{"id":14,"date":"2021-09-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-02T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playpokpok.com\/bbb\/forest-a-new-toy-arrives-in-pok-pok-playroom-e2bb3617133\/"},"modified":"2023-07-12T11:39:20","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T15:39:20","slug":"forest-a-new-toy-arrives-in-pok-pok-playroom-e2bb3617133","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playpokpok.com\/blog\/forest-a-new-toy-arrives-in-pok-pok-playroom-e2bb3617133\/","title":{"rendered":"Forest\u200a\u2014\u200aA New Toy Arrives in Pok Pok\u00a0Playroom"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While there\u2019s no replacement for the fun and freedom that playing outside and being in nature brings (something we recommend kids get to do as often as possible), sometimes it\u2019s just not an option. For those moments, we created Forest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Forest, kids will navigate through the woods while discovering creatures, critters and surprises as they go. Just like every other toy in the Playroom, they have the space to explore Forest however they\u2019d like, honing a wide variety of skills such as collecting, sorting, memory, cause and effect, storytelling and creative thinking (among others). They can move rocks, bushes, flowers and bugs at free will, seeing how the environment reacts to their movements and how their actions may affect nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring the environment provides amazing groundwork for developing curiosity and naturalistic intelligence, especially in young children. Even though it\u2019s in a digital space, Forest affords children an opportunity to develop empathy and an understanding of the natural environment that surrounds them, hopefully inspiring them to go outside and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Forest, the newest toy in Pok Pok Playroom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These bugs are intelligent!<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

For the first time ever in Pok Pok Playroom, we are using artificial intelligence to teach the forest creatures how to find their way around. This makes the forest floor come alive and feel as realistic as possible without changing the way open-ended play works (allowing children to be in charge). We\u2019ve mapped every inch of the forest, from the ground all the way up to the treetops!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each bug and animal in the forest simulates a living creature \u2014 they eat when they\u2019re hungry and hide when they\u2019re scared. Whenever a bug sees a tasty snack or decides to hide under a log, it consults the map and searches every possible path to find the most bug-like way to get to its destination. The result is a delicate ballet as each creature transitions from predator to prey in this dynamic world. The weather in Forest changes over time too, bringing with it gusts of wind and the calm pitter patter of rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Bugs going about their day during light rainfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Behind the Scenes<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

We started developing Forest a few years ago, and it was fondly known by our playtesters as \u201cthe ladybug toy.\u201d This spring our team refreshed our perspective by reigniting our own passion for the outdoors and digging into nature first hand \u2014 we went hiking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sounds that you\u2019ll hear in Forest were recorded on this trip in the woods (and subsequent other visits). The creatures are all inspired by real-life bugs we encountered there too, some of which landed right on us! The plants, trees, flowers and pond are all direct reflections of the nature we found around us, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n