Grimace's Birthday: Difference between revisions

Grimace's Birthday
Grimace's Birthday
	Menu screen
Developer(s)	Krool Toys
Publisher(s)	McDonald's
Producer(s)	Mike Wires
Designer(s)	Tom Lockwood
Programmer(s)	Bryan Taylor
Artist(s)	Tom Lockwood
Platform(s)	Browser
Release	12 June 2023
Genre(s)	Platformer
Mode(s)	Single-player

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Grimace's Birthday is a 2023 browser-based platformer game developed by Krool Toys and published by McDonald's. The game was a promotional title released to coincide with the launch of the Grimace Shake on 12 June 2023. Development of Grimace's Birthday used GB Studio, a tool to create games compatible with use on Game Boy hardware, although the game was not a Nintendo-licensed title and did not receive a physical release. Grimace's Birthday was positively received, with several critics directing attention to the unexpected theme and medium for a promotional game and the strong likeness of the game's visual presentation to Game Boy titles.

Gameplay

Grimace's Birthday is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player takes control of Grimace throughout four levels with two stages each. In the first stage, the player controls Grimace on a skateboard, able to perform rail grinds and other tricks. In the second stage, Grimace moves freely and has a bubble power-up, allowing him to float. Each level is scored against a time limit, with points accumulated from actions such as defeating enemies and performing tricks. Throughout the levels, the player can collect Grimace Shakes for bonus points. After completing every level, the player can complete a bonus minigame and blow out the candles of their birthday cake for bonus points.^[1] Grimace's Birthday features two game modes besides the main story mode: a "Score Attack" mode in which the player is tasked with gaining as many points as possible under a time limit and a "Freeskate" mode in which the player can move freely with no time limit.^[2]

Plot

Grimace is planning a birthday party at McDonald's, but his friends, Birdie, Hamburglar, and the McNugget Buddies, are missing. To host his party, Grimace must find his friends before midnight. Along the way, Grimace finds Hamburglar stealing burgers. Birdie tells Grimace that she is stuck in telephone wires, but Grimace discovers that Birdie planned a birthday surprise with the McNugget Buddies. With his friends, Grimace returns to McDonald's to blow out the candles of his birthday cake and describes the day as the "best birthday ever".

Development

Grimace's Birthday was commissioned by Wieden+Kennedy on behalf of McDonald's and produced and directed by Brooklyn-based studio Krool Toys, founded by Tia Chinai and Stefan Cohen.^[3] The game was released as a promotional tool to coincide with the release of the Grimace Shake and the limited-edition Grimace Birthday Meal.^[a]^[5] A McDonald's press release stated the promotion aimed to "pay homage" to "childhood memories [at] McDonald's" by putting a "modern spin on these memories" through marketing that meets the "intersection of nostalgia and culture".^[6] Though the game did not receive a physical release, it is the first promotional title for McDonald's playable on a console since the 1993 Sega Genesis title McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure.^[7]

The gameplay of Grimace's Birthday was designed by Tom Lockwood and coded by Bryan Taylor.^[1] This was done through GB Studio, a game development tool that allows to create ROM compatible with Game Boy hardware.^[8] It was developed under time constraints; it was completed in less than seven weeks to coincide with the release of other Grimace's Birthday promotions.^[7] The game was released as a browser game on the Krool Toys website, and not formally released as a Game Boy title, although users have ported the game to Game Boy hardware.^[1]

Reception

Several critics noted the unexpected quality of Grimace's Birthday, with Andrew Liszewski of Gizmodo describing the game as a "surprisingly solid platformer"^[9] and Zoey Handley of Destructoid expressing surprise that the game was "actually good".^[1] Handley praised the "well-executed variety" of the game modes, while criticizing the short length of the game, writing that the mechanics were underused.^[1] Mariella Moon of Engadget noted the game "worked smoothly", but stated she struggled with jumping over obstacles and sliding across hand rails, citing her "clumsy handling of the game's controls".^[10]

Critics have commented on the game's strong resemblance to the presentation of Game Boy Color titles. Kelsey Raynor of VG247 noted that the game was developed with a "keen eye for retro games", praising the "real passion and effort".^[11] Andrew Cunningham of Ars Technica similarly called the pixel art "legitimately great" and "cleverly designed", noticing the game's request for a color device when a user tried to play the game on the original Game Boy.^[12] Ashley Bardhan of Kotaku highlighted the game's marketing, describing the official website as a "part of the perfect 2000s internet time capsule."^[13]

