We presume that there will be an option for players to throw a tantrum and send everyone home

The 'casual gaming' debate is likely to flare up again with the confirmation that 2K Games is planning to release It's My Birthday for the Nintendo Wii in June of this year.

Best described as a 'Birthday party simulator', this title is being billed as a 'party in a box', with support for up to 12 different brats.

Now call us old fashioned, but surely the appeal of a party is that you actually interact with people, scoff cake until you're sick and get loads of expensive presents that will ultimately be broken/lost in less than a month, and as yet the Wii isn't capable of offering all of the above (although we're sure that Nintendo is working on that).

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Here's the full press release, if you have the stomach for it:

It’s My Birthday gives savvy mums and dads a complete “Party-in-a-Box” to throw the best next-generation birthday party for their kids, including themed games, invitations, banners, colouring sheets and a birthday crown – blue for boys, pink for girls!

“Getting older is about to become a lot more fun!” said Steve Lux, vice president of business development for 2K Play. “With It’s My Birthday, we deliver the ultimate home birthday party experience – from new twists on classic games to customized themes. We’re excited to give kids the gift of great memories and offer parents meaningful value.”

Up to 12 party goers can join in the festivities as they whack, roll, splash, pop, scribble, climb, jump, and shimmy their way through more than 20 birthday games, including Pin The Tail On The Donkey, Sack Race, Musical Chairs and Cake Stacker. The birthday boy or girl can also choose from ten party theme rooms to set the scene for an unforgettable bash, from “Pirates,” complete with sword and treasure chest, to “Princess,” with a royal castle, a fancy crown and unicorn. When it’s time to break for cake, a lively rendition of the traditional “Happy Birthday” song will play for everyone to sing along in karaoke-style, with a virtual cake on screen.

It’s My Birthday was developed by 2K’s Cat Daddy Games studio, the creators of the highly successful Carnival Games franchise, which has sold over four million copies to date.