THE SOCIAL TIMES — Ameba Pico, the avatar-based virtual exploration community on Facebook, has amassed nearly 1.7 MMAUs on Facebook, after launching three months ago on March 8, 2010. According to the press release, Ameba Pico is seeing strong monetization with in-game microtransactions, experiencing nearly 300 percent growth in revenue from March to May. The game was developed by CyberAgent America, Inc, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based CyberAgent, who aims to bring internet-based Japanese media and services into the American market...

VIRTUAL GOODS NEWS — Meez recently concluded its first branded virtual goods campaign, conducted with AdNectar to promote the Hot Pockets brand of microwaveable frozen turnovers. The campaign was centered around virtual gifting, encouraging users of the Meez virtual world to give each other branded goods that their avatars could wear or otherwise show off. Many of the goods were pizza-themed, since one of the most popular Hot Pockets flavors is Pepperoni Pizza...

KZERO BLOG — Our last post (assessing Kids and Tweens) showed the five to 10 year old segment and 10 to 15’s grew 17.8% and 6,8% respectively from Q3 to Q4 2009. Here, we cover the older sectors and first up virtual worlds with an average age user from 15 to 25. Here’s the Universe chart...

ADWEEK — Social media strategists are dusting off their crystal balls to make their predictions for 2010. Recently, I took mine out at the FrogPond in an attempt to see the future and, lo and behold, my crystal ball had miraculously transformed into a Magic 8 Ball. I shook it and asked if some of my predictions for 2010 would come true, but the plastic thingy read, "Cannot predict now." At first, I thought it was busted, but then I realized my 8 ball was quite savvy. Technology changes so quickly in this space, it just couldn't keep up. Despite this, I pushed on and below you will find my top 5 social media implications for brands. Remember, these are the ones that were more likely to get a reading from the 8 ball of "It is decidedly so" than "My sources say no"...