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| '''''Bin Weevils''''' was a British ] involving a ] containing a range of ] and activities. | '''''Bin Weevils''''' was a British ] (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) involving a ] containing a range of ] and activities. | ||
| The game was developed by 55 Pixels Limited (previously Bin Weevils Limited) and launched in January 2004 as a joint venture between ], Prism Entertainment Ltd and CEG (Creative Entertainment Group).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.binweevils.com/info/index.html#privacy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911235814/http://www.binweevils.com/info/index.html#privacy|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-09-11|title=Bin Weevils - Information|date=2008-09-11|access-date=2020-01-03}}</ref> Brief animated clips based on characters from the game aired on TV in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6591346/|title=Bin Weevils TV Mini Series (2006-2007)|website=IMDb ratings and reviews}}</ref> In 2007, Bin Weevils was re-launched as an independent website with a redesign and new content, making way for books, magazines and products inspired by the game world.<ref>{{Citation|title=Bin Weevils: A look at the Bin in 2007|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTNVQ-_mcOw|language=en|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref> | The game was developed by 55 Pixels Limited (previously Bin Weevils Limited) and launched in January 2004 as a joint venture between ], Prism Entertainment Ltd and CEG (Creative Entertainment Group).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.binweevils.com/info/index.html#privacy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911235814/http://www.binweevils.com/info/index.html#privacy|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-09-11|title=Bin Weevils - Information|date=2008-09-11|access-date=2020-01-03}}</ref> Brief animated clips based on characters from the game aired on TV in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6591346/|title=Bin Weevils TV Mini Series (2006-2007)|website=IMDb ratings and reviews}}</ref> In 2007, Bin Weevils was re-launched as an independent website with a redesign and new content, making way for books, magazines and products inspired by the game world.<ref>{{Citation|title=Bin Weevils: A look at the Bin in 2007|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTNVQ-_mcOw|language=en|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref> | ||
| Bin Weevils was previously ranked as one of the most visited virtual world websites in the ], reaching over 20 million users in 2013. Bin Weevils |
Bin Weevils was previously ranked as one of the most visited virtual world websites in the ], reaching over 20 million users in 2013. Bin Weevils reached 1.2 million website monthly visitors in September 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://toyworldmag.co.uk/news/binweevils-com-breaks-1-2million-users/|title=Binweevils.com breaks 1.2million users {{!}} Toy World Magazine|website=toyworldmag.co.uk|access-date=2019-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821143608/https://toyworldmag.co.uk/news/binweevils-com-breaks-1-2million-users/|archive-date=21 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>https://toyworldmag.co.uk/binweevils-com-hits-20-million-uk-registered-users/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> | ||
| 55 Pixels filed for liquidation in December 2020.<ref |
55 Pixels filed for liquidation in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=55 PIXELS LIMITED - Filing history (free information from Companies House)|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06221146/filing-history|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-16|website=Companies House}}</ref> The website was quietly taken offline on 16 January 2021, after ] was discontinued.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adobe Flash Player End of Life|url=https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/flashplayer/end-of-life.html|access-date=2022-02-05|website=www.adobe.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> | ||
| == Gameplay == | == Gameplay == | ||
| Bin Weevils was based on the theme of real creatures, ]s. Players could create, customize and control their own character in an online world. The game was set in a ]-like setting where many locations were specifically designed for this theme (e.g. Kip's Scrapyard, Peel's Park, Ink's Orange Peel) with items you would find usually in a bin, such as mould and orange peels. Players had their own "]" in which they were able to adjust the colour and design the rooms with items. Players could choose to upgrade the nest to all 8 rooms using the Mulch currency via a membership and were also able to decorate their rooms by buying items from the "Shopping Mall" and placing the items in their rooms accordingly. Nestco was the main shopping department, where players could purchase nest items and bundles to decorate their nest rooms with. Nestco included over 18 item categories, the Nestige Range, and a showroom. The items could be sold at one of the locations in the game if the player didn't want the item anymore for Mulch currency. The nest consisted of a private cinema, a plaza (both required membership), a garden, nest generator and a Bin Bot Portal. All players also had a "Bin Card" in their nest, which they stamped every day to collect rewards including hat coupons, item vouchers, plants, XP, Dosh, Mulch and much more. | |||
| In Bin Weevils, a player could adopt a virtual ] avatar, customize it, and explore a large online environment. Players could play minigames with friends, decorate nest rooms, grow and harvest seeds in their gardens, practice virtual shopping, adopt and train pets, run virtual businesses, decorate nightclubs, earn business earnings, publish magazines, play roleplaying missions, do puzzles, and much more. The main navigation of the game was the Map which players could use to travel to different areas of the game world. The game world consisted of 15 main areas for users to explore: Flum's Fountain, Lab's Lab, Dosh's Palace, Castle Gam, Rigg's Movie Multiplex, Sink's Sub, Rum's Airport, Tink's Tree, Gong's Pipenest, Club Fling, Dirt Valley, Figg's Cafe, Shopping Mall, Bin Pets Paradise, Flem Manor, and Mulch Island. Inside most of the main areas contained additional smaller areas, such as shops and areas containing games (1 player, 2 player, and 4 player games), missions, quests, secrets, and activities. | |||
| ⚫ | Plazas were located underneath a user's nest, and contained five virtual businesses. These included a photo studio where members could decorate a studio with props, cutouts, decorations, and backdrops for other users to take pictures in. Users could frame their pictures in different frames and sizes and place them in their nest rooms. A Bin Tycoon would earn earnings at the ATM Cash Machines for every photo frame purchased. Plazas also featured four party rooms, where members could decorate party rooms with a wide variety of decorations and party items for players to party in. They could customise each party room with text, text colours, facades, decorations, and music. For every customer members received from the plaza directory members would earn earnings at the ATM Cash Machines. | ||
| ⚫ | Some locations were only accessible by becoming |
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| ⚫ | Other virtual businesses included magazines and race tracks. Members could publish weekly magazines using text, fonts, page layouts, stickers and photos from their own Bin Tycoon Camera. They could name their magazines and could become journalists, write on the latest game news, and take pictures from their camera around the game in different sizes for their magazine issues. Players could rate magazines and in return members would earn earnings at ATM Cash Machines for every rate they received and for publishing a weekly issue. The Weevil Wheels Track Builder at the Dirt Valley allowed members to design and run race track businesses using track builder kits. Members could design their own race track with 3D features for other players to play on at the Weevil Wheels Track Builder directory. In return for every play and rating they received on their race tracks, members would earn earnings at ATM Cash Machines. They would also earn earnings for having their race track approved. | ||
