Pridefest (video game)

Last updated

Pridefest
Pridefest banner art.jpg
Pridefest logo
Developer Mad Marshmallow
Publishers Atari
LGBT Media
Platforms iOS, Android
ReleaseJanuary 27, 2016
Genre Social simulation
Modes Single-player, Multiplayer

Pridefest is a social simulation game developed by Mad Marshmallow and published by Atari for iOS and Android. Atari announced the game on July 17, 2014, shortly after the company sponsored and participated in GaymerX2. [1] The game was released on January 27, 2016. [2] [3] The game generated controversy over perceived insensitive handling of its subject matter, which led Atari to sell the game's rights to LGBT Media. [4]

Contents

Gameplay

Players can launch and manage an LGBT pride parade in a city of their choosing. They can customize parade floats by selecting size, components, mascots, and decorations, as well as surrounding structures and side attractions, which factor into a city happiness metric. Players complete quests or challenge goals to unlock new parades, earn festival supplies, or secure bonuses. Social elements of the game include avatar customization, chatting with friends, and the ability to bring one player's parade to a friend's city or join a friend's parade. [1] [2] [3]

Development

This was Atari's first LGBT-themed video game, and their second major outreach to the LGBT gaming community after sponsoring and participating in GaymerX2. [1] The company formed an advisory board including members of the LGBT gamer community to help avoid stereotypes and "to develop an engaging and fun game that is inclusive to all gamers". [2]

Atari did not plan to include political aspects of LGBT pride parades in the game. According to the company, "Pridefest will be a fun, social game first and foremost. We do not have a political component in the game." [2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Atari® Leads the March with Pridefest™, a New LGBT-Themed Game Coming Soon" (Press release). Atari, Inc. July 17, 2014. Archived from the original on August 15, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Kamen, Matt (July 23, 2014). "LGBT sim Pridefest marks Atari's equality push". Wired.co.uk. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  3. 1 2 Peckham, Matt (July 17, 2014). "Atari Unveils Pridefest, an LGBT-Themed Social Sim Game". Time. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  4. Sinclair, Brendan (August 16, 2017). "Atari hands off Pridefest". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved August 14, 2025.