Oct 07 2008
Gatheryn promises to be an “advanced casual” MMO
MindFuse Games announced today that they’ve gotten funding for their MMO development (IGN source.) Yes, another MMO - but this time, of an “advanced casual universe.”
A first look at Gatheryn on MindFuse’s website is currently meager. Set in a Victorian era (with a minor steampunk element), the game offers progress through puzzles and mini-games, rather than combat with enemies or other players. Finishing these games will give you money, which allows you to buy pets, costumes, and home furnishings. Sounds familiar - particularly along the lines of Gaia Online, except with a better graphics engine.
What irritates me about this idea - besides the fact that it’s essentially been done before - is that the clear audience aim is women. Sure, there are men who enjoy puzzles and mini-games; the casual gaming market is only about half women (source.) But how many men, honestly, are fans of the Victorian era? How many who want to play interior decorator and dress up?
Sounds like a homemaker’s dream game. Do a puzzle, clean up after spilled milk, and come back to flirt with the local farrier in coy tones (who’s secretly an old woman, exploring her repressed sexuality.)
It certainly feels like disgusting female stereotyping; but, if developed well, it will likely work well in the market. That is, at least, until the “advanced” (read: hardcore) gamers come in, using FAQs to bust through all the puzzles and reach “end game content” before the casual players.
Will I be one of those? Maybe. But so may you. More on the game as it develops, or flops.
“Disgusting stereotyping”? That’s quite a stretch from “it has puzzles and corsets”.
Perhaps so, but exaggeration is the tool of a writer.