| There were several shops where players could purchase items with any of the two virtual currencies Mulch and Dosh. Mulch was obtained by playing games, harvesting seeds, stamping loyalty cards, entering the lottery, completing missions, and other activities while Dosh was a premium currency which was earned by becoming a Bin Tycoon, buying Dosh top-up bundles and watching advertisements. There were games located throughout the game world which players could participate in to earn Mulch and XP (]). Players could play a wide variety of solo and multiplayer games such as pool games, battleship games, puzzle games, racing games, time-management games, and quest games. The most notable games were Weevil Wheels (including user-generated tracks), Tink's Blocks, Mulch Dig, Manic Manor, Smoothie Shack, Spot The Difference, Target Practice, Mulch Shoot, Sink's Ships, Konnect Mulch, Squares, Flip Mulch, and Crosswords and Wordsearches. | |||
| ⚫ | The main navigation of the game was the Map which players can use to travel to different areas of the game world. The game world consisted of 15 main areas for users to explore: Flum's Fountain, Lab's Lab, Dosh's Palace, Castle Gam, Rigg's Movie Multiplex, Sink's Sub, Rum's Airport, Tink's Tree, Gong's Pipenest, Club Fling, Dirt Valley, Figg's Cafe, Shopping Mall, Bin Pets Paradise, Flem Manor. Some locations were only accessible by becoming an SWS Member (Secret Agent). The Summer Fair was a temporary pop-up location during the summer months where players could play fairground minigames to earn 'Tokens' and buy prizes for their nest from the Prize Huts. Summer Fair attractions included the Gunge Tent, Ram's Arcade, Fab's Fortune Teller, Duck Soaker, Bin The Ball, Spin The Wheel, Funhouse, Weekly Challenge, Gong's Hammer, Bin Pet Bounce, and Gam's Cannon. | ||
| There were also a number of educational games, such as the Daily Brain Strain inside Lab's Laboratory, which players could visit every day to test their knowledge through a series of maths, geography and puzzle questions. Players who participated in the 60 seconds received Mulch and XP based on how well they have performed. Players could challenge themselves on game leaderboards and on the Buddy Leaderboards for the best scores on minigames. They could join in as spectators in 2 or 4 player games with other players and have game tournaments. | |||
| Inside most of the main areas contained additional smaller areas, such as shops and areas containing games (1 player, 2 player, and 4 player games), missions, quests and activities. There were several shops where players could purchase items with any of Bin Weevils' 2 currencies; ("Mulch") and ("Dosh"). Mulch was earned by playing games, harvesting plants and other activities while Dosh remained a premium currency which was earned by becoming a Bin Tycoon, buying Dosh top-up bundles and watching advertisements. There were several multiplayer games which players had the choice to participate in to earn currency ("Mulch") and experience points ("XP"). There were also a number of educational games, such as the "Daily Brain Strain," which players could visit every day to test their knowledge through a series of math, geography and puzzle questions. Players who participated in the 60 seconds received Mulch and XP based on how well they have performed. Players could challenge themselves on leaderboards. Players could also enter codes to receive rewards. | |||
| Players had their own virtual Nest home where they were able to adjust the colour and design the rooms with items. They could choose to upgrade the nest to all 8 rooms using currency and decorate their each room by buying items from the Shopping Mall and placing the items in their rooms accordingly. Thousands of nest items, such as thrones, trophies, portraits, shelves, gadgets, wallpapers, beds, sofas, floors, ceilings, lighting, flowers, appliances, photo frames among other item types were on sale in Nestco. Nestco was the shopping department store, where players could purchase nest items and bundles to decorate their nest rooms with. Nestco included over 18 item categories, the Nestige Range, showroom, and other shopping features. Items could be traded and sold for the Mulch currency at the Haggle Hut. | |||
| All users had a garden outside of their nest, in which they could choose to buy plants from the Garden Shop and plant and the harvest for in-game currency ("Mulch") and ] ("XP"). The user could save the currency or buy more plants and the XP contributes to levelling up towards the next level. The gardens could be expanded to deluxe and super deluxe sizes. There were 80 levels in total but more were often added. In addition, paying players could choose to purchase a virtual pet called a "Bin Pet." The Bin Pet had its own profile and items. Players could choose to feed their Bin Pet and make the pet character perform tricks and play mini-games. Bin Pets could be looked after by feeding them and training them to do tricks, including juggling, fetching, spinning, waving and jumping. Players could teach their Bin Pet to climb on their avatar and explore the game world with them or on their back. Interacting with other Bin Pets improved a Bin Pet's fitness and endurance mechanics. Bin Pets could learn skills and copy other Bin Pets. Players could teach their Bin Pet to copy their weevil actions, (waving, jumping, standing, etc). | |||
| Nests consisted of a home cinema, a plaza, a garden, nest generator and the Bin Bots Portal. Bin Cards were loyalty cards located in a player's nest. A player could stamp each card every day to collect daily advancements, including item vouchers, hat vouchers, mystery seeds, Mulch, Dosh, XP, and puzzle pieces. Players could put together all their collected puzzle pieces in each Bin Card to reveal a jigsaw puzzle and earn rare nest items for their room. Nest Coolness was the house rating system. The more weevils a player invited to their home, the higher Nest Coolness and XP they earned. There were several stages of Nest Coolness (A-List, Celebrity, Superstar, etc) and each stage required a rigorous nest rating. Nest Coolness changed at the end of each day if a nest was redecorated. It also went up if a player had good nest ratings from their guests. Items increased Nest Coolness, with some items granting more Nest Coolness daily than others, especially more deluxe and expensive items. Every item in the game's database rewarded a certain amount of Nest Coolness when items were placed in nest rooms accordingly. | |||
| ⚫ | A well-levelled Bin Pet was able perform their skills and tricks at a fast rate. Each Bin Pet trick and skill came with its own unique level, progress, stars and juggling training paths. There were over 30 Bin Pet commands and several training paths with hundreds of juggling levels players could unlock, including pro and elite levels. The Bin Pet profile was the location where players could keep an observation on their pet's food, vitality, fitness and endurance mechanics. Non-paying players could also choose and also own a virtual pet for 24 hours. This feature was called "Pet-For-A-Day" and was first revealed in 2014. | ||
| ⚫ | Plazas were located underneath a user's nest, and contained five virtual businesses. These included a photo studio where members could decorate a studio with props, cutouts, decorations, and backdrops for other users to take pictures in. |
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| ⚫ | |||
| All players had a garden outside of their nest, in which they could choose to buy seeds and items from the Garden Shop and plant and the harvest for Mulch and XP (]). A player could save the currency or buy more seeds and items. The garden could be expanded to larger, deluxe and super deluxe sizes. There were 80 levels to unlock. Players obtained a minimum level to perform actions and purchase virtual goods. Every action in Bin Weevils rewarded a certain amount of XP. Planting and harvesting gardens, buying furniture for nests, purchasing Bin Bots, unlocking Mystery Codes, visiting plazas, inviting players to nests, completing missions, playing games and puzzles, and stamping Bin Cards daily were among the easiest ways to obtain XP. By leveling up and earning XP, a player could access nest items, hats, garden seeds, garden furniture, plaza items, home cinema items, missions, special moves, and other features and virtual goods throughout the game world. By unlocking higher levels, a weevil would become more skilful and earn several power upgrades. | |||
| Special moves could be performed and unlocked at each level stage, including power upgrades. Actions could be accessed from the action panel. There were over 15 actions a player could perform, and a range of power upgrades unlocked at each level stage. The higher level players were, the more skilful their weevil was. A high levelled weevil was able to walk, run, jump, teleport and spin faster. They were also be able to perform actions at a faster rate. To do so, they kept their weevil well fed and energy levels high by eating at the food establishments throughout the game. Other special moves could be obtained by becoming a Bin Tycoon and completing missions. | |||
