Parents' Guide to

TechDeckLive

By Jacqueline Rupp, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Skateboarding goes virtual; chat coming soon.

Website http://www.techdecklive.com
TechDeckLive Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this website.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 12 parent reviews

john allen
john allen Parent of 17-year-old
November 26, 2010
age 17+

mio9

lko

This title has:

Educational value
giammarco turati
giammarco turati Parent of 14-year-old
November 17, 2010
age 14+

This title has:

Too much consumerism
Great messages
See all 12 parent reviews

What’s It About?

What started out as an actual physical toy -- tiny boards called Tech Decks that are used to perform skateboarding moves with your fingertips -- has now moved from the real-world desktop to the computer desktop with TECHDECKLIVE.COM. Here users can shred, ollie, and rip without ever having to actually break a sweat. The site, which has yet to officially launch, will allow members to create their own customized skater avatar who will be able to perform tricks, play games, and chat with others.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (49 ):

Thankfully, when Tech Deck made the leap from reality to virtual reality, the fingertip skaters transformed into real people, albeit heavily-stylized cartoon skaters. But the philosophy hasn't changed: show off skating tricks without the risk of falling. The danger is removed, but so is the exercise component and some of the fun. The site does best when it doesn't try to be too cool. From the looks of the sample game Dodging Traffic, a Frogger-inspired challenge that's super fun to play, the site should be a big hit with younger skater boys and girls.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about virtual hobbies versus real-world pursuits. Skateboarding seems to be something that would be enjoyed because of its physicality. Do you think a site that allows users to perform online tricks will find an audience? Will these online skateboarding moves require the same amount of skill and practice that real skateboarding does? What are the pros and cons to online and offline play?

Website Details

  • Genre: Fan Sites
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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