Notes and references

Notes

^ The exact date of Grimace's birthday is unknown.^[4]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Handley, Zoey (13 June 2023). "Grimace's Birthday is a new Game Boy Color advergame, and I'm kind of lovin' it". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Gutierrez, Luis Joshua (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Made A Grimace Game For Some Reason". Gamespot. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Destefano, Mike (2 July 2022). "Krool Toys is Making Nostalgic Video Games Inspired By Your Favorite Albums". Complex. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Astrid, Kayembe (12 July 2023). "Why was the internet obsessed with McDonald's mascot Grimace — and his shake?". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2023-07-17. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
^ Alexander, Cristina (14 June 2023). "McDonald's Released a Brand-New Game Boy Color Game for Grimace's Birthday". IGN. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Wanerka, Laura (6 June 2023). "You're Invited: McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with Special Meal & Shake". PR Newswire. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ ^a ^b McFerran, Damien (19 June 2023). "The Making Of: Grimace's Birthday - The McDonald's Game Boy Adventure That Became a Viral Sensation". Time Extension. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Paternostro, Emi (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with a GB Studio Game". GB Studio Central. Archived from the original on 17 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Liszewski, Andrew (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Serves Up a Brand New Game Boy Color Game in the Year 2023". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Moon, Mariella (14 June 2023). "McDonald's just released a Grimace Game Boy Color game". Engadget. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Raynor, Kelsey (15 June 2023). "McDonald's releases video game for 25-year-old Game Boy". VG247. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Cunningham, Andrew (14 June 2023). "For reasons no one can fathom, McDonald's has released a new Game Boy Color game". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
^ Bardhan, Ashley (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Just Released A Game That Runs On Game Boy Color". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

External links

[birthday-5] The exact date of Grimace's birthday is unknown.^[4]

[DS-1] Handley, Zoey (13 June 2023). "Grimace's Birthday is a new Game Boy Color advergame, and I'm kind of lovin' it". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[2] Gutierrez, Luis Joshua (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Made A Grimace Game For Some Reason". Gamespot. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[3] Destefano, Mike (2 July 2022). "Krool Toys is Making Nostalgic Video Games Inspired By Your Favorite Albums". Complex. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[4] Astrid, Kayembe (12 July 2023). "Why was the internet obsessed with McDonald's mascot Grimace — and his shake?". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2023-07-17. Retrieved 2023-07-17.

[6] Alexander, Cristina (14 June 2023). "McDonald's Released a Brand-New Game Boy Color Game for Grimace's Birthday". IGN. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[7] Wanerka, Laura (6 June 2023). "You're Invited: McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with Special Meal & Shake". PR Newswire. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[TE-8] McFerran, Damien (19 June 2023). "The Making Of: Grimace's Birthday - The McDonald's Game Boy Adventure That Became a Viral Sensation". Time Extension. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[9] Paternostro, Emi (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with a GB Studio Game". GB Studio Central. Archived from the original on 17 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[10] Liszewski, Andrew (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Serves Up a Brand New Game Boy Color Game in the Year 2023". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[11] Moon, Mariella (14 June 2023). "McDonald's just released a Grimace Game Boy Color game". Engadget. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[12] Raynor, Kelsey (15 June 2023). "McDonald's releases video game for 25-year-old Game Boy". VG247. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[13] Cunningham, Andrew (14 June 2023). "For reasons no one can fathom, McDonald's has released a new Game Boy Color game". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

