[/floatr]Web Japan: Making a Game of Saving Money
In December 2006 toy manufacturer Tomy Co. came out with a piggy bank that combines saving money with the fun of a game. As users put coins into the Jinsei Ginko, meaning "bank of life," the life of a fictional character unfolds before their eyes. They come to identify with the character and cannot help but save more money to help their alter ego get a better life. The Jinsei Ginko is a white cube-shaped bank that accepts only 500 coinsyen . It can save up to 200 coins...On the front is a black-and-white LCD screen like that of a handheld game device, which depicts the life of a stick-like character. The user starts out by inputting a target amount and date. The character at first lives in a tiny room no more than three tatami mats large, like the boarding room of a poor college student. As the coins steadily pile up, the character's life gradually moves forward: He moves into a larger room, finds a job, and marries. He will reach a happy ending if the targeted amount is saved as scheduled, but an unfortunate fate awaits him if the goal is not achieved...more...
I wonder if the "unfortunate end" involves charcoal briquettes.
