Gamers are running into AFK issues when they need to take a meal break in the middle of their matches, resulting in them getting kicked for being inactive. Because of this, McDonald’s Türkiye decided to release a solution — the “Archie” widget. According to the press release, this M-shaped contraption will hook onto the joysticks of your controller, allowing you to move your character with just one finger as you eat your burger. It’s only available with the fast-food restaurant’s Pro Gamer Menu, which includes a Big Mac, medium fries, medium Coke, and 8-piece onion rings — for delivery.
“Being away from the screen during online gameplay—especially in high-intensity moments—can directly disrupt the flow of the game. That is why many players turn to different workarounds,” McDonald’s Türkiye CMO Özdeş Dönen Artak said. “We transformed this behavior into a gamer insight and made Archie part of the McDonald's experience by offering it as a gift to customers who order the Pro Gamer Menu.”
We’re unsure how effective this gadget will be at preserving your character in the middle of a heated match, especially since the only thing it can do is make it easier to put random inputs on your controller without transferring the grease from your fingers. And unless you find a good hiding spot, your character will likely be dead anyway by the time you finish eating your Big Mac. You’ll also likely annoy your teammates for a few minutes, as you take your sweet time finishing those fries and onion rings.
This isn’t the first time that a fast-food chain has leaned on the gamer demographic for marketing. As far back as 2020, we’ve seen Microsoft give away a full-sized Xbox Series X fridge and KFC launch the KFConsole — an Intel NUC mini PC with a built-in fried chicken chamber. McDonald’s UK also launched a McCrispy gaming chair with a built-in fry holder and sandwich warmer in 2022, while Asus partnered with KFC China to give away limited-edition Fortress of Faith keycaps paired with a burger that sports the ROG logo burnt on the bun.