[KT-14] Bardhan, Ashley (13 June 2023). "McDonald's Just Released A Game That Runs On Game Boy Color". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{short description|2023 video game}}
+{{good article}}
 {{Infobox video game
-| title        = Grimace's Birthday
+| title = Grimace's Birthday
-| image        = Grimace's Birthday GBC Cover.png
+| image = Grimace's Birthday GBC Cover.png
-| caption      = Menu screen
+| caption = Menu screen
-| developer    = [[Krool Toys]]
+| developer = [[Krool Toys]]
-| designer     = Tom Lockwood
+| designer = Tom Lockwood
-| programmer   = Bryan Taylor
+| programmer = Bryan Taylor
-| publisher    = [[McDonald's]]
+| publisher = [[McDonald's]]
-| released     = {{vgrelease|WW|12 June 2023}}
+| released = 12 June 2023
-| genre        = [[Platform game|Platform]]
+| genre = [[Platformer]]
-| platforms    = [[Browser game|Browser]]
+| platforms = [[Browser game|Browser]]
 | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
+| producer = Mike Wires
+| artist = Tom Lockwood
 }}
-'''''Grimace's Birthday''''' is a 2023 online browser [[video game]] developed by [[Krool Toys]] and published by [[McDonald's]]. Developed as a promotional release, the game is an [[action game|action]] [[platform game|platformer]] developed using software to imitate a [[Game Boy Color]] title. While the game did not receive a physical release and is not a [[Nintendo]]-licensed [[Game Boy]] game, its files are compatible with Game Boy hardware. ''Grimace's Birthday'' was released to positive reception, with several critics directing attention to the unexpected theme and medium for a promotional game, and the strong likeness of the game's visual presentation to Game Boy titles.
+'''''Grimace's Birthday''''' is a 2023 [[Browser game|browser-based]] [[platformer]] game developed by [[Krool Toys]] and published by [[McDonald's]]. The game was a promotional title released to coincide with the launch of the [[Grimace Shake]] on 12 June 2023. Development of ''Grimace's Birthday'' used GB Studio, a tool to create games [[Backward compatibility|compatible with]] use on [[Game Boy]] hardware, although the game was not a [[Nintendo]]-licensed title and did not receive a physical release. ''Grimace's Birthday'' was positively received, with several critics directing attention to the unexpected theme and medium for a promotional game and the strong likeness of the game's visual presentation to Game Boy titles.
 ==Gameplay==
@@ Line 19: / Line 22: @@
 [[Image:Grimace's Birthday GBC.jpg|thumb|left|A screenshot of gameplay in ''Grimace's Birthday''.]]
-''Grimace's Birthday'' is a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling platformer]] in which players take control of Grimace over four levels in two stages. In with the first stage, the player controls Grimace on a skateboard, and can perform rail grinds and tricks. In the second stage, Grimace moves freely and possesses a bubble power-up allowing the player to float. Each level is scored against a time limit, with points accumulated from actions such as defeating enemies and performing tricks. Throughout the levels, players can collect 40 Grimace Shakes for additional points. After completing the stages, the player can complete a bonus minigame and blow out the candles of their birthday cake for bonus points.<ref name=DS/> ''Grimace's Birthday'' features two game modes besides the main story mode: a "Score Attack" mode in which players are required to gain as many points as possible under a time limit and a "Freeskate" mode in which players can move freely with no time limit.<ref>{{cite web|website=Gamespot|title=McDonald's Made A Grimace Game For Some Reason|last=Gutierrez|first=Luis Joshua|date=13 June 2023|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mcdonalds-made-a-grimace-game-for-some-reason/1100-6515193/|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701073018/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mcdonalds-made-a-grimace-game-for-some-reason/1100-6515193/|url-status=live}}</ref>
+''Grimace's Birthday'' is a [[Side-scrolling platform game|side-scrolling platformer]] in which the player takes control of [[Grimace (character)|Grimace]] throughout four [[Level (video games)|levels]] with two stages each. In the first stage, the player controls Grimace on a skateboard, able to perform rail grinds and other tricks. In the second stage, Grimace moves freely and has a bubble [[power-up]], allowing him to float. Each level is scored against a time limit, with points accumulated from actions such as defeating enemies and performing tricks. Throughout the levels, the player can collect [[Grimace Shake|Grimace Shakes]] for [[bonus points]]. After completing every level, the player can complete a bonus minigame and blow out the candles of their birthday cake for bonus points.<ref name=DS/> ''Grimace's Birthday'' features two game modes besides the main story mode: a "Score Attack" mode in which the player is tasked with gaining as many points as possible under a time limit and a "Freeskate" mode in which the player can move freely with no time limit.<ref>{{cite web|website=Gamespot|title=McDonald's Made A Grimace Game For Some Reason|last=Gutierrez|first=Luis Joshua|date=13 June 2023|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mcdonalds-made-a-grimace-game-for-some-reason/1100-6515193/|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701073018/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mcdonalds-made-a-grimace-game-for-some-reason/1100-6515193/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 == Plot ==
