Red Bull Media House Unveils Playable Tetris Magazine

Red Bull Media House has launched a groundbreaking product: a playable Tetris magazine called the GamePop GP-1, which features a flexible display embedded in its cover. This innovative gaming edition of The Red Bulletin lifestyle magazine was developed in collaboration with Kevin Bates, known for his previous work in creating portable gaming devices. The magazine includes a 180-page gaming edition and is part of a broader initiative that includes a recent gaming tournament held in Dubai, where the Dubai Frame was transformed into the world’s largest playable Tetris installation using drones.

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The GamePop GP-1's display consists of 180 tiny RGB LEDs mounted on a flexible circuit board that is only 0.1mm thick. This design allows the magazine to maintain a thin and flexible profile, making it feel like a handheld device made of paper. The display is durable enough to withstand typical wear and tear, having passed safety tests and even withstood impact testing. The game employs embedded touch sensors instead of physical buttons, enhancing the user experience while keeping the device lightweight.

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While the exact manufacturing costs remain undisclosed, the magazine incorporates both flexible and rigid components, including an ARM-based 32-bit microprocessor and rechargeable batteries. The magazine features a deconstructed USB-C charging port, cleverly integrated into the design. Red Bull produced approximately 1,000 copies of the magazine, with only 150 featuring the playable cover. These limited editions were distributed to Tetris competitors, featured individuals, influencers, and select media outlets, making them unavailable for general purchase.

The Verge

Despite its innovative design, the GamePop GP-1 is not without limitations. It lacks some modern Tetris features, such as previews of upcoming pieces and the ability to save tetrominoes for later use. Additionally, while the magazine's playable cover is a novel concept, it is unlikely to significantly impact the print industry or lead to a new era of portable gaming devices.

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Kevin Bates emphasized the goal of the project was to utilize existing technology in a unique way, stating, “This collaboration was an opportunity to use what he’s learned to create a device that would live outside his workshop.” Red Bull's initiative reflects a blend of creativity and technology, aiming to surprise gamers with a fresh experience.

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• “The goal was to use existing tech in a way that gamers haven’t seen before.” — Kevin Bates, Developer

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• “You’re not going to be chasing Tetris world records on the cover of a magazine, but the controls are satisfyingly responsive and the game is surprisingly much easier to play than other Tetris devices I’ve tested.” — Reviewer

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• “His display survived, but don’t try that with a folding phone.” — Kevin Bates, Developer

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• “The flexible circuits are bonded between two sheets of paper to create the sleeve that wraps around the book-sized magazine, and it feels satisfyingly thin and flexible.” — Reviewer

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The GamePop GP-1 represents a unique intersection of gaming and print media, showcasing how traditional formats can be reimagined through technological innovation.

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