The next Pokemon?

Microsoft announced this week that it's working on a kid-friendly Xbox 360 game called Viva Pinata. It seems to be one of those Animal Crossing/Sims type games where you don't really do anything, but that's the point. There's also plans for a Viva Pinata cartoon and, Microsoft undoubtedly hopes, massive licensing tie-ins.

It's great to see that Microsoft has more than just Xbox Live Arcade in its broaden-the-audience plan. Microsoft general manager Shane Kim says the game is targeted to casual gamers and families as well as kids, though it does look pretty cutesy. But developer Rare has a good track record, and the important thing is they're trying.

The cartoon part of this shows that Microsoft is serious about finding new revenue streams. Product licensing is huge for movie studios, and game companies need to get in on that action more.