| Players could explore illustrated missions, quests and case files to meet the Bin Weevils characters. By joining the SWS (Secret Weevil Service) and becoming a Secret Agent they could explore secret locations, meet characters, do puzzles, and solve secret missions with other agents. Missions rewarded sets of prizes such as Mulch, XP, rare items, special moves, stars, and badges. They could replay missions to enrich their scores and mission stats. The SWS was a secret agency of protagonistic weevils with an aim is to save Bin Weevils from WEB (Weevil Extermination Borough). They were based at Castle Gam inside the SWS HQ. The castle was the home of Gam, the chief of the SWS and his pet dragon, Colin. Colin was a large, serpentine legendary creature that resided in his castle's dungeons. Kong Fu was one of Gam's first SWS agents. He ran the SWS Training Room inside the Special Ops HQ, where new agents could train to become a Secret Agent. | |||
| In addition, players could become pet owners and adopt a Bin Pet. Pet owners could teach their pet new skills, name it, play games with it, level it up, and dress it up. Bin Pets were available for adoption at the Bin Pet Shop run by Dott. Inside the Bin Pet Shop pet owners could find shops selling foods and toys for Bin Pets. New players could experience the perks of caring for a Bin Pet by adopting for 24 hours at Pet-For-A-Day. Pet owners could style their Bin Pet and set its profile picture at PetStyle with accessories, backgrounds, and outfits. They could give their Bin Pet a royal makeover at the Bin Pet Changer. Bin Pets could be looked after by feeding them and training them to do tricks and skills, including juggling, fetching, spinning, waving, and jumping. | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| === Membership === | === Membership === | ||
| Bin Tycoon was a premium membership that unlocked a range of additional enhancements. A member earned a monthly Dosh salary wage that gradually increased, depending on how many months a player had a premium membership. Dosh was a premium currency that could be spent on deluxe items, bundles, Bin Bots, and prestigious hats. Premium members could adopt and train a Bin Pet, become game reporters and publish weekly magazine issues, take photos around the game with their own camera, become a Secret Agent on a mission, unlock more items and seeds, have access to Cash Machine earnings, and run nightclub businesses. | |||
| Bin Tycoon was a membership which unlocked gameplay elements such as in game items and activities. Many who subscribed to a premium membership received a monthly Dosh wage that gradually increased, depending on how many months a player had a premium membership. With this salary, the player could purchase hats for their character, items and clothing for their virtual pet, write magazines, access exclusive item bundles, and much more to do. | |||
| The currency Dosh was introduced in 2012 with Bin Cards and replaced high Mulch prices and membership features in some areas, although it required real currency payment. Players could earn Dosh by becoming Bin Tycoon, stamping loyalty cards, taking part in challenges, watching advertisements, or entering promotional codes. It was possible to become a paying member for 1 month with an ] in the early stages of the game, but was discontinued in 2013.<ref name=":12" /> | |||
| Players were still eligible to buy Mulch from the subscription section before 2013, the highest amount being £14.99 for 75,000 Mulch.<ref |
The currency "Dosh" was introduced in 2012 and replaced high Mulch prices in many areas, although it requires real currency payment. However, from time to time, players could take part in challenges, watch advertisements, or enter codes to earn a currency. It was possible to become a paying member for 1 month with an ] in the early stages of the game, but was discontinued in 2013. Players were still eligible to buy Mulch from the subscription section before 2013, the highest amount being £14.99 for 75,000 Mulch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.binweevils.com/membership2/payment/membership/package/4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212173233/http://www.binweevils.com/membership2/payment/membership/package/4|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-02-12|title=Bin Weevils|date=2012-02-12|access-date=2019-08-25}}</ref> Players could still acquire the currency in the game, although it was the main currency for a lot of activities. Players could choose to play multiplayer games to win currency or submit codes, etc. Dosh was the only currency to buy on the membership page. Bin Weevils revealed in 2015 that 90% of the content on the site was free to play and 90% of their audience was non-paying members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/55-pixels-ltd-a15-305045.html|title=55 Pixels Ltd|last=Practice|first=Advertising Standards Authority {{!}} Committee of Advertising|website=asa.org.uk|access-date=2019-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820062157/https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/55-pixels-ltd-a15-305045.html|archive-date=20 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| === Safety and communication === | === Safety and communication === | ||
| Bin Weevils represented the ] seal on their website,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kidsafeseal.com/certifiedproducts/binweevils.html|title=Binweevils.com is certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program|website=kidsafeseal.com|access-date=2019-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817153733/https://www.kidsafeseal.com/certifiedproducts/binweevils.html|archive-date=17 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as this they claim that players chat and buddy messages were moderated ] so that there was no exchange of personal information or inappropriate language. The moderation system was based on a ticket method, according to the Bin Weevils support page. When a player used an offensive term, live moderators were notified and a punishment was imposed on a player's account that ranged from one day to a permanent suspension.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support55pixels.helpshift.com/a/bin-weevils/?s=parents-safety&f=safety-concerns&l=en|title=Bin Weevils: Safety Concerns|website=55 Pixels Support|language=en|access-date=2019-10-12}}</ref> As well as this, the game also had a reporting interface where players submitted reports on another player manually through the player's profile. The report functionality contained reasons that the player decided to report, or a field where the player chose to explain what the other player has done. | Bin Weevils represented the ] seal on their website,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kidsafeseal.com/certifiedproducts/binweevils.html|title=Binweevils.com is certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program|website=kidsafeseal.com|access-date=2019-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817153733/https://www.kidsafeseal.com/certifiedproducts/binweevils.html|archive-date=17 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as this they claim that players chat and buddy messages were moderated ] so that there was no exchange of personal information or inappropriate language. The moderation system was based on a ticket method, according to the Bin Weevils support page. When a player used an offensive term, live moderators were notified and a punishment was imposed on a player's account that ranged from one day to a permanent suspension.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support55pixels.helpshift.com/a/bin-weevils/?s=parents-safety&f=safety-concerns&l=en|title=Bin Weevils: Safety Concerns|website=55 Pixels Support|language=en|access-date=2019-10-12}}</ref> As well as this, the game also had a reporting interface where players submitted reports on another player manually through the player's profile. The report functionality contained reasons that the player decided to report, or a field where the player chose to explain what the other player has done. | ||
| == |
== Other == | ||
| In 2003, ] made a deal with Prism Entertainment to create an online virtual world called Bin Weevils, a 2D virtual world set in a zany word based around the Bin Weevils and their families. The world of Bin Weevils was a 50/50 joint venture between Prism and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nick and Prism hatch weevil plan |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/nick-and-prism-hatch-weevil-plan/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=C21media |language=en-us}}</ref> Prism Entertainment was a leading media entertainment and rights owning content company targeting youth audiences. Established in 2000 by Amelia Johnson, Myke Crosby and Rod Henwood, Prism Entertainment produced television shows and websites major for entertainment brands, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Discovery, Disney, Nickelodeon, Viacom and Turner.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Ball |first=Ryan |date=2005-01-07 |title=Prism, Nick Unleash Bin Weevils on Europe |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/prism-nick-unleash-bin-weevils-on-europe/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=Animation Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | === Merchandise === | ||
