Software:Where Is My Heart?

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Where is my Heart?
Developer(s)
  • Schulenburg Software
  • Die Gute Fabrik
Publisher(s)Die Gute Fabrik
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux[1]
ReleasePlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
  • NA: November 8, 2011
  • EU: November 16, 2011
Windows, macOS
May 29, 2014
Linux
TBA[1]
Genre(s)Platform, puzzle
Mode(s)Single-player

Where is My Heart? is a platform video game developed by Danish studios Schulenburg Software and Die Gute Fabrik. It was released as a PlayStation mini on the PlayStation Network in North America on November 8, 2011[2] and Europe on November 16, 2011.[3]

On March 2, 2012, Die Gute Fabrik announced plans to release the game for Windows, macOS, and Linux in the spring of 2012,[4] a date which was pushed back, eventually seeing the Windows and macOS versions released on May 29, 2014, with the Linux version "still on the way…".[1]

Story

Where is My Heart? tells the story of a family of three monsters who find themselves lost in the forest after setting out to find their home (a tree) after it mysteriously floats away one day. Elements of familial struggle and working together are sprinkled throughout.

Gameplay

An example of a level broken up into shuffled frames, which the player must figure out how to navigate.

The game starts out as any platformer might, but soon the image breaks into frames of varying sizes, often shuffling them. The player must then try to navigate their way through the level, by piecing together where their character appears to be in any given frame, as well as collecting hearts or figuring out other puzzles that might feature in a level. The player is able to switch between one of the three monster characters at will, each of them having a special ability that can aid in solving a level.

Development

The idea for the game was derived from Die Gute Fabrik designer Bernhard Schulenburg's memories of being lost in the woods as a child while on a hike with his parents.[5][6] The game is also an homage to platformers of the 1980s and '90s, and its story and art direction are inspired by "German fairytales, the mythical creatures of Central Europe, and Japanese pictogram aesthetics."[5]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic(PSP) 81/100[7]
(PC) 74/100[8]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Destructoid(PSP) 9/10[6]
Edge(PSP) 8/10[10]
Eurogamer(PS3) 8/10[11]
GameRevolution(PC) 7/10[12]
GameSpot(PC) 7/10[13]
GameZone(PSP) 9.5/10[14]
Hardcore Gamer(PC) 3.5/5[15]
IGN(PSP) 7/10[16]
OPM (UK)(PSP) 8/10[17]
Pocket Gamer(PSP) StarStarStarStarHalf star[18]
Push Square(PSP) StarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[19]

The PSP version received "favorable" reviews, while the PC version received above-average reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[7][8]

GameZone reviewer David Sanchez gave applause to the gameplay and art direction, proclaiming the PSP version "...a wonderful experience that's both a work of art and proper homage to classic game design...one of the most genius gameplay formats seen in a platformer in a long time."[14] Brendon Keogh of Edge praised the ingenuity in the separated frames mechanic, stating, "A less skilled developer could easily abuse such a novel device, but the restrained, careful design of Where is my Heart? ensures the game lasts just long enough to get the most out of its mechanic without succumbing to padding."[10] Christian Donlan of Eurogamer also commended the design as "...a concept so ingenious, I'm stunned I've never seen it before."[11]

Conversely, David Wolinsky of The A.V. Club found the same PSP version interesting but somewhat repetitive, saying, "A bit one-note. It's an incredibly interesting note, but still, there isn't much variation as you work your way through all 26 levels."[9] The major complaint of IGN's Ryan Clements was simply that the game's play-through time is too short, recommending the same PSP version with a caveat: "Play it for something a little different, even if the experience doesn't last longer than a few hours."[16]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bernie (May 29, 2014). "Where is My Heart is finally out for Windows and Mac!". Archived from the original on June 4, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140604025344/http://gutefabrik.com/blog/?p=2581. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  2. ↑ Chen, Grace (November 8, 2011). "PlayStation Store Update". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/2011/11/08/playstation-store-update-212/. Retrieved November 20, 2022. 
  3. ↑ "Where is my Heart?". Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120204035957/http://uk.playstation.com/psn/games/detail/item307532/Where-is-my-Heart/. Retrieved November 20, 2022. 
  4. ↑ Nils (March 2, 2012). "Where is my Heart coming to Windows, Mac, Linux". Archived from the original on May 27, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140527212806/http://gutefabrik.com/blog/?p=1535. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Where Is My Heart". Archived from the original on September 2, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140902092055/http://gutefabrik.com/wimh.html. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Hansen, Steven (December 12, 2011). "Review: Where-is-my-Heart? [sic (PSP)"]. Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-where-is-my-heart/. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Where is My Heart? for PSP Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/where-is-my-heart/critic-reviews/?platform=psp. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Where is My Heart? for PC Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/where-is-my-heart/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Wolinsky, David (December 19, 2011). "Where Is My Heart? (PSP)". G/O Media. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120107212145/http://www.avclub.com/articles/where-is-my-heart,66658/. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Keogh, Brendon (November 23, 2011). "Where is my Heart? review (PSP)". Edge (Future plc). Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120405061908/http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/where-my-heart-review. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Donlan, Christian (November 4, 2011). "Where Is My Heart? Review (PlayStation 3) [date mislabeled as "November 24, 2011""]. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141013010717/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-04-where-is-my-heart-review. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  12. ↑ Davidson, Joey (June 26, 2014). "Where Is My Heart? Review (PC)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/64625-where-is-my-heart-review. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  13. ↑ Peele, Britton (May 29, 2014). "Where Is My Heart? Review (PC)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/where-is-my-heart-review/1900-6415775/. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Sanchez, David (December 9, 2011). "Where Is My Heart? Review (PSP)". Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120108041254/https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/where-is-my-heart-review. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  15. ↑ Estrada, Marcus (June 2, 2014). "Review: Where is my Heart? (PC)". Hardcore Gamer. https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-where-is-my-heart/86945/. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Clements, Ryan (November 23, 2011). "Where Is My Heart? Review (PSP)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/23/where-is-my-heart-review. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  17. ↑ "Where Is My Heart? (PSP)". PlayStation Official Magazine - UK (Future plc) (87): 107. February 2012. 
  18. ↑ Willington, Peter (November 22, 2011). "Where Is My Heart?". Steel Media Ltd. https://www.pocketgamer.com/where-is-my-heart/where-is-my-heart/. Retrieved November 21, 2022. 
  19. ↑ Barker, Sammy (November 10, 2011). "Where Is My Heart? Review". Gamer Network. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psminis/where_is_my_heart. Retrieved June 9, 2023. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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