Outright Games, a company specializing in family-friendly gaming experiences, has recently released titles based on popular children’s franchises like Bluey, Paw Patrol, Transformers, Peppa Pig, and more. Adapting these IPs for younger audiences presents a unique responsibility, as these games often represent a child’s first exposure to video games.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Nick Button-Brown, the chair of the board of directors for Outright Games, recognized the responsibility that comes with developing games for children. He emphasized the need to create safe and reliable experiences that align with parents’ expectations and provide a gateway into the world of gaming.
“It’s a responsibility. I love gaming. Gaming has been incredibly good to me. I love the industry; I went out of the games industry for a while and came back because I like it. My friends make games. We’re doing interesting things. Everything’s really exciting. So there is a responsibility to try and encourage more people into games to try and get good experiences, so there is a real responsibility, give people a good first experience.”
Nick Button-Brown
Button-Brown explained that Outright Games considers various factors when choosing IPs, including conversations with licensors, interactions with toy companies, and aligning with the company’s mission of providing welcoming gaming experiences for kids.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the core values of the adapted IP, citing the example of Bluey, an Australian animated series known for its emotional depth and portrayal of family life. Button-Brown stressed the need to stay true to the soul of the IP while crafting a game that resonates with younger audiences.
“Absolutely. Probably a good example is something like Bluey. We’re just about to release a Bluey game. Now, Bluey is created by an Australian studio. And what’s behind Bluey, it’s a real emotional – this is them delivering a kind of Australian story, a take on Australia to the world. And it’s not for them a product, it’s not a brand; it’s their soul that they’re putting into every episode.”
Nick Button-Brown
Outright Games employs a team of experienced developers with a deep understanding of child development and gaming preferences. They carefully consider factors such as controls, interactions, multiplayer modes, and menu designs to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all players.
Creating games that appeal to both kids and adults presents a delicate balance. Button-Brown acknowledged the challenge of designing gameplay that is both engaging for children and accessible for adults, particularly those who may not be regular gamers. It’s a cool thing to think about, as most gamers think of these games as shovelware. Instead, they’re designed for their target audience and aim to introduce video gaming in a unique way.
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