| The Bin Weevils online environment sat within the ] channel site, allowing kids to design and customize their own weevil character.<ref name=":8" /> Players could customize their Bin Weevil with its unique username, colours, and accessories. They could control a weevil avatar, decorate a room, play games, chat with friends, climb scoreboards, and meet characters. A Message Boards feature was a communication feature where players could send messages and share creations. The European environment of the site featured the Bin Weevil Word Generator, which allowed players from different cultures to converse online using a pre-selected dictionary of common words. The word generator translated what each player said from their language to the language of their choice, allowing them to talk to their British, Swedish, Italian or Spanish contemporaries. The game world was accessed throughout Europe. It had 2 million hits by 2004.<ref name=":8" /> | |||
| ⚫ | Bin Weevils signed a licensing agreement to launch a game-based merchandise range with the toy manufacturer Character Options.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/32453/character-group-wins-bin-weevils-master-toy-licence-38642.html|title=Character Group wins Bin Weevils master toy licence|date=2012-02-06|website=Proactiveinvestors UK|language=en|access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref> The merchandise consisted of a ] that was launched in 2012,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/bin-weevils-products-released-uk|title=Bin Weevils Products Released in U.K.|date=2011-11-03|website=License Global|language=en|access-date=2019-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021080043/https://www.licenseglobal.com/bin-weevils-products-released-uk|archive-date=21 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> a clothing set, backpacks, figurines, books and toys which launched in October 2012 and books.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.licensing.biz/2013/04/17/binweevils-eyes-further-growth-after-toy-success/|title=BinWeevils eyes further growth after toy success|website=Licensing.biz|language=en-GB|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826105818/https://www.licensing.biz/2013/04/17/binweevils-eyes-further-growth-after-toy-success/|archive-date=26 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Panini introduces Augmented Reality into latest Bin Weevils TCG line|url=https://www.toynews-online.biz/2013/06/14/panini-introduces-augmented-reality-into-latest-bin-weevils-tcg-line/|website=ToyNews|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bin Weevils Products Released in U.K.|url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/stub/bin-weevils-products-released-uk|date=2011-11-03|website=licenseglobal.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}</ref> Bin Weevils partnered with Sony in December 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2013/02/21/binweevils-gets-musical-with-first-album-release/|title=BinWeevils gets musical with first album release|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826105822/http://kidscreen.com/2013/02/21/binweevils-gets-musical-with-first-album-release/|archive-date=26 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/cd-bin-weevils-bin-tunes|title=CD: Bin Weevils - Bin Tunes {{!}} The Arts Desk|website=theartsdesk.com|access-date=2019-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014202642/https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/cd-bin-weevils-bin-tunes|archive-date=14 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A competition was held relating to the album which four children could be picked to write a song for the album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rainbowawards.co.uk/2013/05/bin-weevils-launches-bin-tunes-competition/|title=Bin Weevils launches Bin Tunes competition|date=2013-05-21|website=Rainbow Toy Awards - The Awards for the UK Toy Industry|language=en-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824142231/https://www.rainbowawards.co.uk/2013/05/bin-weevils-launches-bin-tunes-competition/|archive-date=24 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://animate-it.com/studio-news/behind-the-scenes-with-our-bin-weevils-prize-winners/|title=Behind the Scenes with our Bin Weevils Prize Winners! {{!}} Animate it|language=en|access-date=2019-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020224358/https://animate-it.com/studio-news/behind-the-scenes-with-our-bin-weevils-prize-winners/|archive-date=20 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was launched on 29 July 2013 with a tracklist of 12 children's songs. In November 2013, Bin Weevils partnered with WellChild to help raise money for sick children in the United Kingdom. Users could buy a Bin Weevils T-shirt and choose the design they wanted on their clothes, and 20 percent of every sale would go to WellChild.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.licensing.biz/popular-childrens-characters-join-with-charities-for-t-shirt-booth-app/|title=Popular children's characters join with charities for T-Shirt Booth app|website=Licensing.biz|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014203507/https://www.licensing.biz/popular-childrens-characters-join-with-charities-for-t-shirt-booth-app/|archive-date=14 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A Bin Weevils Magazine launched in January 2012 featuring characters, fact files, puzzles, guides, stories, comics and mysteries inspired by the online world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/bin-weevils-takes-characters-into-print/|title=Bin Weevils takes characters into print|last=Joseph|first=Seb|date=2012-02-14|website=Marketing Week|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826105817/https://www.marketingweek.com/bin-weevils-takes-characters-into-print/|archive-date=26 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://downthetubes.net/?p=928|title=Egmont's new 'Bin Weevils' gets massive promotion|date=2012-02-24|website=downthetubes.net|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-10-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Monthly magazine based on virtual game Bin Weevils released|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2012/02/15/monthly-magazine-based-virtual-game-bin-weevils-released|website=The Drum|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bin Weevils - Data - ABC {{!}} Audit Bureau of Circulations|url=https://www.abc.org.uk/product/16803|website=www.abc.org.uk|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref> | ||
| ==== Bin Bots ==== | |||
| Following the success of the online world, several Bin Weevils cartoon shorts were broadcast on the TV channel ]. The traffic for the Bin Weevils section of the Nickelodeon website was larger than the rest of the Nickelodeon site put together.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last= |date=2019-05-15 |title=Why Bin Weevils loves Moshi Monsters |language=en |work=MCV |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/mobile/why-bin-weevils-loves-moshi-monsters/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |issn=1469-4832}}</ref> In September 2007, Bin Weevils launched its own separate site from Nickelodeon and relaunched. Prism Entertainment rebranded itself to Bin Weevils Limited, and a new company was incorporated. Bin Weevils was now in a position to separate itself from ] and become independent. Bin Weevils was relaunched and became a 3D environment, with 3D features throughout the game. Players could adopt a weevil avatar, play minigames with friends, climb leaderboards, watch television shows, earn XP, adopt and train pets, decorate nest rooms, run virtual businesses, create weekly magazines, explore promotional areas, complete missions, and enter competitions. In 2009, Bin Weevils was nominated for a ] in the "Best Website" category.<ref name=":8" /> | |||
| ⚫ | Bin Weevils launched collectable creatures known as Bin Bots in October 2012. Each Bin Bot had its own unique name, personality, backstory and character. Bin Bot collectable figures launched in UK supermarkets with codes to unlock virtual goods online. By reaching high levels on the mobile app Tink's Blocks exclusive Bin Bots were earned. Bin Bots were housed in a player's Bin Bot Portal.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> | ||
