Bluey represents the spirit, creativity, and essence of Australia’s cultural sectors. Sadly, the franchise’s video games have had a less than stellar reputation, much like her friend Chloe the dalmatian.
Some parents approached Budge Studios’ 2023 mobile game Bluey: Let’s Play! with caution due to its $9.99 monthly subscription and constant promotions for additional licensed games. Later that year, Artax Games’ Bluey: The Videogame drew negative feedback for its short two-hour gameplay, technical glitches, and $60 price tag. Australian reviewer Luke Plunkett described it as “a hastily put together cash grab that does the bare minimum.”
Released in August, StoryToys’s mobile game Lego Bluey includes block-building, mini-games, and a more affordable and less heavily promoted subscription. All three games were funded by BBC Studios, which co-produces the show with ABC and oversees Bluey’s global merchandising and licensing.
However, Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen is the first game to meet the high expectations set by the series, becoming a standout title. Commissioned by BBC Studios, it was developed in Brisbane by Joe Brumm, the creator of Bluey, along with Halfbrick Studios, known for Fruit Ninja. This marks it as the first Bluey game produced in Australia and the first to involve its original creator, as well as likely being the last new Bluey narrative from Brumm until the 2027 film.
After playing some initial levels of Halfbrick’s adaptation of Bluey, it genuinely feels like a worthwhile game. The studio estimates it should take around 10 hours for completion, which seems accurate. The game follows Bluey and Bingo as they pursue their mischievous dad, Bandit, through enchanting artworks after he steals their pen. The design encourages curiosity, exploration, and the fun use of Bluey’s magic wand, while Brumm’s script sees Chilli and Bandit discussing ways to avoid overbearing parenting while planning the game’s next stage.
Halfbrick Studio’s CEO, Shainiel Deo, was a strong candidate for developing Bluey’s video game due to his extensive experience. He and Brumm have been friends since they collaborated on the game Dan the Man in 2016. Despite other Bluey games being in development when Brumm proposed that Deo pitch to BBC Studios, Deo expresses understanding of the BBC’s choice, recognizing that it would have been preferable to select an Australian developer first.
In the end, Halfbrick’s focus was on doing justice to the Bluey franchise. “This game will be ready when it’s ready,” Deo recalled telling BBC officials, emphasizing their commitment to quality. They undertook all financial risks related to the game, driven by a passion for Bluey and a connection to Brisbane’s modern life. “Being the first Australian team to work on a Bluey game is a source of pride,” he states.
