Security is a top priority with any online payment system but perhaps even more so when the product or service is designed for children. For further insight, PYMNTS.com turned to Knowledge Adventure, maker of beloved children’s educational games including MathBlaster and JumpStart. Jim Czulewicz (Vice-President Business Planning and Analysis/Retail Sales for Knowledge Adventure) explores enabling payments when young learners are the ones playing – and even perhaps purchasing – online. Czulewicz also discusses the thought process behind the expansion from an eCommerce product to one for mobile and online communities.
PYMNTS.com: Tell us a little bit about the history of Knowledge Adventure and its MathBlaster program?
JIM CZULEWICZ: Knowledge Adventure has been the leader in creating, producing and distributing children’s educational games for over 20 years. The MathBlaster brand has been a staple in the consumer and schools market for over 25 years. Along with our JumpStart and other brands, Knowledge Adventure products have enriched the lives of millions of children both in home and in school.
PYMNTS: What payment options are available for those looking to play either MathBlaster or MathBlaster.com?
CZULEWICZ: Both our MathBlaster.com and JumpStart.com sites offer consumers the ability to join and experience a virtually unlimited amount of content, entertainment and educational activities through either credit card or PayPal. Our online payment systems on MathBlaster.com and JumpStart.com are driven by best of class resources, including services by Paymentech and PayPal.
Both MathBlaster.com and JumpStart.com accept various currencies, including U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Euro, Australian dollars and New Zealand dollars, with more to be added as we continue our global expansion.
PYMNTS: Are there unique challenges in setting up a payment system for an online game that is geared toward young children?
CZULEWICZ: While there are challenges with any online payment systems, the safety and security of our customers is our top concern. As a leading COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act) compliant site that is trusted by millions of families, we make certain that not only all transactions, but all activities of our customers (member or non-member) are carefully protected and in compliance with COPPA.
PYMNTS: Does mobile figure into the company’s plans for Master Blaster?
CZULEWICZ: With the strength of the MathBlaster and JumpStart brands along with the rapidly expanding mobile market, Knowledge Adventure has extensive plans within the mobile space. Already having launched 5 mobile apps (3 JumpStart: Magic of Learning, JumpStart Jet Pack, and Punk Punk Blitz, and 3 MathBlaster: Zapper, B-force Blaster, and Hyperblast), we consider mobile devices to be the perfect companion to online and PC/MAC based gameplay.
PYMNTS: What are some of the other initiatives Knowledge Adventure will be working on in the months to come?
CZULEWICZ: Over the coming months, Knowledge Adventure will continue to expand and develop new worlds and areas within our online communities that offer safe, entertaining and educational world(s) for families to explore and enjoy. In addition to online, our mobile division will continue to produce engaging content and applications. Look for our new JumpStart Nintendo Wii and DS products as well as other new products within the coming year.
Jim Czulewicz
Vice-President Business Planning and Analysis/Retail Sales
Mr. Czulewicz brings to KA over 10 years of merchandising, sales and financial planning/analysis experience from the Toy and Software industry. Czulewicz’ prior history includes notable tenure within the Software and Toy industries including VP FP&A with Riverdeep and The Learning Company.
Czulewicz also held senior sales and management positions within Mattel, Broderbund and Mindscape.
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