MTV announced yesterday that is has bought NeoPets.com, the insanely popular online “virtual pet” game. Nearly 25 million people globally have NeoPets accounts.

According to the company, nearly 60% of NeoPets users are over the age of 13 – exactly the audience MTV targets. They also claimed that the diversity in the characters could lead to opportunities in feature films.

“NeoPets users,” Judy Grath, CEO of MTV Networks, said, “are passionate about the site and its unique offerings, and that is exactly the kind of connection with audiences that MTV Networks cultivates and values. Its acquisition is an important move for us as we aggressively move forward as a multiplatform entertainment company.”

I guess it’s no surprise that a major company finally picked up NeoPets. With over 6 billion page views per month, and a highly active community, it was only a matter of time before one of the major entertainment conglomerates picked up the game; but, what will this acquisition do?

While I don’t play NeoPets (and have no inclination to do so), I’m sure their very active community is probably not going to appreciate the flash-based advertising for the latest c/rap album, or those retarded “Video Jockeys” reminding you to tune into their lame show.

Of course, by the wording in the press release, there seems to be a hint that MTV is planning on seeking out and buying other forms on online gaming entertainment. How long will it be before we all have to put up with pop-ups of the latest “gangster rapper” (that looks like he did a face-plant into a steel wall, man those guys are ugly) on every entertainment site?

At least we know Chris Pirillo is in no danger of an MTV buyout ;)

Provided by Geekstreak