| ⚫ | Certain Bin Bots could be placed in a microscopic world with zoom in features. Players could obtain a mystery Bin Bot online at the Claw Machine and mix potion bottle combinations together at the Bin Bot Maker to obtain the Bin Bot creatures. Both machines were invented by the scientist Lab and were located online outside his laboratory. Members could swap microscopic Bin Bots with other players in the Bin Bot Portal to complete their collections.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
| In April 2010, it was announced that Bin Weevils would go through a large relaunch. This occurred a few weeks later, and Bin Weevils was relaunched with a broad refresh. The graphics, website, game locations, interface, and features were remodelled and some areas completely redesigned. A line of new characters were slowly introduced to the game world, many from the Nickelodeon era, but with new designs and changed personalities. The relaunch would later result in a video on demand service (featuring content from ] and ]) in-game on Tycoon Island at the Tycoon TV Towers and through a member's home cinema. Membership gift cards and other products were later launched.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Bin Weevils Products Released in U.K. {{!}} licenseglobal.com |url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/archive/bin-weevils-products-released-uk |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.licenseglobal.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bin Weevils launches social video on demand |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bin-weevils-launches-social-video-demand/1036895?utm_source=website&utm_medium=social |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| In November 2011, Bin Weevils won the ] for "Best Website".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Limited |first=Bin Weevils |title=First BAFTA win for Children's Virtual World Bin Weevils |url=https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/first-bafta-win-for-childrens-virtual-world-bin-weevils-144805655.html |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.prnewswire.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> To celebrate, a range of nest items were released online for players to collect at the Mystery Code Machine. In January 2012, Bin Weevils launched into print with its own monthly membership magazine, published by ].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Monthly magazine based on virtual game Bin Weevils released |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2012/02/15/monthly-magazine-based-virtual-game-bin-weevils-released |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=The Drum}}</ref> Bin Weevils signed a licensing agreement to launch a game-based merchandise range with the toy manufacturer Character Options and a range of other manufactures like Panini.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-04 |title=Mulch Mayhem trading cards from BinWeevils.com |url=https://www.themarketingblog.co.uk/2012/07/mulch-mayhem-trading-cards-from-binweevils-com/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=TheMarketingblog |language=en-US}}</ref> The merchandise consisted of a trading card game that was launched in June 2012. Mulch Mayhem had over 225 character cards to collect and capitalised on the growth that the Bin Weevils property saw in those years.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":9" /> | |||
| Bin Weevils was the second most popular virtual world for its demographic in 2012 in the ], and the most popular in the second quarter.<ref name=":11" /> By September 2012, the game had over 2 million active users each month and was one of the most visited children's ] in the ].<ref name=":11" /> In November 2012, Bin Weevils won the ] for "Best Website" for a second time. To celebrate, a range of nest items were released online for players to collect at the Mystery Code Machine. Bin Weevils continued to expand with the launch of Bin Bots, collectable toy sets, mobile apps, and books.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-07 |title=Web craze's toy story |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/web-craze-s-toy-story-6614066.html |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2019-05-15 |title=Why Bin Weevils loves Moshi Monsters |language=en |work=MCV |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/mobile/why-bin-weevils-loves-moshi-monsters/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |issn=1469-4832}}</ref> | |||
| Bin Weevils surpassed 20,000,000 unique users in February 2013. Rod Henwood was announced as the company CEO in 2013.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=New CEO steps up at Bin Weevils |url=https://www.licensing.biz/new-ceo-steps-up-at-binweevils/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=Licensing.biz |language=en-GB}}</ref> Rod Henwood has held CEO and other leadership roles with major European and US TV companies, including Zodiak Media, Channel 4, and ITV. There more than 25 million registered players by 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rod Henwood |url=https://inkfactoryfilms.com/team/rod-henwood/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=Inkfactory |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=SuperAwesome strives for UK digital ad domination with Bin Weevils deal |url=https://kidscreen.com/2014/04/16/superawesome-strives-for-uk-digital-ad-domination-with-bin-weevils-deal/ |access-date=2022-05-20}}</ref> Liker other ] games, Bin Weevils faced a shrinking audience since 2016 and shut down on January 12, 2021 after ] became unusable on most internet browsers and officially discontinued.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> | |||
| == Other == | |||
| ⚫ | Bin Weevils signed a licensing agreement to launch a game-based merchandise range with the toy manufacturer Character Options.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/32453/character-group-wins-bin-weevils-master-toy-licence-38642.html|title=Character Group wins Bin Weevils master toy licence|date=2012-02-06|website=Proactiveinvestors UK|language=en|access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref> The merchandise consisted of a ] that was launched in 2012,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/bin-weevils-products-released-uk|title=Bin Weevils Products Released in U.K.|date=2011-11-03|website=License Global|language=en|access-date=2019-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021080043/https://www.licenseglobal.com/bin-weevils-products-released-uk|archive-date=21 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> a clothing set, backpacks, figurines, books and toys which launched in October 2012 and books.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |
||
| ⚫ | === |
||
| ⚫ | Bin Weevils launched collectable creatures known as Bin Bots in October 2012. Each Bin Bot had its own unique name, personality, backstory and character. Bin Bot collectable figures launched in UK supermarkets with codes to unlock virtual goods online. By reaching high levels on the mobile app Tink's Blocks exclusive Bin Bots were earned. Bin Bots were housed in a player's Bin |
||
| ⚫ | Certain Bin Bots could be placed in a microscopic world with zoom in features. Players could obtain a mystery Bin Bot online at the Claw Machine and mix potion bottle combinations together at the Bin Bot Maker to obtain the Bin Bot creatures. Both machines were invented by the scientist Lab and were located online outside his laboratory. Members could swap microscopic Bin Bots with other players in the Bin |
||
| === Apps === | === Apps === | ||
| ==== Tink's Blocks ==== | ==== Tink's Blocks ==== | ||
| A mobile app version of |
A mobile app version of Tink's Blocks was released in December 2012, inspired by the popular online puzzle game at Mulch Island. Completing all levels unlocked collectible Bin Bot creatures online. Players could pick up three exclusive collectible Bin Bots by completing all the levels in Beat the Clock Mode. They could also earn bonus Mulch and XP (experience points) every day on Tink's Blocks for their weevil. There was a high score leaderboard and several levels.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|first=|date=January 2013|title=Bin Weevils Debuts Two Apps|url=https://toyworldmag.co.uk/binweevils-debuts-two-apps/|website=Toy World Magazine}}</ref> | ||
| ==== Meet The Bin Weevils ==== | ==== Meet The Bin Weevils ==== | ||
| Meet The Bin Weevils was released in December 2012. The mobile app featured over 80 characters and their zany family lines, character fact files, character galleries with artwork, and exclusive extended cartoon episodes.<ref name=":2" /> | |||
| ==== Weevil World ==== | ==== Weevil World ==== | ||
