There’s a new release exciting the gamer population. I too was excited when I saw the title. — Birthdays the Beginning is due out in early 2017. It’s the latest from the developer of Harvest Moon (and apparently that means something big in gamer world).

I’ve checked out the simulation game screen shots and related press. I’m disappointed. The only the reason it’s related to birthdays is because the game sees you birthing an entire ecosystem. One advance blurb summarizes the premise as follows:

A garden game in which players create cube-shaped worlds that give rise to diverse and unique lifeforms. Shape the geography and alter the temperature of each world to create the conditions for life and witness the birth of an entire ecosystem!

Sigh. I don’t see any cupcakes, balloons, or party favors in any of the screenshots. The closest we get is this one in which it could be thought a creature is floating alongside some scorching birthday fireworks (or cakes with too many candles˚).

Image source: Steam

I looked online to see what kinds of games exist in the app store related to this special event in all of our lives.

My Birthday Party — The Game lets you choose a birthday boy, girl or pet, bake a virtual cake, set the table, open presents and blow out the candles. All without any cleanup required. No wonder the kids involved have such saucer eyes!

Toca Birthday Party has the same idea and even lets you shoot fun party poppers. Apparently you also put things away in the dishwasher after party planning goes well, so I guess there’s a lesson in there too.

The Yo Gabba Gabba Birthday Party is about a “super-fun party for Brobee’s fourth birthday” and kids help catch falling plates, find matching gifts, swing at a pinata and play party hat shuffle along with their favorite characters from the show.

Baby Panda’s Birthday Party creates “a warm and happy atmosphere” as you help celebrate Kiki’s birthday with cream cakes and donuts waving at you.

You might have noticed all of these games are toddler focused. Boo. I don’t see why an adult can’t enjoy birthday game fun too. My suggestion?

Birthday Balloon Blast. You pop birthday balloons in a Tetris/Candy Crush kind of way, but then once the level is complete you get to unwrap a present with a reward for the next level.

What interactive and fun game might you suggest that could be birthday themed?