McDonald's to Offer Video Games With Fries

C H I C A G O, Jan. 26, 2001 -- Fast-food giant McDonald's Corp. and computer maker Compaq Computer Corp.said Thursday they developed a computer system so that kids canplay the latest video games in McDonald's restaurants.

Already known for the kid-attracting Happy Meals andPlayland playgrounds, McDonald's restaurants will now have theoption to install "interactive kiosks" called "McMagination."Kiosks are in the shape of the chain's Ronald McDonald andGrimace characters, and customers can play up to 12 differentvideo games based on popular titles.

McDonald's has tested the video games in a number of itsU.S. restaurants and found they help draw business from parentsand children at off-peak times during the day.

The systems will be paid for by individual McDonald'sowner/operators who choose to install them. A McDonald'sspokeswoman said the company was not disclosing the cost.

Compaq said it will handle all ordering, installation andsupport of the systems, as well as the video game updates.Compaq's financial unit is providing lease financing for theMcDonald's owner/operators.