Many 'fanboys' call the Nintendo GameCube "kiddy", because of how it looks, because of its games and many other reasons. Well it seems that Microsoft want to join in and have "kiddy" titles.

Microsoft have been preparing 10 child-oriented games, including the first game by Rare, Grabbed by the Ghoulies. "The Xbox started off as a mature console," said Ed Fries, Vice President of Xbox game content, "that is starting to change. We are shifting away from the hardcore player and getting a broader line of content,"

While the Xbox may contain games such as Halo and Project Gotham Racing, aimed at late teens and men in their early twenties, they have few exclusive child-oriented games.

"We need more experimentation," said Fries, "We know how to reach the hardcore gamer. We know how to make role-playing games, racing games. We need to find out how to reach a wider audience."

Microsoft are planning on releasing 10 games for children, including Grabbed by the Ghoulies, Dancing Stage Unleashed and Harry Potter: Quidditch Cup.

"It has taken a while to convince them that we have more than a hardcore audience, that we are going to be a broad appeal machine," said Mr Fries about the issue.

Rare's first game for the Xbox will be one of these child-friendly games. "Rare provides an opportunity to go after a much wider demographic," said Ken Lobb, Studio Manager at Microsoft Game Studios about Rare."It maps to the long-term strategy of the Xbox. Part of the reason of the purchase was to broaden the portfolio."

Mr Lobb admitted that it is a challenge to create games for children. "You don't dumb games down just because you think they are for children,"