New Nickelodeon app is like SIM City only SpongeBob Squarepants

Published June 25, 2013 6:09pm

Building your own version of Bikini Bottom city for SpongeBob Squarepants and his friends, and keeping them happy? Now, there's an app for that.

Nickelodeon is rolling out the "SpongeBob Moves In" app, which features a stylized 2D design and encourages children to use their imagination, like a crazified version of SIM City.

“Millions of fans around the world experience the fun and magic of SpongeBob on television every day, and now they can live out their very own Bikini Bottom adventures with SpongeBob Moves In whenever and wherever they want,” said Steve Youngwood, EVP and General Manager of Nickelodeon Group's digital unit.

But Nickelodeon also noted the app has a serious side as well.

With it, children can also "learn about being responsible and taking care of others as they must collect happiness points in the ongoing quest to keep Bikini Bottom inhabitants happy by fulfilling their wishes," it said.

It said players can earn happiness points by granting residents' wish for items like Krabby Patties from the KrustyKrab restaurant or flowers from the Flower Shop.

Upon granting the characters’ wish, players can collect happiness points or other items.

"When the app’s happiness meter is filled, players advance to the next level in the game, where they can continue earning coins, game experience and unlocking more quests, buildings and accessories to buy in the store," Nickelodeon said.

In turn, players can unlock app-exclusive, untold stories about how their characters, including SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Plankton, Squidward and Sandy, first arrived in town.

The stories will be told via new animated short videos that can be unlocked throughout the game.

Since debuting in 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends have gained pop culture phenom status.

Nickelodeon said SpongeBob's series continues to rank as one of the most liked animated series on Facebook, with more than 81 million fans.

SpongeBob SquarePants is executive produced by creator Stephen Hillenburg, who previously worked as a writer, director and creative director on Nickelodeon’s animated series Rocko’s Modern Life.

Current executive producer Paul Tibbitt served as a director and writer on SpongeBob SquarePants for its first three seasons. —TJD, GMA News

Tags: spongebobsquarepants, nickelodeon, mobilegaming