Fantage
Fantage was a browser-based social MMO built specifically for kids, blending a bright 2D world with simple mini-games and a heavy focus on avatar style. Its big draw was giving younger players a “first online world” that felt like social networking, but with guardrails like chat filtering and parental controls designed to reduce the risk of oversharing. While it is no longer playable today, Fantage remains a notable example of the late-2000s wave of child-friendly virtual worlds that prioritized customization and safe social spaces.
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Publisher: Fantage.com Type: Children’s Social MMO Release Date: April 01, 2008 Shut Down: July 01, 2018 Pros: +Strong kid-oriented chat controls and moderation. +Extensive avatar and profile personalization. +Plenty of quick mini-games to rotate through. Cons: -Primarily appealing to a younger crowd. -Filters help, but they cannot fully prevent every inappropriate interaction. |
Fantage Shut Down on July 01, 2018
Fantage Overview
Fantage (a shortened form of “Fantastic Age”) was a social MMO aimed at children ages 6 to 14, built around cute avatars, light roleplay, and a map full of bite-sized activities. Instead of long quest chains or complex combat systems, the game leaned into what its audience typically enjoys most, dressing up characters, collecting items, decorating personal spaces, and hopping between mini-games either solo or with friends.
Exploration in Fantage was structured around themed areas filled with shops, hangouts, and activity hubs. The economy and progression were closely tied to cosmetics and collectibles, letting players express themselves through outfits, hairstyles, makeup, profile flair, and home items. For parents, the game’s safety tools were a central feature, offering permission settings and filtered chat designed to keep conversations age-appropriate, supported by active moderation to discourage suspicious behavior.
Like many free-to-play virtual worlds from the era, Fantage offered an optional monthly subscription. Subscribing mainly expanded access to premium items and currency, but the core loop of socializing, playing mini-games, and building a look was still accessible without paying.
Fantage Key Features:
- Fully Customizable Avatars – a deep wardrobe and appearance system with lots of style options.
- Colorful 2D Virtual World – bright, friendly zones designed with younger players in mind.
- Pet System – hatch eggs, raise pets, and interact with them through simple activities.
- Mini-Games – a wide variety of short games scattered throughout the world.
- Social System – parental permissions and chat filters built to support safer online interaction.
Fantage Screenshots
Fantage Featured Video
Fantage Review
Coming Soon…
Fantage Requirements
Operating System: XP / Vista / 7 / 8
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Equivalent
Video Card: Any Graphics Card (Integrated works well too)
RAM: 512 MB
Hard Disk Space: 100 MB (Cache)
Because Fantage ran in a web browser, it was lightweight and generally performed well on most PCs. It was known to work on browsers like Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, and Chrome, and in practice any up-to-date modern browser was typically sufficient for smooth play.
Fantage Additional Information
Developer: Fantage.com, Inc.
Publisher: Fantage.com, Inc.
Release Date: April 01, 2008
Shut Down: July 01, 2018
Development History / Background:
Fantage, short for Fantastic Age, was a kid-focused social MMO centered on customization and mini-games, targeting players roughly ages 6 to 14. Developed by Fantage.com, Inc., it launched on April 1, 2008, created by founders David Hwang and Peter Bae. With backing from Nexon, Fantage reported reaching 23 million users in the U.S. alone. The service ultimately ended, and Fantage was shut down on July 01, 2018.