Pridefest (video game)
| Pridefest | |
|---|---|
 Pridefest logo | |
| Developer(s) | Mad Marshmallow |
| Publisher(s) | Atari LGBT Media |
| Platform(s) | iOS, Android |
| Release | January 27, 2016 |
| Genre(s) | Social simulation |
| Mode(s) | 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 received controversy over its insensitive handling of its subject matter, leading Atari to sell the game's rights to LGBT Media.[4]
Gameplay
Players are able to launch and manage an LGBT pride parade in a city of their choosing. They can customize parade floats by choosing size, components, mascots and decorations, as well as surrounding structures and side attractions, which then factor into a city happiness metric. Players can complete quests or challenge goals to unlock new parades, receive 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 to join in on a friend's parade.[1][2][3]
Development
This is the first LGBT-themed video game from Atari, Inc. and their second major outreach to the LGBT gaming community after sponsoring and participating in GaymerX2.[1] The company is putting together an advisory board that includes people from the LGBT gamer community to help avoid stereotypes and "to develop an engaging and fun game that is inclusive to all gamers".[2]
Atari does not plan to include the political aspects of LGBT pride parades. 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
- ^ a b c "Atari® Leads the March with Pridefest™, a New LGBT-Themed Game Coming Soon" (Press release). Atari, Inc. July 17, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
- ^ a b c d 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.
- ^ a b Peckham, Matt (July 17, 2014). "Atari Unveils Pridefest, an LGBT-Themed Social Sim Game". Time. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
- ^ Sinclair, Brendan (August 16, 2017). "Atari hands off Pridefest". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved August 14, 2025.