Disney Replaces Club Penguin Browser Game with Mobile App

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The long-running massive multiplayer online game and meme machine Club Penguin has moved to where the kids are these days: mobile.

Club Penguin has been up and running as a browser Flash game since 2005, and it’s kept a large player base all these years. The kid-friendly game let players create a penguin avatar to navigate a wintery virtual world filled with puzzles and activities.

It was also the source of many a meme, thanks to its strict potty-mouth policy.

The platform jump was caused by increasing costs, according to Jim Molinets, Disney Interactive VP of kids and casual games. “The investment required to sustain the current version would have been massive,” he said. “The viability of Club Penguin was the main concern for us. We think it has a ton of legs.”

The new subscription-based mobile app game, called Club Penguin Island, is available today for iOS and Android. It costs $4.99 for a month’s subscription, which is down from Club Penguin’s  $7.95 per month. You can try the app game for free for a 7 day trial period.

Club Penguin Island keeps the core mechanics of the original while introducing a modern 3D design and enhanced features. It aims to remain a safe place for people of all ages to play and interact as colorful cartoon penguins. There are quests to conquer, rewards to collect, races to win, and daily challenges to complete.

From Disney’s launch announcement:

Club Penguin Island maintains a strong commitment to providing a secure environment for kids, with a new safety moderation system that includes a chat filter. The updated chat function features unique emojis and 3D animations, and personal expression is easier than ever with a fashion-forward penguin customization system. Players will also have access to familiar reporting tools, which lets them self-moderate the community.

So yes, Club Penguin Island retains the strict no-profanity policy of the original. According to Kotaku, players will receive a warning for their first two profanity uses before their account is banned for the third violation.

Club Penguin Island is available to download now for both iOS and Android.