| 55 Pixels Ltd released a beta version of a new game called "Weevil World" in May 2017, which was only available for paying members at the time. The beta ended and the game was released to all players a month later.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bin Weevils Blog - The Weevil World Early Access Beta is out now!|url=https://news.binweevils.com/the-weevil-world-early-access-beta-is-out-now|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825140755/https://news.binweevils.com/the-weevil-world-early-access-beta-is-out-now|archive-date=25 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-25|website=Weevil News}}</ref> The game was a multiplayer unity app for mobile devices and computers, allowing players to cross-play between Weevil World and Bin Weevils using the same account. After signing up, players could customise their weevil profile and navigate their character around the island. Players could purchase character clothing, gift items, level up, earn Gems and Dosh to buy home (nest) decorations in the game and can invite players to get a nest rating.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Weevil World: What is Weevil World?|url=https://support55pixels.helpshift.com/a/weevil-world/?s=general&f=what-is-weevil-world&l=en|access-date=2019-08-25|website=55 Pixels Support|language=en}}</ref> | 55 Pixels Ltd released a beta version of a new game called "Weevil World" in May 2017, which was only available for paying members at the time. The beta ended and the game was released to all players a month later.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bin Weevils Blog - The Weevil World Early Access Beta is out now!|url=https://news.binweevils.com/the-weevil-world-early-access-beta-is-out-now|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825140755/https://news.binweevils.com/the-weevil-world-early-access-beta-is-out-now|archive-date=25 August 2019|access-date=2019-08-25|website=Weevil News}}</ref> The game was a multiplayer unity app for mobile devices and computers, allowing players to cross-play between Weevil World and Bin Weevils using the same account. After signing up, players could customise their weevil profile and navigate their character around the island. Players could purchase character clothing, gift items, level up, earn Gems and Dosh to buy home (nest) decorations in the game and can invite players to get a nest rating.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Weevil World: What is Weevil World?|url=https://support55pixels.helpshift.com/a/weevil-world/?s=general&f=what-is-weevil-world&l=en|access-date=2019-08-25|website=55 Pixels Support|language=en}}</ref> | ||
| ==== Farm Craft ==== | ==== Farm Craft ==== | ||
| 55 Pixels Ltd released <nowiki>''Farm Craft''</nowiki> in July 2016. The world allows players to farm exotic plants, collect helpers, craft items, decorate houses and trade. Many core elements of the app were inspired by Bin Weevils.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Castle|first=Jenny at The Brick|title=Crater Craft Farming And Building Game App. Review|url=https://www.thebrickcastle.com/2017/12/crater-craft-farming-and-building-game.html|access-date=2022-02-05}}</ref> | 55 Pixels Ltd released <nowiki>''Farm Craft''</nowiki> in July 2016. The world allows players to farm exotic plants, collect helpers, craft items, decorate houses and trade. Many core elements of the app were inspired by Bin Weevils.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Castle|first=Jenny at The Brick|title=Crater Craft Farming And Building Game App. Review|url=https://www.thebrickcastle.com/2017/12/crater-craft-farming-and-building-game.html|access-date=2022-02-05}}</ref> | ||
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| ==== Bin Weevils Connect ==== | ==== Bin Weevils Connect ==== | ||
| On 23 August 2016, a new app named "Bin Weevils Connect" was revealed. Bin Weevils Connect was an app which complemented Bin Weevils many features such as the friend list, customizing the created character, playing multiplayer games with friends at quick access, and sending friend messages. | On 23 August 2016, a new app named "Bin Weevils Connect" was revealed. Bin Weevils Connect was an app which complemented Bin Weevils many features such as the friend list, customizing the created character, playing multiplayer games with friends at quick access, and sending friend messages. | ||
| == Reception == | |||
| In 2015, Bin Weevils was requested by the ] (ASA) to change the wording of their in-app advertising, stating that players were under pressure to purchase items in the game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-34062376|title=Ad watchdog rebukes Moshi Monsters|last=Rawlinson|first=Kevin|date=2015-08-26|access-date=2019-07-06|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706054700/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-34062376|archive-date=6 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/26/moshi-monsters-bin-weevils-in-app-purchase-ads-breach-standards|title=Moshi Monsters and Bin Weevils rapped for promoting subscriptions to children|last=Dredge|first=Stuart|date=2015-08-26|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-10-14|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014202954/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/26/moshi-monsters-bin-weevils-in-app-purchase-ads-breach-standards|archive-date=14 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 55 Pixels Ltd, the company which operates the game, said that "as soon as were made aware of the complaint made to the ] about a potential breach, and once we had understood the area for concern, we changed all our membership pages to comply with their recommendations. subsequently upheld the complaint about the original wording but referenced that we now complied, in the text of the ruling."<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Moshi Monsters and Bin Weevils fall foul of new IAP regulations|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/moshi-monsters-and-bin-weevils-fall-foul-of-new-iap-regulations/|date=2015-08-26|magazine=MCV/DEVELOP|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-02}}</ref> | |||
| In September 2014, Bin Weevils suffered a ] culminating in unauthorised access to some accounts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Have I Been Pwned: Pwned websites|url=https://haveibeenpwned.com/PwnedWebsites|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003211856/https://haveibeenpwned.com/PwnedWebsites|archive-date=3 October 2015|access-date=2019-08-21|website=haveibeenpwned.com}}</ref> Bin Weevils had been alerted of the vulnerability and had taken the website down for a week to carry out security maintenance. A ] was added to the website during the breach, which users had to verify before they could proceed. | |||
| == Awards == | == Awards == | ||
| Bin Weevils was nominated for the ] in 2009. Bin Weevils received the "Best Website" BAFTA Award in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2011/childrens/bafta-kids-vote-powered-by-yahoo-top-10s-websites|title=2011 Children's BAFTA Kids Vote Powered By Yahoo! - Website {{!}} BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=2020-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317212659/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2011/childrens/bafta-kids-vote-powered-by-yahoo-top-10s-websites|archive-date=17 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> To celebrate, new nest items were launched in-game. Bin Weevils won the BAFTA Awards again towards the end of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://toyworldmag.co.uk/news/bin-weevils-wins-bafta-kids-vote/|title=Bin Weevils wins BAFTA Kids Vote {{!}} Toy World Magazine|website=toyworldmag.co.uk|access-date=2019-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826111728/https://toyworldmag.co.uk/news/bin-weevils-wins-bafta-kids-vote/|archive-date=26 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Bin Weevils won the "Best Website" for the third time in late 2013,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/children/awards/bafta-kids-vote-winners-in-2013|title=BAFTA Kids' Vote Winners in 2013|date=2013-11-25|website=www.bafta.org|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009170940/http://www.bafta.org/children/awards/bafta-kids-vote-winners-in-2013|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and again in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2014/childrens/bafta-kids-vote-website|title=2014 Children's BAFTA Kids' Vote - Website {{!}} BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=2020-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901114014/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2014/childrens/bafta-kids-vote-website|archive-date=1 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 09:26, 2 July 2022
Multiplayer online video game
 | |
| Developer | Bin Weevils Limited 55 Pixels Ltd |
|---|---|
| Type | Massive multiplayer online game |
| Launch date | 2007 |
| Discontinued | 16 January 2021 |
| Platform(s) | Windows, macOS, browsers |
| Website | www |
Bin Weevils was a British MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) involving a virtual world containing a range of online games and activities.
