Glamourous Gaming Within Promoting Barbie: The Movie

Barbie: The Movie is one of the most hyped films of 2023 with a lot of food-related promotions and so on for marketing it quite memorably and it is in cinemas right now [7] [17] [50]! I adored Barbie and owned quite a lot of Barbie dolls when I was a little girl. Moreover, I fondly remember playing Detective Barbie in The Mystery of the Carnival Caper and Secret Agent Barbie for the PC back in the day [41] [70]. In the present day, I see a lot of potential in the live-action film based on her legacy starring Margot Robbie (who also played the role of Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad and Birds Of Prey [12] [61] [67]) and Ryan Gosling (who also played the role of Sebastian “Seb” Wilder in La La Land [32]) as it must be what the notably flawed live-action Bratz film from 2007 could have been [14] [16] [74] [76], according to some mixed to positive feedback so far [33] [36] [45] [56]. Reflecting on the insane number of promotional events for Barbie: The Movie [7] [11] [17] [50], we gamers have acknowledged a few gaming-related ones [8] [27] [68] [71]. Following my current obsession, let us go party like a gamer in honour of the film’s release while our simmers care for horses in The Sims 4: Horse Ranch [1] [65] [66].

I feel like my childhood has been combined with my adulthood when discussing these gaming-related promotions for Barbie: The Movie [9]! [74] [76] I could smile so much that my cheeks will start to ache as if I were Tour Guide Barbie from Toy Story 2 [64]! Please keep your arms, legs and controllers inside the car and no flash photography. Thank you. [74] [76]

Let us start stylishly with the designs of an Xbox Series S and faceplates for its controller that were revealed in June alongside a collection of dolls based on the characters in the film [6] [77]. For a limited time, the console with a simple but stunningly bold design can be won on Microsoft Rewards with biddings being given to Save the Children in honour of gender equality for the youth [6] [77]. The five designs of the faceplates for a controller that are also prizes for participants are [76]: 

•       A striking hot pink colour [35] [52] [71]
•       Another lovely shade of pink, but with a pattern of little white flowers [35] [52] [71]
•       A colourful tie dye pattern based on Barbie and Ken’s tie dye outfits in the scene that resulted in a meme that trended on Twitter [35] [40] [52] [71]
•       A black and white pattern based on Barbie’s iconic swimsuit from 1959 [4] [35] [51] [52] [71]
•       A white tassel pattern below two white flowers on a coat of black [35] [52] [71]

A mean gamer can use one of the pink controller faceplates on Wednesdays [13] [42]! It is believed that the faceplates and console promoting the new Barbie film are to help the Xbox Series X|S appeal more to young women, even if they are only a limited number of them available for a limited time [6] [71] [76] [77], but regardless of gender, lucky winners can game on with them. 

Separately from the console, the faceplates come in a box with two Hot Wheels toys based on the pink Corvette and GMC Hummer, a compact mirror that resembles a flip phone from the 2000s and a tube of magenta lip gloss from NYX [35] [52] [76]. How the console even comes with its own dreamhouse to be nicely placed in is an impeccable touch [6] [71] [77]. [6]

Speaking of Xbox Series X|S, a few other surprises came along. An update for Forza Horizon 5 that was released a month ago featured a pink 1956 Chevrolet Corvette based on the one Barbie is seen driving in the main Barbie trailer [2] [57] [74] [76], much like how the sixth level of The Simpsons: Hit And Run had a hidden car in a similar colour and style that can be found at the top of Planet Hype [69]. And I thought the Royale from Mario Kart DS was glamourous, especially for those who love to race as Princess Peach [47], but who said only gamer girls would love driving in the pink Corvette? Surely, the Pink Panther would love to steer it in style [49]. There is also a 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup inspired by Ken with a vibrant lightning-like pattern on the side available for the game [68] [71]. Outside of gameplay, a diverse collection of ten special edition dolls wearing Xbox-themed and Forza Horizon 5-themed T-shirts and hoodies, including one in a wheelchair and a pink-haired one with a prosthetic leg can be won by fans [71]. Both vehicles will be available to claim in Forza Horizon 5 until this mid-August and the dolls are also a stylish source of promotional value [68] [71].