-Grimace is planning a birthday party at McDonald's, but his friends, Birdie, Hamburglar and the McNugget Buddies are missing. Grimace has to find his friends before midnight so he can hold his party before time rounds out. Grimace finds Hamburglar stealing burgers. Birdie tells Grimace that she is stuck in some telephone wires, but Grimace discovers that Birdie planned a birthday surprise with the McNugget Buddies. With his friends, Grimace returns to McDonald's to blow out the candles of his birthday cake, and describes the day as the "best birthday ever".
+Grimace is planning a birthday party at [[McDonald's]], but his friends, Birdie, Hamburglar, and the McNugget Buddies, are missing. To host his party, Grimace must find his friends before midnight. Along the way, Grimace finds Hamburglar stealing burgers. Birdie tells Grimace that she is stuck in telephone wires, but Grimace discovers that Birdie planned a birthday surprise with the McNugget Buddies. With his friends, Grimace returns to McDonald's to blow out the candles of his birthday cake and describes the day as the "best birthday ever".
 == Development ==
-''Grimace's Birthday'' was commissioned by [[Wieden+Kennedy]] on behalf of McDonald's and produced and directed by [[Brooklyn]]-based studio Krool Toys, founded by Tia Chinai and Stefan Cohen.<ref>{{cite web|website=Complex|last=Destefano|first=Mike|date=2 July 2022|title=Krool Toys is Making Nostalgic Video Games Inspired By Your Favorite Albums|url=https://www.complex.com/style/a/mike-destefano/krool-toys-video-games-lil-uzi-vert-playboi-carti|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707044259/https://www.complex.com/style/a/mike-destefano/krool-toys-video-games-lil-uzi-vert-playboi-carti|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released as a promotional tool to coincide with the release of the [[Grimace Shake]] and limited-edition Grimace Birthday Meal.{{Efn|The exact date of Grimace's birthday is unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Astrid |first=Kayembe |date=2023-07-12 |title=Why was the internet obsessed with McDonald's mascot Grimace — and his shake? |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-07-12/what-is-going-on-with-the-grimace-shake-let-us-explain |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717183625/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-07-12/what-is-going-on-with-the-grimace-shake-let-us-explain |url-status=live }}</ref>
+''Grimace's Birthday'' was commissioned by [[Wieden+Kennedy]] on behalf of McDonald's and produced and directed by [[Brooklyn]]-based studio [[Krool Toys]], founded by Tia Chinai and Stefan Cohen.<ref>{{cite web|website=Complex|last=Destefano|first=Mike|date=2 July 2022|title=Krool Toys is Making Nostalgic Video Games Inspired By Your Favorite Albums|url=https://www.complex.com/style/a/mike-destefano/krool-toys-video-games-lil-uzi-vert-playboi-carti|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707044259/https://www.complex.com/style/a/mike-destefano/krool-toys-video-games-lil-uzi-vert-playboi-carti|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released as a promotional tool to coincide with the release of the Grimace Shake and the limited-edition Grimace Birthday Meal.{{Efn|The exact date of Grimace's birthday is unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Astrid |first=Kayembe |date=12 July 2023 |title=Why was the internet obsessed with McDonald's mascot Grimace — and his shake? |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-07-12/what-is-going-on-with-the-grimace-shake-let-us-explain |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717183625/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-07-12/what-is-going-on-with-the-grimace-shake-let-us-explain |url-status=live }}</ref>
-|name=birthday}}<ref>{{cite web|website=IGN|last=Alexander|first=Cristina|title=McDonald's Released a Brand-New Game Boy Color Game for Grimace's Birthday|date=14 June 2023|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mcdonalds-released-a-brand-new-game-boy-color-game-for-grimaces-birthday|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629195046/https://www.ign.com/articles/mcdonalds-released-a-brand-new-game-boy-color-game-for-grimaces-birthday|url-status=live}}</ref>
