Miss Bimbo

Guide Note: Miss Bimbo is an Internet-based virtual fashion game originally launched in 2007, in a French-language version called Ma Bimbo, by entrepreneur Nicolas Jacquart. An English version was launched in February, 2008, in the United Kingdom.

Game Play Players in Miss Bimbo compete to turn their characters into "the most famous bimbo ever." The game's target market is young girls.

When a player signs up, she is assigned a naked doll and is given a supply of "bimbo dollars" to buy for fashion items, diet pills, and plastic surgery. Additional dollars can be earned by "working," which is discouraged, or by finding a boyfriend to be a "sugar daddy." The initial registration is free, but when a player runs out of bimbo dollars, they can be replenished with text messages costing $3 each, or via PayPal.

Controversy Parents have complained that their children have used cell phones to ring up hundreds of dollars in text messages. Critics decry the lessons the game teaches young girls. In late March, 2008, British authorities launched an investigation of the game, alleging the illegal financial targeting of children. Official Response Official Site: As a result of this rather surprising media attention we have decided to remove the option of purchasing diet pills from the game. We apologise to any players whom this may inconvenience but we feel in light of this weeks proceedings it is the correct action to take. Fast Facts:

1. The game's creator, Nicolas Jacquart, is 23 years old
2. Miss Bimbo site reportedly has over 200,000 members
3. Investigation launched by PhonePayPlus, a British regulatory authority
4. Target market: Girls aged 9-16

Quotes:

1. Nicolas Jacquart: "It is not a bad influence for young children. They learn to take care of their bimbos. The missions and goals are morally sound and teach children about the real world...The breast operations are just one part of the game and we are not encouraging young girls to have them, just reflecting real life."
2. Nick Williams, parent: "I noticed them looking at possible breast operations and facelifts for their bimbos at the game's plastic surgery clinic...Katie is far too young for that kind of thing and it is irresponsible of the site's creators to be leading young girls astray. They are easily influenced at that age as to what is cool."