The dream in FR5 seems real, 
Like getting onto Sheila’s Wheels [54] [55]! [87]

There are not enough words to describe the importance of diversity and representation. A little more on that claim will be expanded on later. [71]

Over a week ago, a collaboration between Barbie and Stumble Guys began [53] [58]. The designs of Ken and the two Barbies who might as well be nicknamed “Malibu” and “Brooklyn” as legendary stumblers in the game’s art style are cute and quirky in an interpretation of the iconic dreamhouse [3]. Ken and one of the Barbies are also seen coated in a purple colour palette in the trailer [58], quite like a version of an Among Us micro figure from a blind bag being completely coated in gold or a tint of green that glows in the dark [63]. They, along with the other Barbie in a sparkly purple palette are available as mythic stumblers to purchase with enough Barbie tokens that are basically the iconic “B” as in-game currency [53]. Some previous collaborations include the one with Hot Wheels back in December 2022 and the one with the raving Rabbids back in March [59] [60], which makes me believe that Stumble Guys might, unfortunately, rely a little too much on crossovers for relevance and popularity like Fortnite in the near future [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [34]. Nevertheless, now that it is available on consoles [75], our stumblers shall strive through bizarre obstacles with Mattel’s bombshell and possibly some more third-party guests later this year and two [53] [58] [59] [60].

C’mon, Stumbles! Let’s go rumble [53] [58]! 
Ah-ah-ah-yeah [1]! [58]

I know what some of you are thinking. The Barbie-themed event in Stumble Guys is not meant to help market and promote Barbie: The Movie as the main doll franchise’s logo is used and none of Barbie’s outfits from the film are worn in the trailer and the event [53] [58] [72], but since it started during the amount of marking for the film [53] [58], it could still technically count as part of marketing it during all the hype. See the style of the logo on the blonde-haired Barbie’s printed all over her top and skirt [72] [74]? [58]

Between the 13th and 20th of July, there was a sugary collaboration with Candy Crush Saga [8] [20] [22] [27], much like how there was an event in the game promoting Sonic the Hedgehog 2 over a year ago [18] [19] [23] [62]. The cartoony interpretation of Barbie’s movie appearance nailed Robbie’s elegantly structured face to a T [8] [20] [22] [27]. It was utterly adorable how Barbie and Tiffi cosplayed as one another in the SS23 announcement video [20], much like how Hello Kitty and Isabelle from the Animal Crossing franchise dressed up as each other on a poster in Animal Crossing: New Horizons [46]. During the event, there were Barbie candies to collect through Barbie quests [22], much like how Barbie tokens are collected in the collaboration with Stumble Guys [53]. Based on the premise of the film [74] [76], the goal of the event was to help Barbie get to the real world, as hinted in the trailer for it [22] [27]. Surely, Candy Crush Saga is so 2012 and 2013 to some of us [39], but I have nothing against those who still find it relevant and rather addicting ten years later, especially if there happen to be some cute and colourful crossovers for promoting a new film [8] [18] [19] [20] [22] [23]. Is anyone up for some pink candy later [21]?

Adorable peppiness overload! [20]

Barbara Millicent Roberts has been an icon for sixty-four years and is now a quirky live-action movie star learning about how the real world works [4] [9] [36] [56] [72] [74]. Despite the criticisms and controversies surrounding her throughout the years [43], she is still adored by doll collectors and primarily young girls today [11] [37]. There are several female video game characters who would seemingly fit in Barbie Land (at first), such as Princess Peach from the Super Mario franchise, Juliet Starling from Lollipop Chainsaw and Catherine from the game with the same name [24] [25] [47] [48] [73]. Aside from that, these gaming-related promotions for marketing Barbie: The Movie are rather outstanding on their own accords [27] [58] [68] [77]. As an autistic woman who loved Barbie as a child, I would be delighted to see an autistic Barbie doll with some respectfully accurate features, such as ear defenders [37], quite like how we were introduced to a Barbie doll with Down syndrome a few months ago [5]. It will not be long until I go and see Barbie Quinn and Ken Wilder travel to the real world and have their mugshots taken [12] [32] [40] [61] [67]. You can be anything, whether you love Barbie or consider her not your thing [44] [72] [74]. No reference to Burdine Maxwell from the Bratz animated series intended [15]. 

