That's according to Virtual Worlds Management, which released an update to its Youth Worlds Analysis, based on data from Virtual World News.
Trends point to micro-transactions and subscriptions as the most popular types of virtual worlds--with 59 and 57, respectively, using them. Another 46 worlds include advertising, too.
The subscription-based model is more popular among the younger crowd. Those that emphasize education and parental zones as premium options are easier to sell for a monthly service fee.
There are approximately 107 virtual worlds targeting kids age 7 and under, followed by 90 sites aimed at tweens ages 8-12 and 78 for teens. A look back at the market in August reveals that tweens led the pack with 88 sites, followed by kids at 72. Teens were then, as now, confronted by the fewest options, with 60 virtual worlds.--Laurie Sullivan