Spin Master announced today that its Toca Boca studio is working on a new game, the online multiplayer title Toca Boca Days. According to the company, this new mobile game will provide young players with a social space to express themselves while remaining safe. The company plans to launch the game globally later this year.
According to Spin Master, it’s shifting towards online multiplayer to better align with what its audience of tween gamers prefer to play. It’s an expansion of the core Toca Boca experience, Toca Boca World, which is normally for single players. In addition to Toca Boca Days, the Toca Boca studio is also rolling out a brand refresh for Toca Boca World to make room for the new multiplayer component. The refresh includes updates to the aesthetics, logos and color palette among others.
Mathilda Engman, Toca Boca’s head of product, told GamesBeat in an interview that Toca Boca Days will feature in-game clubs and social events designed to help players gather and socialize. “The game loop is designed to bring players together by making sure players share the same task in the game world. This might be asking players to take a nap inside the nightclub or trying out the food at the city bakery but the fact that they are all asked to do this on the same day and time helps players come together in a fun way that opens up for future every-day roleplaying moments and for relationships to grow.”
GamesBeat also spoke with Emil Ovemar, co-founder and current head of Toca Boca, about the safety features of Toca Boca Days. According to Ovemar, parents have to create an account to oversee their child’s interactions. “There’s no open chat function, and sharing personal information isn’t possible, keeping the gameplay safe and private. Additionally, we have a parental age gate on all in-game purchases to ensure that any buying decisions are made with parental approval. These measures help us maintain a secure space where kids can explore, create, and express themselves freely.”