From Polygon · Ari Notis · · 1m 40s
Wendy's JRPG Turns AI Art Apocalypse Into Real Game
Wendy's burger chain partners with indie studio to create authentic JRPG without AI tools.
In brief
Wendy's burger chain partners with indie studio to create authentic JRPG without AI tools. Wendy's 81Monkeys studio made WendyQuest, a 100% human-made JRPG that avoids AI tools to stay true to 16-bit nostalgia. Originally reported by Polygon.
Wendy's Marketing Shift
Wendy's burger chain turned to creative partnerships after sales slumps to reverse course.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
WendyQuest Launch
81Monkeys studio created WendyQuest: Legend of the Four Corner Stones as a 100% human-made JRPG.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Funding Crisis
81Monkeys ran out of funding after World of Anterra's Kickstarter success in 2022.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Wendy's Partnership
Wendy's offered 81Monkeys a deal to make WendyQuest after a chance email from the studio.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Script Rewrite
81Monkeys rewrote 99% of WendyQuest's script to fit video game mechanics and brand safety.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Villain Design
WendyQuest's villain Dr. Mechborg uses a giant golden 'M' logo and says he'll cut corners for billions.
“Sure, sure, serving billions is great”
Combat System
WendyQuest uses a gauge-based combat system where timing attacks maximizes damage.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
AI Avoidance
Wendy's actively pushed 81Monkeys to avoid AI tools to keep WendyQuest 100% human-made.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Industry Context
Gaming industry faces fifth year of dry spell for traditional funding models after 2020s gold rush.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Wendy's Brand
Wendy's marketing team known for witty social media posts created WendyQuest with 81Monkeys.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Market Impact
WendyQuest stands out in AI-driven marketing by investing in arts instead of dynamic pricing algorithms.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
Industry Hope
81Monkeys hopes WendyQuest inspires more brands to partner with indie studios for funding.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
WendyQuest Success
WendyQuest has become a 100% human-made JRPG that avoids AI tools for authentic 16-bit nostalgia.
“Wendy's should not have a game that’s this good”
The one thing
Wendy's 81Monkeys studio made WendyQuest, a 100% human-made JRPG that avoids AI tools to stay true to 16-bit nostalgia.
