In the Netherlands, 12.3% of children aged 4 to 12 are overweight. In many other countries, including the United States, this percentage is even higher. Children who are overweight face an increased risk of health problems, both during childhood and later in life. Recognizing this issue, Tim Laning, co-founder of Grendel Games, saw an opportunity: why not use the power of games to help children develop healthier habits? After all, learning through play is incredibly effective!
Why Garfield?
The Grendel team wanted a relatable, fun character that children would love. Garfield, the world-famous cat known for his love of junk food and lounging, seemed like the perfect fit. When Tim approached Paws, Inc., the company founded by Garfield creator Jim Davis, the idea was met with enthusiasm. With permission secured, the team began developing a game where Garfield takes center stage.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
Tim explains: “Garfield is hugely popular with kids. He’s not perfect—he loves lasagna, pizza, and hates exercise—which made him ideal for our approach. We didn’t want to create a game that told children what to do. Instead, we used humor and light-hearted gameplay to help young people learn about nutrition and healthy habits in an engaging way.”
Support from a Health Innovator
The Friesland Zorgverzekeraar health insurance company joined the project to support its development. Foppe Hemminga, innovation manager at the company, explains: “We’re focusing more on illness prevention, especially among children. If trends continue, over 30% of income will be spent on healthcare by 2040—up from the current 16% for the average Dutch citizen. According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), half of healthcare expenses are lifestyle-related. Teaching children about healthy habits benefits everyone: it improves their long-term health while helping us control healthcare costs.”
The Story: Garfield vs. Hot Dog
The game, titled Garfield vs. Hot Dog, follows Garfield, his owner Jon, and their loyal dog Odie as they travel the globe battling Hot Dog, a villain intent on conquering the world with his fast-food empire. Players complete missions and fun mini-games to reverse Hot Dog’s unhealthy influence, taking back neighborhoods, cities, and entire countries one step at a time.
Mini-Games with a Purpose
Garfield vs. Hot Dog features five cities and seven mini-games, each focused on a specific learning objective—such as understanding the impact of sugar or discovering the joy of exercising with others. The first city, New York, is available as a free download, allowing players to try the game before exploring more. Designed for children aged 6 to 11, the mini-games gradually increase in complexity to match their development.
A Scientifically Validated Game
The game was developed in collaboration with leading scientists and experts in fields such as nutrition, behavior, obesity, healthy living, and video game design. Partners included researchers from Belgrade, Israel, and Utrecht University. Tim adds: “This close cooperation ensured that our game is not only fun but also scientifically validated to help kids adopt healthier lifestyles.”
