Soap Suds
The Microsoft difference
by Ty Brewer
February 1998
I recently reviewed the Microsoft title Barney: Under the Sea and awarded my first ever Gold Medal. For some time now IÆve complained about the lack of titles for children between the ages of 2 and 4. Most titles for this age group suffer from poor interface design or fail to keep the child interested. I believe this new Barney series from Microsoft raises the standard for games targeted at this age group.
While writing the review I noticed something. Everything I was writing about had MicrosoftÆs touch. ItÆs not a big deal to use MS Windows 95 û almost everyone else does anyway. What I startled me was the complete gaming solution Microsoft offered for my daughter.
Think of this: Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Barney: Under the Sea, a Microsoft Actimate Barney, and the Microsoft EasyBall mouse. When you think about kidÆs games in these terms, nobody is doing more to bring software to kids than Microsoft. Have you seen a Logitech EasyBall? Did Humongous come out with the Actimate? To be fair, Microsoft is not completely responsible for these products. 7th Level wrote the Barney game. But the point is that Microsoft is making a serious effort at leading the industry in childrenÆs software.
Is this a good thing? I think so. I would be less likely to spend $150 for an Actimate Barney if marketed by GT Interactive. ItÆs not that I donÆt trust GT Interactive, but I know that Microsoft will deliver products and support over the long haul. The market for childrenÆs software needs an industry leader with the weight and focus to drive innovation and raise the level for all publishers. I canÆt help but think MicrosoftÆs presence is a good thing for consumers.
On the downside, game publishers are now faced with the 800-pound gorilla of software and may see this as unfair competition. I disagree somewhat. Nobody owns the license on innovation or creativity. If another vendor can create a better mouse or game, I will proudly applaud. The smaller vendors will certainly feel the pinch. As I mention in my Barney review, how can "Little Howie" compete with Mickey Mouse or Barney in the eyes of your child? The days of new characters created by game developers is drawing to an end. Without an affiliation with a character already popular with children, new titles face an uphill battle. Would you buy "BarbieÆs Fashion Show" over "Ms. StacyÆs Fashion Show?" If you donÆt know, ask your child for their preference.
And that brings us to the real problem. Quality software has less to do with the characters and the publisher than with good design and execution. Strapping Mickey Mouse into a bad game doesnÆt make the game any better. Just because Microsoft has licensed Barney doesnÆt guarantee success. On the other hand, familiar characters are more important in childrenÆs games than adult games. Would my daughter have loved the Barney game as much if the character was a blue dinosaur named Brent?
I doubt it.
Ty
Got a question or suggestion? Email Ty
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