In spite of this dubious business practice, it's one that's obviously successful: the French game has over 1.2 million members, and the UK version has attracted over 200,000 players so far. Last year, a man in France threatened to sue the developers when he discovered his daughter has racked up roughly $200 in phone charges by sending a number of the pricey text messages in order to increase her character's resources. That's enough to push Miss Bimbo into 'extremely offensive' territory, but it's not the only thing about the game which is raising people's hackles: when players run out of 'Bimbo Dollars' (used to purchase items and accomplish tasks like going to the game's plastic surgery clinic for breast enhancement surgery), the game apparently requires them to either send £1.50 text messages-or send cash via PayPal-in order to replenish the in-game funds and continue playing. The purpose of Miss Bimbo is for players to create a virtual 'bimbo,' help her maintain an ideal appearance (with the help of diet pills and plastic surgery, of course), then buy her presents and send her out partying in order to compete with other players. Unsurprisingly, the game is generating an increasing amount of controversy, thanks in large part to the fact that it's being marketed towards young women. Created by Nicolas Jacquart, the game was originally appeared in France last year as Ma Bimbo and then launched in its current incarnation during February 2008.

A new web browser game, Miss Bimbo, is simultaneously sweeping the internet, angering parents and watchdog groups alike, and apparently teaching young women that diets and plastic surgery are necessary tools for achieving happiness in life.

Founder of miss bimbo