The game was developed by 55 Pixels Limited (previously Bin Weevils Limited) and launched in January 2004 as a joint venture between Nickelodeon UK, Prism Entertainment Ltd and CEG (Creative Entertainment Group). Brief animated clips based on characters from the game aired on TV in 2006. In 2007, Bin Weevils was re-launched as an independent website with a redesign and new content, making way for books, magazines and products inspired by the game world.
Bin Weevils was previously ranked as one of the most visited virtual world websites in the United Kingdom, reaching over 20 million users in 2013. Bin Weevils reached 1.2 million website monthly visitors in September 2012.
55 Pixels filed for liquidation in December 2020. The website was quietly taken offline on 16 January 2021, after Adobe Flash was discontinued.
Gameplay
Bin Weevils was based on the theme of real creatures, weevils. Players could create, customize and control their own character in an online world. The game was set in a bin-like setting where many locations were specifically designed for this theme (e.g. Kip's Scrapyard, Peel's Park, Ink's Orange Peel) with items you would find usually in a bin, such as mould and orange peels. Players had their own "nest" in which they were able to adjust the colour and design the rooms with items. Players could choose to upgrade the nest to all 8 rooms using the Mulch currency via a membership and were also able to decorate their rooms by buying items from the "Shopping Mall" and placing the items in their rooms accordingly. Nestco was the main shopping department, where players could purchase nest items and bundles to decorate their nest rooms with. Nestco included over 18 item categories, the Nestige Range, and a showroom. The items could be sold at one of the locations in the game if the player didn't want the item anymore for Mulch currency. The nest consisted of a private cinema, a plaza (both required membership), a garden, nest generator and a Bin Bot Portal. All players also had a "Bin Card" in their nest, which they stamped every day to collect rewards including hat coupons, item vouchers, plants, XP, Dosh, Mulch and much more.
Plazas were located underneath a user's nest, and contained five virtual businesses. These included a photo studio where members could decorate a studio with props, cutouts, decorations, and backdrops for other users to take pictures in. Users could frame their pictures in different frames and sizes and place them in their nest rooms. A Bin Tycoon would earn earnings at the ATM Cash Machines for every photo frame purchased. Plazas also featured four party rooms, where members could decorate party rooms with a wide variety of decorations and party items for players to party in. They could customise each party room with text, text colours, facades, decorations, and music. For every customer members received from the plaza directory members would earn earnings at the ATM Cash Machines.
Other virtual businesses included magazines and race tracks. Members could publish weekly magazines using text, fonts, page layouts, stickers and photos from their own Bin Tycoon Camera. They could name their magazines and could become journalists, write on the latest game news, and take pictures from their camera around the game in different sizes for their magazine issues. Players could rate magazines and in return members would earn earnings at ATM Cash Machines for every rate they received and for publishing a weekly issue. The Weevil Wheels Track Builder at the Dirt Valley allowed members to design and run race track businesses using track builder kits. Members could design their own race track with 3D features for other players to play on at the Weevil Wheels Track Builder directory. In return for every play and rating they received on their race tracks, members would earn earnings at ATM Cash Machines. They would also earn earnings for having their race track approved.
The main navigation of the game was the Map which players can use to travel to different areas of the game world. The game world consisted of 15 main areas for users to explore: Flum's Fountain, Lab's Lab, Dosh's Palace, Castle Gam, Rigg's Movie Multiplex, Sink's Sub, Rum's Airport, Tink's Tree, Gong's Pipenest, Club Fling, Dirt Valley, Figg's Cafe, Shopping Mall, Bin Pets Paradise, Flem Manor. Some locations were only accessible by becoming an SWS Member (Secret Agent). The Summer Fair was a temporary pop-up location during the summer months where players could play fairground minigames to earn 'Tokens' and buy prizes for their nest from the Prize Huts. Summer Fair attractions included the Gunge Tent, Ram's Arcade, Fab's Fortune Teller, Duck Soaker, Bin The Ball, Spin The Wheel, Funhouse, Weekly Challenge, Gong's Hammer, Bin Pet Bounce, and Gam's Cannon.
Inside most of the main areas contained additional smaller areas, such as shops and areas containing games (1 player, 2 player, and 4 player games), missions, quests and activities. There were several shops where players could purchase items with any of Bin Weevils' 2 currencies; ("Mulch") and ("Dosh"). Mulch was earned by playing games, harvesting plants and other activities while Dosh remained a premium currency which was earned by becoming a Bin Tycoon, buying Dosh top-up bundles and watching advertisements. There were several multiplayer games which players had the choice to participate in to earn currency ("Mulch") and experience points ("XP"). There were also a number of educational games, such as the "Daily Brain Strain," which players could visit every day to test their knowledge through a series of math, geography and puzzle questions. Players who participated in the 60 seconds received Mulch and XP based on how well they have performed. Players could challenge themselves on leaderboards. Players could also enter codes to receive rewards.
All users had a garden outside of their nest, in which they could choose to buy plants from the Garden Shop and plant and the harvest for in-game currency ("Mulch") and experience points ("XP"). The user could save the currency or buy more plants and the XP contributes to levelling up towards the next level. The gardens could be expanded to deluxe and super deluxe sizes. There were 80 levels in total but more were often added. In addition, paying players could choose to purchase a virtual pet called a "Bin Pet." The Bin Pet had its own profile and items. Players could choose to feed their Bin Pet and make the pet character perform tricks and play mini-games. Bin Pets could be looked after by feeding them and training them to do tricks, including juggling, fetching, spinning, waving and jumping. Players could teach their Bin Pet to climb on their avatar and explore the game world with them or on their back. Interacting with other Bin Pets improved a Bin Pet's fitness and endurance mechanics. Bin Pets could learn skills and copy other Bin Pets. Players could teach their Bin Pet to copy their weevil actions, (waving, jumping, standing, etc).
