Because real battles
happen in roller rinks

Virtual world Urbaniacs, which enables children to act out hero/villain fantasies, has formed an exclusive agreement with roller derby league the LA Derby Dolls.

Roller derby is a full-contact sport that caters primarily to women. Its manifesto is perhaps best distilled by the Derby Dolls' slogan, "Half-clad, all bad!"

Urbaniacs will co-sponsor the Derby Dolls' summer camp for girls. And an LA Derby Dolls avatar will be available to interact with users in the Urbaniacs universe.

"With the popularity of Roller Derby growing, especially with the upcoming Roller Derby movie 'Whip It,' […] the sport has taken on a celebrity following," declared co-founder Josh Fisher of Urbaniacs.

Fisher also said the liaison appeals to "a new group of online gamers, notably young women."

Urbaniacs caters to users ranging from ages 9-16. The site, which won a Parents' Choice award, serves about 100,000 members. It positions itself as a "comic book world come to life."