In an exclusive interview, Bluey creator Joe Brumm sat down with Shainiel Deo, CEO of Halfbrick (Fruit Ninja), to discuss their exciting collaboration on Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen. This game, eagerly awaited by fans, is set to deliver fresh storytelling in the Bluey universe and marks one of Brumm’s final contributions to this cherished series.
The two have a long-standing relationship, which made Halfbrick the perfect choice to tackle the concept of the upcoming game. Brumm shared, “They make cool sorts of indie games. Like, that was the spirit of Bluey.” He believed that the team’s creativity aligns well with the show’s essence and added, “I thought, ‘No, these guys, they’ll make a cool game.’” Over the years, Bluey has often embraced unique storytelling approaches, showcasing how collaboration can yield exceptional results.
A standout inspiration for Bluey’s Quest comes from the fan-favorite episodes “Dragon” and “Escape,” where the Heeler family steps into an imaginative art world. Brumm highlighted an exciting gameplay mechanic: “In the series, we’ve created a mechanic where the kids draw, their drawings come alive, and we see them animated.” This scenario sparks creativity, making it perfect for family gaming nights.
In this game, Bluey embarks on a mission to recover a golden pen from her dad, who continually eludes capture. The dynamic between characters is rich, as Mum acts as the world-builder with her drawings. “The drawn worlds [are places] where you can be really dastardly and villainous,” Brumm explained, adding that the gameplay keeps everything light and fun, encouraging kids to unleash their imaginations.
Deo expressed his excitement over the game’s open-world concept, where Bluey has the freedom to explore. He mentioned historical gaming influences like classic Zelda titles and Mario Odyssey in shaping mechanics. The desire to bring whimsical, wholesome gameplay to families shines through their design collaboration.
Brumm remarked on the simplicity of the game’s story, which evokes nostalgic feelings reminiscent of classic platformers, stating, “We’ve got a problem, and we’ve got a villain, so let’s go get it.” It’s this straightforward, engaging narrative that aims to keep kids entertained and smiling.
The duo aimed to honor the family themes that resonate with audiences worldwide. “The worlds are whimsical, the story and the characters, they’re wholesome,” Deo emphasized, creating a joyful experience for players. The game promises a perfect blend of humor and heart, reflective of the Bluey series itself.
Brumm also revealed a personal touch, saying, “Bandit’s got a gold pen that can turn everything gold. He’s a bit of a cross between King Midas and David Lee Roth. Yeah—he’s me.” This admission added depth to the character, connecting Brumm’s life experiences with the show’s narrative.
The conversation highlighted Brumm’s ultimate hope for the game: “I want to see happy kids playing this game.” He envisions children sharing their joy with friends and family, paving the way for meaningful experiences.
Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen will be available on the Apple App Store starting December 11, featuring a free version and an option for a one-time purchase of all levels. The game will also launch on the Google Play store on January 10, 2026, with plans for expansion to major gaming consoles later in the year.
What can players expect in terms of gameplay mechanics? The developers aim to create an engaging experience that feels both exploratory and familiar to Bluey fans. The incorporation of art and imagination holds great potential for creative gameplay.
Is there a way families can enjoy Bluey together through this game? Absolutely! This game encourages family participation, which aligns closely with the core values of the series.
How does Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen relate to the themes of the original show? The game retains the original show’s heart and whimsy, showcasing family bonding and imaginative play as central elements.
If you’re a fan of Bluey, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this engaging new adventure that combines creativity, fun, and family dynamics. For more enjoyable content like this, be sure to check out Moyens I/O.