EA is accused by some of appealing to the lowest common denominator, so why not embrace that? The publisher has announced this morning that they will start releasing games specifically for dummies. That is, For Dummies, with capital letters; EA has partnered up with Wiley Publishing of the For Dummies brand and developer Beanbag Studios to teach basic games to us folk what don’t got no thinkin’ ways. The first such smart-making title is Poker For Dummies, which will provide tutorials and practice for Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. It’s available right now for PC, and the Games For Dummies line is headed to the Nintendo DS in November.
On the one hand, I suppose it’s always nice to have entry-level software for the game-phobic. Here’s what worries me, though: “In the coming months, other For Dummies titles will become available via PC download including Solitaire For Dummies in September, Brain Training For Dummies in October, Sudoku For Dummies in November, and more into 2009. Poker For Dummies and Brain Training For Dummies will also be available for PC at retail stores in October 2008.”
Brain Training For Dummies? I could be wrong, but isn’t that the alleged point of Brain Training?! Honestly, unless EA’s target demographic is recovering neurosurgery patients, I’m not sure I see the draw of that one. Sudoku? Sure, okay, that could stand to be taught. Poker and Solitaire? Some of us need a helping hand; that’s fair. Brain Training?! Let me see if I’ve got this: You’re offering to sell me a step-by-step guide to a piece of software whose sole content is short, easy exercises designed to promote basic mental stimulus through instantly recognizable tasks for all ages.
Weep for the average intellect of humanity in the full press release, after the jump.
LOS ANGELES — A fresh way to learn exciting new games and activities emerges today as the Casual Entertainment Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announces a series of For Dummies® games for the PC and the Nintendo DS™ inspired by the world famous For Dummies brand. In collaboration with developer Beanbag Studios, under license from Wiley Publishing, Inc., the publisher that has printed more than 200 million copies of For Dummies books, EA will launch For Dummies PC games in US, Canada and the UK, and a Nintendo DS game will follow in the fall in North America and select countries across Europe. To get the fun started immediately, the first game in the series, Poker For Dummies featuring Texas Hold’Em, is available now for download on EA’s online gaming destination, Pogo™, at www.pogo.com!
Through an easy to navigate interface, the For Dummies titles teach players the skills to master a variety of exciting games and activities, from Poker and Solitaire to brain training and Sudoku. Poker For Dummies features tutorials and game play for Texas Hold’Em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud, and is sure to entertain and educate poker novices and enthusiasts alike. In the coming months, other For Dummies titles will become available via PC download including Solitaire For Dummies in September, Brain Training For Dummies in October, Sudoku For Dummies in November, and more into 2009. Poker For Dummies and Brain Training For Dummies will also be available for PC at retail stores in October 2008.
In November 2008, casual gamers will be able to learn, practice and play on the go when EA launches Travel Games For Dummies for the Nintendo DS. Travel Games For Dummies will feature tutorials and game play for three popular pastimes: Solitaire, Sudoku and crossword puzzles, all in one game.
“For Dummies offers an entirely fresh take on the world’s most popular games,” said Robert Nashak, vice president of EA Casual Studios. “By teaming up with the most recognized name in the area of self-improvement, we can provide not only fun games, but also everything it takes to learn and master them.”
The For Dummies series of games allows casual gamers to comfortably and easily learn how to play, improve, or find better ways to play their favorite games. Players begin learning the basics, such as rules and vocabulary, through a simple tutorial mode. Then, they participate in practice mode where a coach guides them along offering tips and advice. Finally, when they are ready, players engage in game play on their own, putting their new skills to use!
“We are very pleased to have partnered with EA and Beanbag Studios to help develop a great line of games and bring the trusted For Dummies brand to the PC and Nintendo DS gaming space,” said John Hislop, Associate Director, Brand Licensing of Wiley Publishing, Inc. “For years, people around the world have turned to For Dummies books and products to learn new skills, acquire knowledge efficiently with an accessible and fun format, and to improve their way of life. We hope the For Dummies games will reach new users and provide existing users with an exciting new way to learn.”
Poker For Dummies is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $19.99 for both the downloadable and the retail version. Additional For Dummies games have not yet been rated by the ESRB and PEGI. For more information, visit http://www.ea.com.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:19 am
I lost hope for the average intellect of humanity long ago. What scares me about this is the unspoken promise of more shovelware crap on the game market.
August 9th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
When is ‘Cheating at EA Games for Dummies’ coming out?