EA making games For Dummies

Whether it's laying plumbing or managing Oracle databases, there's probably a For Dummies book that explains just how to do it. Now, Wiley Publishing's ubiquitous yellow-and-black how-to manuals are making the transition to the interactive medium, thanks to publishing powerhouse Electronic Arts and Beanbag Studios. As part of its arrangement with Wiley Publishing, EA plans to release a line of For Dummies-branded games under its Casual Entertainment label for the PC in the US, Canada, and the UK, with Nintendo DS installments following in this fall.

As part of today's announcement, the publisher said that the first of these titles, Poker For Dummies featuring Texas Hold 'Em, is now available for play through its casual-gaming portal, Pogo.com. The card-game trainer includes instructional gameplay for poker variants including the titular Texas Hold 'Em, as well as Omaha and Seven-Card Stud, and players can begin dealing for $19.95.

EA plans to follow up Poker For Dummies on the PC with Solitaire For Dummies in September, Brain Training For Dummies in October, and Sudoku For Dummies in November, with more titles slated to arrive in 2009. Retail editions of Poker and Brain Training are expected to ship to stores in October.

Travel Games For Dummies marks the first DS installment in the line, and it will go on sale in November. A how-to minigame compilation, Travel Games includes tutorials for Solitaire, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles, as well as other modes where gamers can put into practice their newfound skills.