Imagine (video game series)
Simulation games for girls, published by Ubisoft.
Imagine is a series of simulation games released between late 2007 and early 2013. The titles were developed for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Microsoft Windows, and Wii, and were published by Ubisoft. The target audience is girls between the ages of six and fourteen. In the games, players step into roles like fashion designer, rock star, movie star, or teacher.
Ubisoft became a major publisher of "games for girls" on the DS and Wii through the Imagine, Ener-G, and Petz series. Critical reception of the Imagine series has been mixed. IGN noted that the quality varies widely, calling some entries "boring and soulless cash-ins" that exploit uninformed teenage girls, while describing others as "surprise hits" that turned out well. A 2008 article in *Game Developer* praised Ubisoft's casual titles—specifically Imagine and Petz—as "well-made non-shovelware" that did not exploit the innocence of their target market. However, social researcher Laura Fantone argued that the series reinforced "dated ideas about female achievement," where beauty, virtue, and exceptional luck are the primary means of improving one's status. A large number of games were released under the Imagine banner.
- publisher
- Ubisoft
- platforms
- Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Microsoft Windows, Wii
- release_period
- October 2007 to February 2013
- target_audience
- Girls aged six to fourteen
- genre
- Simulation
Lore & Background
The Imagine series of games allows players to take on the role of various occupations, such as a fashion designer, rock star, movie star, or teacher. Ubisoft became a leader in publishing 'games for girls' for the Nintendo DS and Wii through the Imagine, Ener-G, and Petz series. A large number of games have been released under the Imagine banner.
Reader's Guide
The Imagine series holds significance as a prominent line of simulation games targeting a specific demographic—girls aged six to fourteen—during a period when the market for such games was expanding. Published by Ubisoft, the series helped establish the company as a leader in 'games for girls' on the Nintendo DS and Wii, alongside the Ener-G and Petz series. Reception was mixed: IGN noted that Imagine games vary wildly in quality, describing some as 'boring and soulless cash-ins' and others as 'surprise hits.' A 2008 feature in Game Developer distinguished the Imagine and Petz series as 'well-made non-shovelware' that did not try to take advantage of the target market. Conversely, social researcher Laura Fantone argued that the series reiterated 'dated ideas about female achievement,' where beauty—'followed by virtue and exceptional luck'—is foremost in attaining improvement of status. The series' legacy includes both praise for its quality in a niche market and criticism for reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes.
Did You Know?
- Imagine games are aimed primarily at girls aged six to fourteen.
- The series was published by Ubisoft and released from October 2007 to February 2013.
- IGN described some Imagine games as 'boring and soulless cash-ins' and others as 'surprise hits.'
- Social researcher Laura Fantone thought the series reiterated 'dated ideas about female achievement.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Imagine series by Ubisoft?
Imagine is a line of simulation games published by Ubisoft in which players take on roles like fashion designer, rock star, movie star, or teacher. The series ran from October 2007 through February 2013.
What platforms are the Imagine games available on?
Titles in the series were released for Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Microsoft Windows, and Wii.
Who is the Imagine series designed for?
The games target girls aged six to fourteen, and Ubisoft leaned on the series alongside Ener-G and Petz to build a strong catalog of 'games for girls' on the DS and Wii.
What kind of gameplay do Imagine titles offer?
Each entry is a career-based simulation where you step into a specific role—designing outfits, performing live, acting in scenes, or running a classroom—and complete a series of related interactive tasks.
How did critics receive the Imagine series?
Reception has been mixed; reviewers such as IGN noted that quality varies widely across the lineup, with some entries well-received and others falling noticeably short.
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