+|name=birthday}}<ref>{{cite web|website=IGN|last=Alexander|first=Cristina|title=McDonald's Released a Brand-New Game Boy Color Game for Grimace's Birthday|date=14 June 2023|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mcdonalds-released-a-brand-new-game-boy-color-game-for-grimaces-birthday|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629195046/https://www.ign.com/articles/mcdonalds-released-a-brand-new-game-boy-color-game-for-grimaces-birthday|url-status=live}}</ref> A McDonald's press release stated the promotion aimed to "pay homage" to "childhood memories [at] McDonald's" by putting a "modern spin on these memories" through marketing that meets the "intersection of nostalgia and culture".<ref>{{cite web|website=PR Newswire|title=You're Invited: McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with Special Meal & Shake|last=Wanerka|first=Laura|date=6 June 2023|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youre-invited-mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-special-meal--shake-301842941.html|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705133952/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youre-invited-mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-special-meal--shake-301842941.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the game did not receive a physical release, it is the first promotional title for McDonald's playable on a console since the 1993 [[Sega Genesis]] title ''[[McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure]]''.<ref name=TE/>
+The gameplay of ''Grimace's Birthday'' was designed by Tom Lockwood and coded by Bryan Taylor.<ref name="DS">{{cite web |last=Handley |first=Zoey |date=13 June 2023 |title=''Grimace's Birthday'' is a new Game Boy Color advergame, and I'm kind of lovin' it |url=https://www.destructoid.com/grimaces-birthday-is-a-new-game-boy-color-advergame-and-im-kind-of-lovin-it/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708180609/https://www.destructoid.com/grimaces-birthday-is-a-new-game-boy-color-advergame-and-im-kind-of-lovin-it/ |archive-date=8 July 2023 |access-date=16 July 2023 |website=[[Destructoid]]}}</ref> This was done through GB Studio, a game development tool that allows to create [[ROM cartridge|ROM]] compatible with [[Game Boy]] hardware.<ref>{{cite web|website=GB Studio Central|title=McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with a GB Studio Game|date=13 June 2023|last=Paternostro|first=Emi|url=https://gbstudiocentral.com/news/mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-a-gb-studio-game/|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=17 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617234055/https://gbstudiocentral.com/news/mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-a-gb-studio-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was developed under time constraints; it was completed in less than seven weeks to coincide with the release of other Grimace's Birthday promotions.<ref name=TE>{{cite web|website=Time Extension|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=19 June 2023|title=The Making Of: Grimace's Birthday - The McDonald's Game Boy Adventure That Became a Viral Sensation|url=https://www.timeextension.com/features/the-making-of-grimaces-birthday-the-mcdonalds-game-boy-adventure-that-became-a-viral-sensation|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624135213/https://www.timeextension.com/features/the-making-of-grimaces-birthday-the-mcdonalds-game-boy-adventure-that-became-a-viral-sensation|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released as a [[browser game]] on the Krool Toys website, and not formally released as a Game Boy title, although users have [[Porting|ported]] the game to Game Boy hardware.<ref name=DS/>
-McDonald's said in a press release that the promotion aimed to "pay homage" to "childhood memories (at) McDonald's" by putting a "modern spin on these memories" through marketing that meets the "intersection of nostalgia and culture".<ref>{{cite web|website=PR Newswire|title=You're Invited: McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with Special Meal & Shake|last=Wanerka|first=Laura|date=6 June 2023|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youre-invited-mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-special-meal--shake-301842941.html|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705133952/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youre-invited-mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-special-meal--shake-301842941.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the game did not receive a physical release, it is the first promotional title for McDonald's playable on a console since the 1993 [[Sega Genesis]] title ''[[McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure]]''.<ref name=TE/>
