://www.smallworlds.com
Rate website

Parents say

age 14+

Based on 54 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 86 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this website.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this browser-based virtual world attracts both teens and adults. The site prohibits profanity and obscene content, and there's very little to be found that violates these standards; by and large, the current community is dedicated to good, clean fun. There's no charge to sign up, but a premium membership is in the works, along with other commercial endeavors.

Community Reviews

randomgurlgod
randomgurlgod Adult
November 25, 2018
age 13+

freedom

i think is a cool game just fun for teenagers!

This title has:

Great messages
TheOnly1
TheOnly1 Adult
October 6, 2018
age 14+

WOW! PARENTS ARE SO WRONG. READ THIS:)

YES! This game does contain some adult content and yes there is some sketchy people on this game but let’s not forgot that it’s OUR kids that play these games. Instead of getting mad over a dumb game, how about you control your kid more. Teach them to be smarter online because if you haven’t noticed, there’s no way to get around the internet unless you suddenly decide to turn Amish. There is sketch and adult content on the internet, are you going to stop your kid from using the Internet? Or are you going to teach them the wrong and rights. Take responsibility parents and stop blaming a game for pointless reasons. This game actually inspires kids to be more creative, it teaches them how to business, what’s it like running a business, how to handle people, and to just have fun and be creative. I use to play when I was 14 and I have enjoyed it a lot. It didn’t ruin my childhood because my parents taught me to be safe on the internet. Again, parents stop being victims and teach your kids to be smarter and stop hating on a game that actually has many benefits.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 54 parent reviews

What’s It About?

SMALLWORLDS.COM adds a new element to the usual chat-and-shop experience of many virtual worlds: missions. Once users create an avatar from a diverse palette of options, they're introduced to the mechanics of their universe via a series of missions. These increasingly complex tasks encourage users to interact with their environment, from acquiring furniture to training a pet. Locations have objects to examine or use, some of which can be integrated with other Web sites -- for example, you can display a Flickr photo in a picture frame or watch a YouTube video on your TV.

Is It Any Good?

Even in its early stages, SmallWorlds.com is extremely sophisticated and rich in detail, yet user friendly. The beginner missions serve as a handy interactive orientation, teaching players how to zoom, rotate, sit down, use objects, and so on. Helpful tips from moderators and forum users make challenging tasks fun rather than frustrating. Best of all, more advanced users can create their own missions for other players to take on, making this virtual world a truly creative, collaborative endeavor.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what's safe to discuss online and what's not. How do you know whether you can trust someone enough to make them a "friend" and share personal information? Some of the missions encourage users to interact with each other, so families can talk about how this kind of interaction compares with offline socializing. Families can also discuss what's a reasonable amount of time to spend on this site, since it's very easy to get carried away.

Website Details

  • Genre: Virtual Worlds
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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