Cheetos Webisode Series
Client: CheetosTools: Flash MX 2004, Photoshop, Illustrator
Responsibilities: All Flash game development, cartoon playback engine
Description: This series of webisodes (along with a full campaign of online ads) was released over the course of 2005. Each episode consists of a cartoon with two small games. The first episode was released alongside the relaunch and redesign of Cheetos.com. The second episode was released to coincide with the release of Star Wars Episode III. The third and final episode ventured into new territory by offering users a non-linear story experience where they could decide the path they took through the plot.
Noteworthy facts: Episode 1 was originally called Caliente Cat, before our QA department informed us that means "horny cat" instead of "hot cat". The voice of Yoda in Episode 2, while no Frank Oz, was convincing enough that most people hearing it didn't question it. A teaser trailer was produced for Episode 3 that was never released to the public because of an internal miscommunication at Frito Lay. All three episodes were so successful that the brand manager on Cheetos at Frito Lay was given a marketer of the year award at their annual company awards show. Their success also help get us a larger budget to execute Undercover Chester in 2006.
View Episode 1: Caliente Quest
View Episode 2: May the Cheese Be With You
View Episode 3: Big Cheese in Little Italy