-Gameplay in ''Grimace's Birthday'' was designed by Tom Lockwood and coded by Bryan Taylor.<ref name=DS>{{cite web|website=Destructoid|last=Handley|first=Zoey|title=Grimace's Birthday is a new Game Boy Color advergame, and I'm kind of lovin' it|date=13 June 2023|url=https://www.destructoid.com/grimaces-birthday-is-a-new-game-boy-color-advergame-and-im-kind-of-lovin-it/|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=8 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708180609/https://www.destructoid.com/grimaces-birthday-is-a-new-game-boy-color-advergame-and-im-kind-of-lovin-it/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was developed using GB Studio, a game development tool allowing developers to create [[ROM cartridge|ROM]] compatible with [[Game Boy]] hardware.<ref>{{cite web|website=GB Studio Central|title=McDonald's Celebrates Grimace's Birthday with a GB Studio Game|date=13 June 2023|last=Paternostro|first=Emi|url=https://gbstudiocentral.com/news/mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-a-gb-studio-game/|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=17 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617234055/https://gbstudiocentral.com/news/mcdonalds-celebrates-grimaces-birthday-with-a-gb-studio-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was developed under time constraints, completed in less than seven weeks to coincide with the release of other Grimace's Birthday promotions.<ref name=TE>{{cite web|website=Time Extension|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=19 June 2023|title=The Making Of: Grimace's Birthday - The McDonald's Game Boy Adventure That Became a Viral Sensation|url=https://www.timeextension.com/features/the-making-of-grimaces-birthday-the-mcdonalds-game-boy-adventure-that-became-a-viral-sensation|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624135213/https://www.timeextension.com/features/the-making-of-grimaces-birthday-the-mcdonalds-game-boy-adventure-that-became-a-viral-sensation|url-status=live}}</ref>
-While the game was released only as a [[browser game]] on the Krool Toys website and not formally released as a Game Boy title, users have extracted the file and played the game on Game Boy hardware.<ref name=DS/>
 == Reception ==
-Several critics noted the unexpected quality of ''Grimace's Birthday'', with Andrew Liszewski of ''Gizmodo'' describing the game as a "surprisingly solid platformer"<ref>{{cite web|website=Gizmodo|title=McDonald's Serves Up a Brand New Game Boy Color Game in the Year 2023|last=Liszewski|first=Andrew|date=13 June 2023|url=https://gizmodo.com/mcdonald-nintendo-game-boy-color-game-grimace-birthday-1850534966|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705040547/https://gizmodo.com/mcdonald-nintendo-game-boy-color-game-grimace-birthday-1850534966|url-status=live}}</ref> and Zoey Handley of ''Destructoid'' expressing surprise that the game was "actually good".<ref name=DS/> Handley praised the "well-executed variety" of the game modes, while criticizing the short length of the game, writing "the really tragic part here is that the mechanics don't really get the opportunity to shine."<ref name=DS/> Mariella Moon of ''Engadget'' noted the game "worked smoothly", but stated she "fumbled a bit trying (to) jump over obstacles and slide across hand rails", citing her "clumsy handling of the game's controls".<ref>{{cite web|website=Engadget|last=Moon|first=Mariella|date=14 June 2023|title=McDonald's just released a Grimace Game Boy Color game|url=https://www.engadget.com/mcdonalds-just-released-a-grimace-game-boy-color-game-093540230.html|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707031533/https://www.engadget.com/mcdonalds-just-released-a-grimace-game-boy-color-game-093540230.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
+Several critics noted the unexpected quality of ''Grimace's Birthday'', with Andrew Liszewski of ''[[Gizmodo]]'' describing the game as a "surprisingly solid platformer"<ref>{{cite web|website=Gizmodo|title=McDonald's Serves Up a Brand New Game Boy Color Game in the Year 2023|last=Liszewski|first=Andrew|date=13 June 2023|url=https://gizmodo.com/mcdonald-nintendo-game-boy-color-game-grimace-birthday-1850534966|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705040547/https://gizmodo.com/mcdonald-nintendo-game-boy-color-game-grimace-birthday-1850534966|url-status=live}}</ref> and Zoey Handley of ''[[Destructoid]]'' expressing surprise that the game was "actually good".<ref name=DS/> Handley praised the "well-executed variety" of the game modes, while criticizing the short length of the game, writing that the mechanics were underused.<ref name=DS/> Mariella Moon of ''[[Engadget]]'' noted the game "worked smoothly", but stated she struggled with jumping over obstacles and sliding across hand rails, citing her "clumsy handling of the game's controls".<ref>{{cite web|website=Engadget|last=Moon|first=Mariella|date=14 June 2023|title=McDonald's just released a Grimace Game Boy Color game|url=https://www.engadget.com/mcdonalds-just-released-a-grimace-game-boy-color-game-093540230.html|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707031533/https://www.engadget.com/mcdonalds-just-released-a-grimace-game-boy-color-game-093540230.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
