RETAILBIZ: I DID IT MUM WWW.MCVUK.COM
MCV 04/09/09 49
505 Games releases the latest duo in its preschool I Did It Mum! series, helping children develop their spelling and domestic skills…
by James Batchelor
reading, as well as their understanding of the alphabet and keyboard. The lessons are hosted by a cool puppy character, which is one of the things that makes them not seem like lessons at all. There are over 300 words for youngsters to master. At every stage, they are rewarded with fun mini-games and stickers – and if they eventually learn all 300 words, they get a job with the MCV editorial team.
THE DS HAS become a strong platform for publishers with titles aimed at younger audiences. The simple yet intuitive control system, convenient handheld nature and general accessibility means it is great for children to interact with and the range of software available for it has only served to strengthen this positioning. 505 Games has seen success in the I Did It Mum! Doll’s House young gamer field with its I Did It and Spelling are well timed Mum! range. As the for the Christmas gifting title suggests, these season and the brief back-totitles encourage and school trading period. aid children in developing skills of which they can be proud, while still providing an While I Did It Mum! Spelling is entertaining gaming experience. aimed at both sexes, Doll’s House will The latest two games in this series, mainly appeal to young girls. Many Spelling and Doll’s House hit shelves gaming pundits would say that a towards the end of September. product designed to explain the basics of Designed to help four to seven yearIbsen’s classic play to four to seven yearolds develop essential literary skills, I olds is possibly a little too niche. And Did It Mum! Spelling is fun and they’d be right. Which is why I Did It engaging as well as educational. Mum! Doll’s House is actually the first Through its lessons disguised as miniever interactive doll’s house, in which games, players will improve such youngsters get to actually take control of abilities as spelling, handwriting, and the doll and environment.
“
RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 25 FORMATS: DS PUBLISHER: 505 GAMES DEVELOPER: SUPERSONIC (SPELLING) GAMESAUCE (DOLL’S HOUSE) PRICE: £19.99 DISTRIBUTOR: ADVANTAGE CONTACT: 0121 506 9585
Players take on the role of Emily, a young doll who must help her mum and dad around the house. Gamers are set a number of chores by their in-game parents, such as feeding the fish, laying the table or feeding Emily’s baby brother. Only by keeping the family happy, healthy and wealthy will they unlock new items for the doll’s house, allowing them to customise and redecorate the miniature home. It’s a game of make-believe that children have been enjoying for centuries, but now it’s onscreen with loads of rooms to customise, mini-games to play and rewards to be won. In between chores, players are encouraged to explore the house and discover new mini-games to enjoy. There are over 40 in total to find, spread across 11 rooms. Not only are Doll’s House and Spelling released in time to capitalise on the impending gifting season, they are also early enough to make the most of the brief back to school trading period. Combine this with the low price point, ideal for impulse buyers and gift purchasers, and 505 Games has a strong contender for the younger, more casual DS market in the upcoming quarter.
”
Immediate opportunities in games: Production Licensing Finance HR
Account Management Marketing Sales PR
Please apply to amanda@opmjobs.com or call 01206 214417
OPM Response Ltd Tel:+44(0)1206 214421 www.opmjobs.com