Aside from how excited I am for Barbie: The Movie [74] [76], a high-definition remake of Secret Agent Barbie or a direct sequel to it would be an enlightenment [10] [70]. A slightly more easing sound effect for those lasers would be deeply appreciated. [10]

As for the new film based on the plastic beauty’s legacy, I hope Robbie’s experience in playing the role has left a positive impact on her [9] [74] [76], especially after witnessing Harley Quinn break the fourth wall at the beginning of the trailer for the fourth season of the animated series with the same name [12] [26] [61] [67]. Just look at that beautiful pink Warner Bros. emblem! [74] [76]

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Playing Piano With An Xbox Series X|S Controller

Are you always up for new ideas in the gaming industry? Are you impressed with the outcome of the Xbox Series X|S? As bewildered as I am that my articles on what to expect in a second reboot of The Powerpuff Girls and a revival of Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends have predicted the future [9] [59] [60], I was amazed at the controller’s capability with a MIDI Keyboard application on a MacBook known as “Garbageband” over a week ago [63]. I am aware that some gamers I know, including a few I used to be allied with, have expressed disinterest in Xbox, Microsoft corrupted the legacy of Rare and that the three consoles have not been as successful in Japan [3] [15] [40] [48], but I am always up for a lack of bias. While our Nintendo nerds celebrate Princess Daisy and Shy Guy becoming new players in the first update of Mario Strikers: Battle League and our Minecrafters get ready to mine and craft under the sea with SpongeBob SquarePants [27] [28] [32] [37] [64], I shall express a little creative thinking when it comes to discussing how the idea of an Xbox Series X|S controller being used a keyboard can be adapted into a brand new video game for the platform [63].

Halo fans, please rise for a performance! We may want to go back to a simpler time [39], but proactivity is what leads to gratefulness for new things. Could a new console game focused on using a controller as a keyboard be one of them someday? [63]

The control system of playing the piano with an Xbox Series controller may seem rather complex as shown in the sample of playing a MIDI keyboard on a Mac with the controller [63], but chances are that the experience can be rather enticing with smooth controls and precise responsiveness. Despite the potential of being a potential pianist with an Xbox Series controller, it still seems much preferable to play a keyboard on a piano keys application on a tablet or smartphone for a more comfortable and realistic feeling of playing a simple melody [4] [17] [19]. Furthermore, I prefer the Touch Play Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX yet I consider the controls in Button Mode as precise [43]. In terms of alternative controls on a home console, I suppose it would make more sense to bring on a Kinect 3.0 for a more convincing feeling of playing the piano on the Xbox Series X|S. Unfortunately, there may not be motivation to produce a successor to the Kinect 2.0 due to its discontinuation in 2017 [47], but still, a Kinect 3.0 could be an example of further advancement. Primarily, playing a virtual keyboard with the controller ought to start with a simple tutorial [63]. With elevating controls, playing piano keys with a controller can be fun.

Back in the day, I saw a lot of potential in Kinect for how it would encourage gamers to be active whilst playing a game [46] [51]. However, I knew that the input device and the games that required its functions were not beyond criticism [2]. Reflecting on how it would make a little more sense to give Kinect another chance for a game focused on playing piano keys, I believe that can be an alternative controlling method activated in the settings menu. Moreover, the motion controls can be completely optional, like how the player can choose between Button Mode and Touch Play Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX [43]. [47]

But wait! In terms of reliable and realistic controls, there is a third option. Those who remember playing Rock Band 3 may remember the wireless keyboard accessory from Mad Catz that could be connected to the Xbox 360 and provide the realistic feeling of being the keyboard player in a band [12]. Most preferably, that would be the way to play the piano in a video game. However, Rock Band 3 is sadly not one of those Xbox 360 games compatible with Xbox Series X|S and the instruments would require a specially made adapter to be compatible with the system [7] [34]. Preferably, business-wise, there can be a new wireless keyboard pro for the Xbox with a vaguely updated design, but probably not from Mad Catz as the company went bankrupt in 2017 before being rebranded a year later [18]. However, chances are that a new rhythm game for the Xbox Series X|S focused on playing the piano would be established before the confirmation of Rock Band 5 [6]. Moreover, the prime focus on the controls would be making keys in a HUD rely on the functionality of the controller sometime after the release of a video of a controller being used as a keyboard [63]. Again, good controls are the key to a good experience.

