You've Come A Long Way, BABV! Build-A-Bearville: THEN and NOW
Written by KimberlyMay17
Saturday, 04 July 2009 21:24
In 2007, Bearemy, the mayor of Build-A-Bearville, declared it to be the Year of Friendship, and Build-A-Bearville was the place for best friends to play. It was THEN, and it still is NOW.
As Build-A-Bear Workshop launched itself into the virtual world, the “Cybear Team” provided citizens with many things to do while spending time in Build-A-Bearville.
THEN…Citizens in Build-A-Bearville could visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop and complete the eight steps in making your own virtual BABW friend. In the early days of BABV, you only had eight choices of furry friends to play with (Bearemy, Bunny Big Ears, Bear, Pink Poodle, Husky, Magnificent Monkey, Leopard, and Hippo); however you could choose one of ten colors for your new furry friend, thus allowing for eighty different furry friends. After choosing your furry friend, you could also add a sound (two boy voices and two girl voices) by typing the text that you wanted your furry friend to say. Before stitching your furry friend, BABV citizens could even complete a virtual heart ceremony. After giving your furry friend an air bath, your could choose from ten shirts, five hats, nine pairs of shoes, nine pants/skirts, three pairs of glasses, and two handheld accessories at the Dress Me station.
Whether you are new to BABV or a veteran, it is best to understand the terminology found on and outside of BABV. Some of the terms were started on BABV forums or blogs.
BABV - Build-A-Bearville
Welcome Pass - This is a code used to bring up to 5 furry friends to life online. It was used for animals purchased before October 2007. Welcome Passes are no longer available in stores, but the codes are still valid. When using a Welcome Pass, no virtual gifts, bear bills or cub condo wallpaper is received.
If you are a frequent visitor to BABV or just starting out, you will want to familiarize yourself with the special guests. Not only are they special guests, they each play important roles in BABV.
MaxineClarkCEB - Maxine personally makes regular appearances with this, her bear alter ego. This is the only animal avatar in BABV. Maxine gives out bear themed virtual gifts to anyone in the area where she is in BABV. These gifts are highly sought after since they are from Maxine herself. These gifts change on a monthly basis.
MaxineBearyLucky - This is Maxine’s avatar in human form. She does not give gifts on this character, but often trades with the citizens of Bearville through this one.
Whether it’s the first of the month and the release of the new fountain prizes or the release of a new Furry Friend, BABV is very generous! Ask any BABV citizen about any of the following, and most of them will tell you it’s one of their favorite things about BABV.
Furtastic Fountain Gifts – Starting in July 2008, Bearville citizens are able to play the Furbulous Fountain game once a day. Flipping 3 coins into the fountain and aiming for targets will award citizens a special virtual prize or bear bills every day. Prizes are updated monthly. You can find a list of all fountain prizes on All About BABV's forum
One of the rare items found on BABV, virtual gift with store purchases are just that. Make a purchase at your local Build-A-Bear Workshop or www.buildabear.com and receive a code for a free virtual gift. These gifts include virtual furry friends, and promotions announced by BABW. The promotions are announced on monthly BABW calendars. You can find the calendars at your local BABW or by viewing the Calendar of Events found on their website
Furry Friends - Most animals brought to life at the store can be brought to life online. Each animal brought to life in BABV with a birth certificate receives $2,000 in bear bills ($3,000 for new releases), an exclusive virtual gift, a room in their cub condo and exclusive wall paper for the new room.
