McDonalds Introduce ‘Happy Goggles’, a Portion of VR with Your Happy Meal

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In a move surely to reinforce the message that “VR has arrived”, McDonalds in Sweden are bundling Google Cardboard-esque VR googles with their Happy Meals, assembled from the packaging the food came in.

McDonalds have announced a new initiative set to raise the expectations of Happy Meal contents far above the current level of plastic movie merchandise. The fast food giant is set to being ‘Happy Goggles’ to selected restaurants on the weekends of March 5th and 12th at 14 outlets across Sweden.

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Image courtesy Adweek

The Google Cardboard-esque device is essentially a mobile phone holder but with the outer shell formed from the leftover packaging of your Happy Meal – so be careful with that ketchup.

The device even has its own VR game Slope Stars, designed and assembled by North Kingdom Stockholm and is designed to be tied with Sweden’s traditional family “Sportlov” recreational holiday, during which many families go skiing.

Adweek reports that the fast-food chain believes VR provides “a really exciting opportunity to connect families in digital times,” which is an interesting take on disposable VR experiences. Nevertheless, it’s certainly a bold move and one that has been managed within the realms of normal Happy Meal prices, in this case circa $4.10. VR has indeed arrived, and it’s in your Happy Meal.

Will we see Happy Googles around the world? “This is the first trial run globally,” Jeff Jackett, marketing director at McDonald’s Sweden told Adweek.

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Based in the UK, Paul has been immersed in interactive entertainment for the best part of 27 years and has followed advances in gaming with a passionate fervour. His obsession with graphical fidelity over the years has had him branded a ‘graphics whore’ (which he views as the highest compliment) more than once and he holds a particular candle for the dream of the ultimate immersive gaming experience. Having followed and been disappointed by the original VR explosion of the 90s, he then founded RiftVR.com to follow the new and exciting prospect of the rebirth of VR in products like the Oculus Rift. Paul joined forces with Ben to help build the new Road to VR in preparation for what he sees as VR’s coming of age over the next few years.
  • Brian Stack

    I showed Google Cardboard to kids (aged 4 and 8) a few weeks ago and they loved it. I’m glad that huge companies, including McDonald’s and Coca-Cola are now helping to bring this technology to the masses.

    • Sky Castle

      Yeah VR experience is near impossible to explain and get someone to understand the magical sensation you get from it without actually trying them. Anything that brings more VR awareness the the public is a positive thing.

  • Steve Biegun

    Let’s not forget that VR can be harmful to visual development of children less than 13 years old. http://www.roadtovr.com/3-important-warnings-for-new-samsung-gear-vr-users/ . Cool implementation, but maybe this isn’t a great idea?

  • gnarppy

    Google & Dominos should team up with a campaign to bring Cardboard to all their customers. lol

  • Richard Hoffmann

    That’s funny. I spoke to a McDonalds guy a few years back and told him they should do a Happy Meal Cardboard, well that was before Cardboard came out. Interesting is the ‘less than 13 years’ Oculus / Gear VR policy and a potential concern in some countries, depending on the studies of ‘harming young eyes’ or not. Despite that, it is a great way to get VR to the masses quicker. A well known German Coffee Brand is selling them now too. But they targeting an older audience. It is all happening so fast now!