-Many critics also commented on the game's strong resemblance to the presentation of [[Game Boy Color]] titles. Kelsey Raynor of ''VG247'' noted that the game was developed with a "keen eye for retro games", praising the "real passion and effort gone into developing (the game)".<ref>{{cite web|website=VG247|last=Raynor|first=Kelsey|date=15 June 2023|title=McDonald's releases video game for 25-year-old Game Boy|url=https://www.vg247.com/mcdonalds-releases-video-game-for-25-year-old-console|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=15 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615211551/https://www.vg247.com/mcdonalds-releases-video-game-for-25-year-old-console|url-status=live}}</ref> Andrew Cunningham of ''Ars Technica'' similarly called the pixel art "legitimately great" and "cleverly designed", writing "the game is so period-authentic that there's even a screen telling original monochrome Game Boy owners that the game requires a color device to play".<ref>{{cite web|website=Ars Technica|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|title=For reasons no one can fathom, McDonald's has released a new Game Boy Color game|date=14 June 2023|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/06/for-reasons-no-one-can-fathom-mcdonalds-has-released-a-new-game-boy-color-game/|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=30 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630172755/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/06/for-reasons-no-one-can-fathom-mcdonalds-has-released-a-new-game-boy-color-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ashley Bardhan of ''Kotaku'' praised the game's marketing, describing the official website as "part of the perfect 2000s internet time capsule."<ref name=KT>{{cite web|website=Kotaku|title=McDonald's Just Released A Game That Runs On Game Boy Color|last=Bardhan|first=Ashley|date=13 June 2023|url=https://kotaku.com/mcdonalds-grimaces-birthday-gameboy-free-game-pc-1850534656|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703152619/https://kotaku.com/mcdonalds-grimaces-birthday-gameboy-free-game-pc-1850534656|url-status=live}}</ref>
+Critics have commented on the game's strong resemblance to the presentation of [[Game Boy Color]] titles. Kelsey Raynor of ''[[VG247]]'' noted that the game was developed with a "keen eye for retro games", praising the "real passion and effort".<ref>{{cite web|website=VG247|last=Raynor|first=Kelsey|date=15 June 2023|title=McDonald's releases video game for 25-year-old Game Boy|url=https://www.vg247.com/mcdonalds-releases-video-game-for-25-year-old-console|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=15 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615211551/https://www.vg247.com/mcdonalds-releases-video-game-for-25-year-old-console|url-status=live}}</ref> Andrew Cunningham of ''[[Ars Technica]]'' similarly called the pixel art "legitimately great" and "cleverly designed", noticing the game's request for a color device when a user tried to play the game on the original Game Boy.<ref>{{cite web|website=Ars Technica|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|title=For reasons no one can fathom, McDonald's has released a new Game Boy Color game|date=14 June 2023|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/06/for-reasons-no-one-can-fathom-mcdonalds-has-released-a-new-game-boy-color-game/|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=30 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630172755/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/06/for-reasons-no-one-can-fathom-mcdonalds-has-released-a-new-game-boy-color-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ashley Bardhan of ''[[Kotaku]]'' highlighted the game's marketing, describing the official website as a "part of the perfect 2000s internet time capsule."<ref name=KT>{{cite web|website=Kotaku|title=McDonald's Just Released A Game That Runs On Game Boy Color|last=Bardhan|first=Ashley|date=13 June 2023|url=https://kotaku.com/mcdonalds-grimaces-birthday-gameboy-free-game-pc-1850534656|access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703152619/https://kotaku.com/mcdonalds-grimaces-birthday-gameboy-free-game-pc-1850534656|url-status=live}}</ref>
+==Notes and references==
-==References==
+=== Notes ===
 {{notelist}}
+=== References ===
 {{reflist}}
 ==External links==
 * [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ Playable game on Krool Toys website]
+* {{Mobygames|/204400/grimaces-birthday/}}
 {{McDonald's}}
 [[Category:2023 video games]]
+[[Category:Advergames]]
 [[Category:Browser games]]
 [[Category:McDonald's video games]]
 [[Category:Platformers]]
+[[Category:Retro-style video games]]
 [[Category:Side-scrolling video games]]
-[[Category:Advergames]]
-[[Category:Works based on advertisements]]
 [[Category:Single-player video games]]
 [[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
+[[Category:Works based on advertisements]]