(Hong Kong, 12 June 2019) NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or “the Company”, Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is excited to announce that its subsidiary, JumpStart, a leader in learning-based games for children, won the first video gaming partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (“Smithsonian”) to build an unprecedented augmented reality app that will focus on encouraging and teaching conservation. Children ages 9-12 will explore threatened and endangered animals in their own habitat with technology that inspires creativity while building their own virtual habitats. Imbued with Smithsonian’s groundbreaking scientific research for the conservation of wildlife and habitats, the game empowers children to make fact-based decisions as they interact with and build ideal environments for each species.
As one of the world’s most trusted brands in the educational gaming space, JumpStart along with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation and Biology Institute will further Smithsonian’s global efforts to save species from extinction by introducing a new generation to the fascinating wildlife on Earth through gameplay. In addition to learning fun and curious facts about the creatures themselves, players will have an opportunity to take a deeper dive into how zoos ensure the wellbeing of their animals and contribute to conservation efforts.
As a subsidiary of NetDragon, JumpStart has the resources to create an app with animal-centric gameplay that will allow children to care for and interact with animals in a more enhanced way than other zoo apps currently on the market and to reach a global audience of budding conservationists.
Jim Czulewicz, CEO of JumpStart says, “JumpStart is honored to collaborate alongside these esteemed partners to grow our global brand and further our mission to educate children about animals and conservation and build a lifelong love of caring for all animal species and the skills to take care of our planet. No other app features the uniquely educational and animal centric gameplay that stems from the collaboration between JumpStart and Smithsonian. Together, our companies will create a product that is more engaging and has more depth than any of the competing zoo apps and build future generations of conservationists.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with JumpStart who has an established reputation for using technology to create immersive educational experiences,” says Pamela Baker-Masson, Associate Director of Communications, Planning and Exhibits at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. “Smithsonian scientists are tackling the most pressing ecological challenges and we want this platform to highlight our science and engage young audiences to virtually join in our mission to save species.”
