isney Interactive Studios has opened up the doors of their DGamer serivce in North America for the DS users in conjunction with the launch of the The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.  DGamer from Disney is the first system developed for the DS that features cross platform functionality with a website. Players can now use their DS handhelds to interact with each other while on the go via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and online through the DGamer Web. The integrated service is scheduled to be included at no additional cost on subsequent Nintendo DS titles from Disney. DGamer is also scheduled to be available in other international regions by 2009.

DGamer is a new part of the already established social networking aspects of Disney.com and allows players to log into their DS and online accounts to create and customize an avatar. Playters will earn items and honors as the play through various Dinsey DS games. Honors can also unlock special gear for player’s avatars, all of which transfer automatically between the DGamer website and the DGamer feature in the select DS games.

DGamer is aimed at children but parents can get involved too by accessing parental controls at www.dgamer.com. There they can specify the level of interactivity that kids have online and feel confident that their child’s experience is age appropriate. One of the ways they can do this is by selecting a level of chat that a child can use. The first is called Speed Chat which uses a pre-selected set of phrases to communicate. The second is known as Speed Chat Plus, which is a modified free-form typing that blocks inappropriate language or suggestive phrases. Open Chat is a totally open environment but requires an exchange of a True Friend Code outside of the DGamer system so the two children will have to know each other from another place prior. Disney.com employs several safety features to ensure all chat communication is moderated for safety.

We were given a tour of DGamer a few weeks ago and it’s pretty clear that Disney has gone above and beyond to give young gamers a safe and secure place to interact. We’re told that DGamer will appear on nearly every Disney DS game from Prince Caspian on. For more information about DGamer, log on to www.dgamer.com