This is the note! This is the note [29]! [41]

As for the gameplay experience in general, it might as well consist of vibes from Guitar Hero and DJ Hero but it should definitely feel like the Button Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX and the role of the keyboard player in Rock Band 3 in terms of the controls whilst providing a similar challenge to playing songs in Magic Piano by Smule [8] [9] [19] [20] [21] [43]. Compared to only tapping the screen within the right timing in Magic Piano [19] [20] [21], the challenge in a new game about playing the piano with a controller should be elevated with the effort to also press the correct button or key within good timing, much like the Button Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX [43]. For a collaborative multiplayer mode, Player One can be in charge of the song’s melody and Player Two can play the chords or harmony, similar to the structure of making music with a fellow Nintendo nerd in Wii Music, two arcade admirers trying to earn tickets separately at opposite ends at Grand Piano Keys and two players jamming away with their Xbox Series X|S controllers on a MIDI Keyboard software for Mac or PC [1] [31] [63]. It would be quite fun to play music with a controller during loading times in other future instalments.

A competitive multiplayer mode would be much like Donald Duck’s heated collaboration with Daffy Duck in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but without any cartoon slapstick [52]. There also ought to be a variety of musical genres that fit the sound of an electric keyboard, quite like the variety of songs in Wii Music [31]. [63]

What other aspects could there be for a new gameplay experience on the Xbox that primarily focuses on playing a piano keyboard with the controller besides the possibility of the gameplay being like the Guitar Hero series in terms of being a console game [9]? Surely, there ought to feature a new intellectual property with a premise consisting of plenty of fantasy elements and a light-hearted tone for many casual gamers. The main character would most likely be a heroic and talented pianist. The deuteragonist can be a noble sidekick with the same passion, especially for a collaborative multiplayer mode. Since the characters’ main weapons would be electric keyboards for some modernism, the gameplay experience ought to be as electrifying as Frankie Stein’s new superheroine alter-ego, Voltageous [24] [25] [26] [42]. The keyboards in the HUD can be customisable with some of the options being unlockable as the game progresses in a story mode. How about some unlockable costumes for the protagonist and deuteragonist too? I am a sucker for those. Perhaps a star-studded IP and some more features can further increase the appeal of experiencing piano playing with either a controller or motion controls possibly at the time of the fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe [5]. 

I supposed the setting and art style of a concept for a game being described by yours truly might as well be either nearly as cartoony as Kyrell McKay’s Tooney Gals or kind of like something from Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy [22] [23] [35] [36], which would give the library of Xbox Series X|S games more credibility for being more than just gritty realism. On the other hand, life-like graphics can bring back those funky vibes of the Rock Band series [12]. [41]

I believe that a brand new rhythm game centred on playing the piano can be Xbox’s new answer to PlayStation’s PaRappa the Rapper [14] [38]. As ambitious as new ideas in the gaming industry can be, some can still be considered crazy. Please do not get me started with the Virtual Boy [45]. Remember the Nosulus Rift? Surely, that odd contraption may have been quite a torture device in association with South Park: The Fractured But Whole [44] [49], but it ought to make a comeback for a game about running a league of bakeries that is similar to the experience of playing the Nintendo Wii port of Order Up! [10]. As for mobile gaming, there is hope for the chronological sequels to High School Story and Hollywood U after they disappear from the App Store and the Google Play Store, which are what I would definitely be up for [13] [55]. I also wish some of our Nintendo nerds a great ocean tour on Daisy Cruiser from Mario Kart: Double Dash in Mario Kart Tour [30] [33]. Do you think playing a virtual keyboard with an Xbox Series X|S controller would work for a home console game, especially in the West…or should we wait until the release of Rock Band 5, along with a new keyboard accessory [6]?

Perhaps a certain Bliss can learn to play the electric keyboard if she ought to return in a hopefully much better reboot of The Powerpuff Girls [57] [58] [59] [60], which can be adapted in a new video game based on it that features the power of playing a keyboard with a controller. I know the concept for a new Xbox Series X|S game I have described is unlikely to happen, but I still enjoyed describing what elements will make it excel during the time of Disney+ going R-rated with Deadpool [61] [62]. He has been very supportive to me since the beginning of 2020 [53] [54] [55]. [63]

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