IDEAS Families Playing Together (NAPSA)—As kids grow, it seems they often find less and less time to hang out with mom and dad, but an online world that emphasizes adventure and spellcasting is attracting families that want to spend their entertainment time together. Designed especially for preteen and young teen audiences, “Wizard101” has siblings, parents and grandparents playing together at home and even using their computers as a way to stay connected over distance. Halston Belestrom, professor of one of seven schools of magic in Wizard101. “I live 1,500 miles from my grandchildren...and now this is the game weplay,” posted Olivia Jadeflower (her in-game name) on the “Wizard101” message boards. “They both think it’s great that their grandma plays with them and like to brag about it to all their friends.” Mom “Donna Mythcaster” regularly plays “Wizard101” with her 11-year-old daughter, who has outgrown sites geared for younger kids. She also admits to sometimes playing on her own when her daughter has gone to bed. “The chat is safe, it’s exciting and great fun for parents to play with their children,” she wrote. Families can try the free areas of the game at www.wizard101. com. A family subscription plan is offered for advanced gameplay.
