Snow glistened on treetops. Inhabitants of the town milled about on the streets, throwing snowballs, busting out in spontaneous dances and announcing “party at my igloo.” Overhead, they flew in jetpacks, collecting coins. Down below, they explored a vast expanse of mining tunnels, speeding by in minecarts and performing tricks as they went.
Of course, in the virtual world of Club Penguin, all of this was possible. However, as users logged in on Jan. 30 to begin their day of fun in the snow, they were met with a bright orange bar at the top of their screens that read, “Hello penguins, the Club Penguin virtual world will be closing March 29, 2017.”
Ever since its launch on Oct. 24, 2005, Club Penguin has become a large part of many children’s lives across the world, reaching over 200 million registered accounts. The owner of the Club Penguin franchise, Disney, has unfortunately announced that it will be closing down in order to open up a new version of the game, “Club Penguin Island.”
As users prepare to part with their puffles and personal records, it is important to look back at all of the good times and memories that were made during Club Penguin’s 11-year lifetime.
What will be missed the most about Club Penguin is the individual attachment felt by each of its users. Much of the game’s appeal was contained in its variety of game modes and people. At the end of its lifespan, Club Penguin was home to 29 different mini games and hosted countless special events on holidays and vacations.
Especially given its young player base, it left lasting impacts on its players. As young children experienced the euphoria of getting their first puffle, they also felt the weight of the responsibility of owning a new pet. I fondly remember logging in almost every day as a child, sitting on the edge of my seat with apprehension, wondering if any of my beloved puffles had run away.
Personally, much of my time on Club Penguin was spent walking aimlessly around and throwing snowballs at random people in the hopes of making a new friend. I remember the good times, like when my parents finally broke down and let me buy a membership (even though they cancelled it after a month). But there were also bad times, like the time all of my puffles ran away and never came back.
While Club Penguin may be leaving us a little heartbroken and missing a piece of our childhoods, it has left happy memories for its players and will continue to live on in its players’ minds. I still miss you, my beloved puffles.