Q: What products has Her Interactive developed?

A: In 1995, Her Interactive pioneered the girls’ game category with McKenzie and Co., the first CD-ROM title created specifically for teenage girls. In 1997, Her Interactive published Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill, the first in a CD-ROM series that transforms the legendary Nancy Drew mystery stories into interactive games. The games appeal to girls' natural curiosity and problem-solving skills by placing them in the role of Nancy Drew, where they encounter puzzles, brainteasers and a cast of characters straight out of the classic detective series. Her Interactive has published the following titles in the Nancy Drew series: Secrets Can Kill, Stay Tuned for Danger, Message in a Haunted Mansion, Treasure in the Royal Tower, The Final Scene, Secret of the Scarlet Hand, Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake, The Haunted Carousel and for the Game Boy Advance, Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion.

Q: Does Her Interactive think there is a big audience for girls' games?

A: Yes! More women are playing games than ever before. More than 43 percent of PC gamers are women, according to the Interactive Digital Software Association. Sales of girls CD-ROM titles grew 38% in 1998, more than double the 18% growth in the overall computer game category, according to PC Data. And when you consider that teenage girls account for more than $45 billion in retail sales annually, you realize they have a lot of clout to bring to the computer gaming and online industries. The market opportunity has been demonstrated by the success of Barbie Fashion Designer, which has sold more than 800,000 copies and is on PC Data’s list of the 10 best-selling CD-ROM games of all time. 

Q: What is the target age range for the Nancy Drew series?

A: The games are designed for ages 10 and up. And while it’s not surprising that girls enjoy playing the Nancy Drew games, the company reports that the games are also very popular with adults, particularly women. Many women have written about how much they enjoy playing the games with their daughters -- and by themselves.

The games are appropriate for a wide range of ages and skill levels because they can be played at three degrees of difficulty: junior, senior and master detective.

Q: Is the Nancy Drew game series appropriate for first-time game players?

A: Our games are designed for the casual game player, rather than the die-hard (and often) gamer. Unlike hard-core action-adventure or role-playing game publishers, we believe in the value of providing a little help along the way. If players get stuck, they can call on Nancy's best friends for helpful hints and additional clues – just like Nancy does in the books. Or they can chat with other Nancy Drew game fans and share hints on our website at www.herinteractive.com.

Q: Do parents need to be concerned about violence in the Nancy Drew games?

A: No. Our games are rated E for "Everybody" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Her Interactive games are cool without cruelty: they are the perfect answer for parents who want to buy their child a non-violent game that isn’t "totally lame."

Q: Where can I buy Her Interactive’s Nancy Drew games?

A: The games are available through a variety of online retailers, including Amazon.com and are widely available in major retail stores. Orders can be placed directly through the Her Interactive website at http://www.herinteractive.com or by calling the company toll-free at (800) 461-8787.