3 Food Companies that Dabbled in Video Games
Have you ever wondered if your favorite food company also tried their hand at creating video games? It may come as a surprise, but some of the most popular fast-food chains have indeed ventured into the world of gaming.
I'm an experienced food writer and passionate cook. My website, Cookindocs.com, features accessible, informative, and engaging content with quality recipes and articles that are thoroughly researched and enjoyable to read. You can trust my expertise with 8 years of experience in the field. Learn more about me and my work on this website, and check out my featured articles on TastingTable, Mashed, and 5-Minute Crafts. Read more about me HERE.
In this article, we’ll explore some food companies that once operated a video games division and created games to promote their products.
Taco Bell: Tasty Temple Challenge
In 2000, Taco Bell released a video game called Taco Bell: Tasty Temple Challenge. The game was available to play online and was designed to promote Taco Bell’s menu items.
The player had to collect ingredients to create a taco while avoiding obstacles such as hot sauce packets and sporks.
Burger King’s Xbox 360 Games
In 2006, Burger King released three video games for the Xbox 360 console: Sneak King, Pocketbike Racer, and Big Bumpin’. These games were part of a promotion that offered customers the chance to purchase the games for $3.99 with the purchase of a value meal.
Sneak King allowed players to play as the Burger King mascot and deliver food to hungry people around the city. Pocketbike Racer was a go-kart racing game, and Big Bumpin’ was a bumper car game.
McDonald’s Video Game
McDonald’s also tried their hand at video games with the release of McDonald’s Video Game in 2006. The game was a web-based simulation game that allowed players to manage all aspects of a McDonald’s restaurant.
From buying ingredients to setting prices, players had to make strategic decisions to keep their restaurant profitable.
McDonald’s Treasureland Adventure
In 1993, McDonald’s released McDonald’s Treasureland Adventure, a platform game for Sega Genesis. The game featured Ronald McDonald as the main character, who had to collect treasure and defeat enemies to save the Hamburglar.
The game was well-received and is still considered a classic by many gamers.
Other McDonald’s Games
In addition to McDonald’s Video Game and Treasureland Adventure, there are also other video games featuring McDonald’s characters or products. Spot: The Cool Adventure, a game for Game Boy, starred the iconic McDonald’s mascot, Spot the Dog. In Japan, McDonald’s released a game for the Nintendo DS called Touch de Rakushou! Pachislo Sengen: Rio de Carnival, which allowed players to simulate playing slot machines.
Final Thoughts
While these food companies may not have operated a full-fledged video games division, they did create games to promote their products. From web-based simulations to console games, these food companies proved that they could not only make delicious food but also create entertaining games.
Have you played any of these food-themed video games? Let us know in the comments below!