A well-levelled Bin Pet was able perform their skills and tricks at a fast rate. Each Bin Pet trick and skill came with its own unique level, progress, stars and juggling training paths. There were over 30 Bin Pet commands and several training paths with hundreds of juggling levels players could unlock, including pro and elite levels. The Bin Pet profile was the location where players could keep an observation on their pet's food, vitality, fitness and endurance mechanics. Non-paying players could also choose and also own a virtual pet for 24 hours. This feature was called "Pet-For-A-Day" and was first revealed in 2014.
Membership
Bin Tycoon was a membership which unlocked gameplay elements such as in game items and activities. Many who subscribed to a premium membership received a monthly Dosh wage that gradually increased, depending on how many months a player had a premium membership. With this salary, the player could purchase hats for their character, items and clothing for their virtual pet, write magazines, access exclusive item bundles, and much more to do.
The currency "Dosh" was introduced in 2012 and replaced high Mulch prices in many areas, although it requires real currency payment. However, from time to time, players could take part in challenges, watch advertisements, or enter codes to earn a currency. It was possible to become a paying member for 1 month with an SMS text in the early stages of the game, but was discontinued in 2013. Players were still eligible to buy Mulch from the subscription section before 2013, the highest amount being £14.99 for 75,000 Mulch. Players could still acquire the currency in the game, although it was the main currency for a lot of activities. Players could choose to play multiplayer games to win currency or submit codes, etc. Dosh was the only currency to buy on the membership page. Bin Weevils revealed in 2015 that 90% of the content on the site was free to play and 90% of their audience was non-paying members.
Safety and communication
Bin Weevils represented the kidSAFE seal on their website, as well as this they claim that players chat and buddy messages were moderated 24/7 so that there was no exchange of personal information or inappropriate language. The moderation system was based on a ticket method, according to the Bin Weevils support page. When a player used an offensive term, live moderators were notified and a punishment was imposed on a player's account that ranged from one day to a permanent suspension. As well as this, the game also had a reporting interface where players submitted reports on another player manually through the player's profile. The report functionality contained reasons that the player decided to report, or a field where the player chose to explain what the other player has done.
Other
Merchandise
Bin Weevils signed a licensing agreement to launch a game-based merchandise range with the toy manufacturer Character Options. The merchandise consisted of a trading card game that was launched in 2012, a clothing set, backpacks, figurines, books and toys which launched in October 2012 and books. Bin Weevils partnered with Sony in December 2012. A competition was held relating to the album which four children could be picked to write a song for the album. The album was launched on 29 July 2013 with a tracklist of 12 children's songs. In November 2013, Bin Weevils partnered with WellChild to help raise money for sick children in the United Kingdom. Users could buy a Bin Weevils T-shirt and choose the design they wanted on their clothes, and 20 percent of every sale would go to WellChild. A Bin Weevils Magazine launched in January 2012 featuring characters, fact files, puzzles, guides, stories, comics and mysteries inspired by the online world.
Bin Bots
Bin Weevils launched collectable creatures known as Bin Bots in October 2012. Each Bin Bot had its own unique name, personality, backstory and character. Bin Bot collectable figures launched in UK supermarkets with codes to unlock virtual goods online. By reaching high levels on the mobile app Tink's Blocks exclusive Bin Bots were earned. Bin Bots were housed in a player's Bin Bot Portal.
Certain Bin Bots could be placed in a microscopic world with zoom in features. Players could obtain a mystery Bin Bot online at the Claw Machine and mix potion bottle combinations together at the Bin Bot Maker to obtain the Bin Bot creatures. Both machines were invented by the scientist Lab and were located online outside his laboratory. Members could swap microscopic Bin Bots with other players in the Bin Bot Portal to complete their collections.
Apps
Tink's Blocks
A mobile app version of Tink's Blocks was released in December 2012, inspired by the popular online puzzle game at Mulch Island. Completing all levels unlocked collectible Bin Bot creatures online. Players could pick up three exclusive collectible Bin Bots by completing all the levels in Beat the Clock Mode. They could also earn bonus Mulch and XP (experience points) every day on Tink's Blocks for their weevil. There was a high score leaderboard and several levels.
Meet The Bin Weevils
Meet The Bin Weevils was released in December 2012. The mobile app featured over 80 characters and their zany family lines, character fact files, character galleries with artwork, and exclusive extended cartoon episodes.
Weevil World
55 Pixels Ltd released a beta version of a new game called "Weevil World" in May 2017, which was only available for paying members at the time. The beta ended and the game was released to all players a month later. The game was a multiplayer unity app for mobile devices and computers, allowing players to cross-play between Weevil World and Bin Weevils using the same account. After signing up, players could customise their weevil profile and navigate their character around the island. Players could purchase character clothing, gift items, level up, earn Gems and Dosh to buy home (nest) decorations in the game and can invite players to get a nest rating.
Farm Craft
55 Pixels Ltd released ''Farm Craft'' in July 2016. The world allows players to farm exotic plants, collect helpers, craft items, decorate houses and trade. Many core elements of the app were inspired by Bin Weevils.
Bin Weevils Connect
On 23 August 2016, a new app named "Bin Weevils Connect" was revealed. Bin Weevils Connect was an app which complemented Bin Weevils many features such as the friend list, customizing the created character, playing multiplayer games with friends at quick access, and sending friend messages.
Reception
In 2015, Bin Weevils was requested by the Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) to change the wording of their in-app advertising, stating that players were under pressure to purchase items in the game. 55 Pixels Ltd, the company which operates the game, said that "as soon as were made aware of the complaint made to the Advertising Standards Authority about a potential breach, and once we had understood the area for concern, we changed all our membership pages to comply with their recommendations. subsequently upheld the complaint about the original wording but referenced that we now complied, in the text of the ruling."
In September 2014, Bin Weevils suffered a data breach culminating in unauthorised access to some accounts. Bin Weevils had been alerted of the vulnerability and had taken the website down for a week to carry out security maintenance. A captcha was added to the website during the breach, which users had to verify before they could proceed.
Awards
Bin Weevils was nominated for the BAFTA Awards in 2009. Bin Weevils received the "Best Website" BAFTA Award in 2011. To celebrate, new nest items were launched in-game. Bin Weevils won the BAFTA Awards again towards the end of 2012. Bin Weevils won the "Best Website" for the third time in late 2013, and again in 2014.
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External links
Categories:
- Defunct British websites
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- Online games
- 2007 video games
- Massively multiplayer online games
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- 2007 establishments in the United Kingdom
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