April 16, 2009
America’s Newest Car Company
Unveils Hybrid Fueled by the Internet
RIDEMAKERZ shifts into high gear
with combination of real and virtual model car-building, customizing and racing
activities that fuel new playing, learning and sharing opportunities for boys
and their families
Today one of the most anticipated
virtual worlds for kids, RIDEMAKERZ, officially shifts from test drive into high
gear, allowing kids everywhere to take the wheel and spin into action at
http://play.ridemakerz.com.
The first-of-its-kind experience combines authentic cars, next gen technology,
super-charged games, and engaging and educational activities that fuel a whole
new world of online and offline play focused on America’s fascination with cars.
The online experience builds on the
popular real world experience that kids have had with RIDEMAKERZ since it
launched in May of 2007, customizing modern-day model cars and trucks, and
learning about cars at home or at a RIDEMAKERZ SHOP. THE RIDEMAKERZ Virtual
Experience adds a whole new engine revved up for personalized play options. Upon
entering, “Customizers” express themselves by tricking out a RIDE with authentic
body styles and paint schemes, tires and wheels, lights and sounds, and custom
decals and accessories. Online and off, there are more than 649 million
combinations! These personalized RIDEZ are how kids travel through three virtual
regions:
The Open Road, where RIDEZ cruise
around and hang at a rest stop to watch videos of real car culture activities,
such as Big Foot crushing real cars and a Viper motorcade
Scrap Gulch, a custom parts and car
hunter’s dusty paradise that was inspired by the real world “Iron Triangle” in
Queens, New York
RZ Motor Speedway, a futuristic race
track
Within each region are a variety of
racing, adventure and strategy games fine-tuned based on feedback from some of
the more than 5000 RIDE enthusiasts who test drove the site prior to national
launch. Additional games are in development and several are slated for release
this Summer.
RIDEZ can be designed for either
“SHOW” or “GO.” Players can design their RIDE to look cool and show off. And, as
typically only found in console games and sophisticated online multiplayer
games, partz have been given performance attributes. So the different engines
and treadz actually affect the RIDEZ’ handling and performance in games. The
more competitive the RIDE and Player, the greater chance to earn points that can
be redeemed for specialized parts and powerups that ultimately unlock different
and more challenging games.
The site also offers educational
opportunities. A “RIDERZ ED” section teaches about the history of the
automobile, the design and manufacturing process, custom car culture and
alternative fuels. It also incorporates videos, so kids can see how cars are
designed and then receive customizing tips from Chip Foose, star of The Learning
Channel’s (TLC) hit show “Overhaulin’” and an advisor to RIDEMAKERZ.
It is free to play and Customizers
are awarded with surprise parts, achievement points and RIDEMAKERZ currency,
called RZ BuckZ.
The RIDEMAKERZ virtual experience
was designed in collaboration with leading game-developer, The Electric Sheep
Company, and moves the bar set by previous virtual worlds with an immersive 3D
experience that doesn’t require downloads or plug-ins. This platform provides:
Larger play area offering a fully
immersive look and feelMore sophisticated, improved
quality of game playHigher-quality graphics that
increase authenticity and take on movie-like qualitiesConsole game attributes to allow a
dynamic driving experience that puts players in the actionAdvanced effects like smoke,
flames and other particle effects (including farts!)
