Facebook Game Challenges Players to Make A Better World: Game Rewards Players for Good Deeds in the Virtual and Real Worlds

PHILADELPHIA - (BUSINESS WIRE) - A Better World,a game that rewards players not just for in-game activities but also for real world acts of kindness and expressions of gratitude, is launching on Facebook.

A Better World,which has soared to more than 78,000 players in beta, adds a new layer of social activity to casual gaming. Gameplay activities are designed to help everyone who participates feel better about themselves, be supportive of others and make positive choices in their everyday lives. Players also can play mini games with inspirational themes; have fun shopping; and personalize their characters and virtual spaces.

The game offers more than 15 locations to explore, including:

• Department of Do Good – Share real world good deeds you’ve performed and see what other members of the community have done
• Gratitude Grotto – Reveal what you are thankful for and express your support for messages left by others
• Sanctuary of Hope – Communicate your hopes and dreams and send encouragement to other players
• Arcade – Play uplifting mini-games alone or with friends

“The model for Facebook games has always been virtual activities – even when the games deal with real world issues,” Gregory Hansell, VP of product development, ToonUps, explains. “A Better World breaks that mold. We encourage players to take positive actions that affect those around them – both in the virtual world and in the real world.”

A Better World’s original approach could usher in a new genre of “do good gaming.”

Beta players report that being encouraged to think about things they are thankful for and doing activities that provide encouragement to others improves their mental, emotional and spiritual well being.

“Our beta players tell us that they don’t just come back because A Better World is fun, but because the game has had a transformative effect on their lives,” MarySue Lucci, president, ToonUps, said. “Community members encourage each other. Players create a feedback loop of goodwill that feeds on itself.”

A Better World was created by ToonUps, a digital entertainment company that has focused on developing digital content that encourages a positive outlook and altruistic behavior for more than a decade.

Play A Better Worldat http://www.facebook.com/ABetterWorld

Screens at http://www.flickr.com/photos/47559592@N05/sets/72157626620138503/

Trailer at http://www.youtube.com/user/ToonUpYourWorld

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6728288&lang=en

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