View Full Version : Slang Term for Weak Game Variants?
Ze_ro
09-21-2008, 01:39 AM
Are there any slang term for games that companies release simultaneously under slightly different titles with only slightly different content? I'm referring of course to games like the various Pokemon series (Red/Blue/Yellow, etc), and many handheld series that followed suit, such as the Mega Man Star Force games.
If such a term doesn't exist, we should invent one. I'm thinking something that works as a noun, is relatively short (ie, slang), does not tie it to any specific company, and reflects both the extreme similarity in the games as well as the blatant greed of the company that released them.
--Zero
davidbrit2
09-21-2008, 01:44 AM
I say we go with "cloneware".
The 1 2 P
09-21-2008, 01:47 AM
The only ones I can think of are numbers, such as Madden '08 and Madden '09. Then you have Final Fantasy 7, 10, 55, 82. Pretty much the same games(for both series) with slightly better graphics and updated rosters/feminine heroes.
As for a name we can call the new versions, how about "infinity". I mean, it's not like they will stop making them anytime soon. "To infinity and ad naseum."
The only ones I can think of are numbers, such as Madden '08 and Madden '09. Then you have Final Fantasy 7, 10, 55, 82. Pretty much the same games(for both series) with slightly better graphics and updated rosters/feminine heroes.
As for a name we can call the new versions, how about "infinity". I mean, it's not like they will stop making them anytime soon. "To infinity and ad naseum."
You're not seriously comparing Final Fantasy sequels to yearly Madden roster updates, are you? The FF games are completely different with no ties to each other with the exception of things like chocobos, moogles, airships and characters named Cid.
Matt Antonellis
09-21-2008, 03:19 AM
Shovelware (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shovelware)?
...Maddenware? Close enough. ;)
Frankie_Says_Relax
09-21-2008, 10:07 AM
Palette-swapware
Vectorman0
09-21-2008, 12:44 PM
I really like davidbrit's term. It's really only for games that are near identical and released simultaneously, or very near simultaneously. So Pokemon Red/Blue would be cloneware, but Pokemon Yellow wouldn't be since it was released later on. Ze_ro came up with a good term for this - "Trailing clone."
Frankie_Says_Relax
09-21-2008, 04:11 PM
I think "clone" is a slang for bootleg HK hardware that's already pretty rooted in the gaming vernacular ...
and since these are legitimate retail products and not bootlegs ... I don't think we've nailed the new slang quite yet.
We need something that expresses companies' desire to essentially release the same product with minimal differences and a merciless desire to double their profits on what is essentially the same game ...
TonyTheTiger
09-21-2008, 05:03 PM
Do they actually accomplish that though? I've always gotten the impression that the vast majority of consumers pick one or the other and simply use linking features with friends to get the "full" experience. Trading Pokémon, etc. I don't know too many people who buy the variations.
As for slang...why not just call them what they are? Variantware. They vary slightly from each other but not in any substantial way.
And I wouldn't consider Madden (or any other sports sim for that matter) to be the same as Pokémon. Even if the games were just roster updates (which most of the time they aren't though in some cases it might be better if they were) it's more akin to game patches that just aren't downloadable. Much like an upgrade/modification of a previous game. Street Fighter II': Champion Edition, Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest, Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, etc. rather than two or three games released together that vary only slightly from one another.
Frankie_Says_Relax
09-21-2008, 05:18 PM
Variantware ain't bad.
And I think that Nintendo knows in the case of a game like Pokemon, X amount will buy version A, X amount will buy version B, and X WILL buy A and B.
While the buy both group is probably the smallest group ... it's probably enough profit-wise to warrant the trend being continued (and aped by other companies).
Kitsune Sniper
09-21-2008, 05:28 PM
I really like cloneware. Looks like this thread just spawned a few new terms. Let's make sure they get used. :P
TonyTheTiger
09-21-2008, 05:49 PM
Quick, make a Wikipedia entry!
rcc8756
09-21-2008, 06:39 PM
How about POS.
gum_drops
09-21-2008, 07:18 PM
What about Dissociative Identity Disorder Ware or "DIDware"
dendawg
09-21-2008, 07:32 PM
Since most of the games that fall into this category are Pokemon, how about "Pokeware?"
mailman187666
09-22-2008, 10:42 AM
I like variant ware, but it seems a little too long to be a slang word, where is clone ware is basically the same thing but easier to say. Just my 2 cents anyway.
Cryomancer
09-22-2008, 04:16 PM
Dupeware? Doubleware? BITware, for Buy it Twice? Dunno, but this is definately something that could use a term.
AB Positive
09-22-2008, 06:49 PM
Milkware
designed to milk as much cash as possible out of the cash cow. Milkware. Mooo.
Cryomancer
09-22-2008, 06:53 PM
Nice suggestion.
Kid Fenris
09-22-2008, 08:09 PM
As long as we're needlessly making up words that we'll have to explain each time we use them, let's call these games "Cockbot Bumbledicks."
FrakAttack
09-22-2008, 08:49 PM
Pairware?
badinsults
09-22-2008, 09:24 PM
Considering Pokemon is generally considered the best example, maybe it should be called "Pokeware" or "Waremon". I like Waremon, personally.
ANONPLOX
09-22-2008, 09:56 PM
You're not seriously comparing Final Fantasy sequels to yearly Madden roster updates, are you? The FF games are completely different with no ties to each other with the exception of things like chocobos, moogles, airships and characters named Cid.
I actually have a theory involving the world of FF and that I noticed that the map only slightly was altered from FF1 to FF10 with some minor to major upheavels removing some more familiar locals that seemed to have stayed for several games with slight alterations to throw you off (not including the Gameboy FF series). Now I might be wrong on that and maybe im right but only Squaresoft might know.
badinsults
09-22-2008, 10:12 PM
I actually have a theory involving the world of FF and that I noticed that the map only slightly was altered from FF1 to FF10 with some minor to major upheavels removing some more familiar locals that seemed to have stayed for several games with slight alterations to throw you off (not including the Gameboy FF series). Now I might be wrong on that and maybe im right but only Squaresoft might know.
UNSUCCESSFUL TROLL IS UNSUCCESSFUL
Ze_ro
09-22-2008, 10:16 PM
I think I'll just start calling them "twins" and see if anyone follows suit.
--Zero
scooterb23
09-22-2008, 11:05 PM
Twins? United outside and in?
FrakAttack
09-22-2008, 11:54 PM
Doppleware.
Sonicwolf
09-23-2008, 12:02 AM
I think a good term is "Severe Milkage"... lol
ANONPLOX
09-23-2008, 12:05 AM
UNSUCCESSFUL TROLL IS UNSUCCESSFUL
actually that's my own personal theory my good sir and EFG will see u now
Xian042
09-23-2008, 10:46 AM
I like Doppleware and milkware. I think milkware describes it best.
Cloneware is good but clones refer to games made by other compaines that are identical in gameplay. This person is looking for a term that describes that and identical sequels to the games as well like Pokemon. These arent really clones, but a milking, or fleecing, of gamers money.
So I say
Milkware,
or fleeceware.
Xian042
09-24-2008, 08:19 AM
the more I think about it, the more I like
Fleeceware
GreatBazunka
09-24-2008, 10:17 AM
Since most of the games that fall into this category are Pokemon, how about "Pokeware?"
I like this one since pokemon games are what aprked this whole thing. It also kind of keeps the word inside the "circle of geeks" because they are the only people that will know what it means. Kind of like an inside joke that isnt funny.