Microsoft Pursues Kid Gamers With Viva Pinata

Posted on March 15, 2006

Microsoft has unveiled a new kids game based on living pinata animals called Viva Pinata. The game was developed by Microsoft's Rare division. The characters in the game are inspired by paper mache pinatas. There will also be a kids cartoon series and toys based on the creatures from Viva Pinata. The game is part of Microsoft's attempt to broaden the Xbox demographic to include kids.

Shane Kim, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios, told Reuters, "This is the first property that we've ever created that has this comprehensive of an approach from the start. Microsoft's Rare is developing the video game.

Screenshots from the game, like the one on the right that includes Viva Pinata character Hudson Horstachio, are attractive and contain vivid colors. No exact dates have been set for the game's release but the Reuters story says the show will debut in the U.S. this fall and the game will out in time for the holidays.

Note: This game was followed by Viva Piñata: Party Animals and Viva Pinatata: Trouble in Paradise.

Rare shares five things you didn't know about Viva Pinata in this video.