Martin Rumenov Mattel, Inc. and Kluge Interactive have joined forces to bring the world of Barbie to virtual reality with the release of “Synth Riders Experience – Barbie Dance ‘n Dream”. This new addition to the popular VR rhythm game Synth Riders allows players to immerse themselves in Barbie’s dream world while dancing to the K-pop hit “Barbie Dreams (ft. Kaliii)” by FIFTY FIFTY, featured in the blockbuster 2023 Barbie film.
Game Features and Availability
The Barbie-themed dance experience offers players a unique opportunity to:
- An innovative Mixed Reality mode, merging elements from the world of Barbie with the player’s real-life environment.
- A Barbie box opens to become a portal in your living room to create a unique virtual moment.
- This Mixed Reality feature is playable on Meta Quest 3 / 3S and Apple Vision Pro headsets.
This Mixed Reality feature is compatible with Meta Quest 3 / 3S and Apple Vision Pro headsets.
The game is now available on multiple platforms:
- Meta Quest
- Steam VR
- PlayStation VR2
- Apple Vision Pro (for Apple Arcade subscribers)
Priced at $2.99 USD, the experience aims to cater to Barbie fans of all ages.
Synth Riders: A Growing VR/XR Platform
Since its launch in 2018, Synth Riders has gained popularity across major VR and XR platforms. The game boasts:
- Over 70 licensed songs
- Tracks featuring artists like Bruno Mars, Lindsay Stirling, Gorillaz, and Muse
- Recognition as an Apple Design Award finalist
Kluge Interactive is committed to expanding Synth Riders into a major live service in VR and XR, continuously adding new content and features to create a premium experience.
Industry Perspectives
Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it offers fans a new way to experience the Barbie universe. Arturo Perez, CEO of Kluge Interactive, highlighted that Barbie is the first non-music IP in Synth Riders, providing a unique opportunity to explore a legendary brand and bring its magic to players.
This collaboration between Mattel and Kluge Interactive represents a significant step in merging popular entertainment franchises with immersive gaming experiences, offering fans new ways to engage with beloved brands in the evolving landscape of virtual and mixed reality entertainment.
