Aug
12th

Game design workshop: Cheer Squad

cheerleaders

Game Design Workshop is a new feature where we work through the fictional design of an overlooked genre of game.  This is not an actual game in development, but more a pitch for a game we can’t believe no one has made yet.

The pitch
Where are the cheerleading games?  Other than one scheduled for the Wii and a few others that have appeared as shovelware, where are these titles?  It may sound like a silly premise for a game, but consider it for a moment more.

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Mar
10th

Activision says Tony Hawk to innovate to counter Skate

tony_hawk4.jpg was one of the big surprises of 2007. Many had challenged ’s dominance of the extreme sports genre, but was the first to really deliver a knockdown punch with its innovative controls. Now, in the face of being outsold two to one, has plans to innovate with the franchise.

Speaking with USA Today, Senior Vice President Will Kassoy referenced the “ Innovation Plan,” but refused to elaborate. What could this plan be? The easy speculation is a move toward a new scheme akin to ’s. However, with ’s success with the franchise and now 4 , one should not rule out the move to a more multiplayer friendly setup. And yes, featuring the seems inevitable. (more…)

Mar
7th

Cheerleading games are dancing games gone stupid

bring_it_on.jpgAs April Fool’s Day looms ever closer, things seem to be popping up everywhere that one would assume are clever pranks. For example, on THQ’s website recently it was announced that they would be venturing into the unexplored realm of cheerleading games. This, however, is no joke and is hoping that it will take advantage of, as they put it, “the explosive growth of the girls gaming market in recent years due to the continued success of and DS.”

All Star Cheer Squad for the will follow a year in the life of a cheerleader from learning cheers to creating new routines and eventually become captain of the squad. You’ll use the Wiimote and the nunchuck to perform real cheer and dance moves and to ensure real cheerleading authenticity has even signed on Tony G, who is best known for his work in the Bring It On movies. (more…)