Outright Games and Universal Products & Experiences have lifted the veil on a new gameplay trailer for DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party, an upcoming video game for consoles and PC. This title, inspired by the wildly successful streaming series Gabby’s Dollhouse and the soon-to-be-released theatrical film, promises to bring the whimsical world of Gabby, Pandy Paws, and their feline friends to interactive life. The game is set to launch on September 19, 2025, for a wide range of platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
This new reveal offers a detailed look into the magical dollhouse, showcasing a vibrant array of activities and environments designed to capture the spirit of the show. Players can join Gabby and Pandy Paws as they journey through the dollhouse to throw the ultimate party. The game is built around a progressive unlocking system, where players explore new worlds and activities as they advance. This includes visiting the Crafting World with Mama and Baby Box, dancing with DJ Catnip on Caturn, and baking delicious treats with Cakey in Sweet Treat Mountain. These worlds are not just static backdrops; they are packed with unique challenges and surprises that directly mirror the beloved episodes from the series.
A World of Playful Activities and Accessible Design
The gameplay trailer highlights the game’s core mechanics and design philosophy, which emphasizes accessibility and creative fun. A key feature is the inclusion of over 40 mini-games scattered throughout the dollhouse, adding significant replay value. These bite-sized experiences range from rhythm challenges and crafting tasks to carnival-style attractions, ensuring there’s something to appeal to every type of young player. The developers have clearly focused on creating a variety of engaging activities that are both fun and easy to understand.
A notable design choice, and one we truly appreciated when we had the chance to play with the developers at Gamescom, is the control scheme and character movement. The game features simplified, accessible controls that make it easy for young children to pick up and play without frustration. This is particularly evident in the way Gabby navigates the environment. The character moves in a 2D plane rather than a complex 3D space, which makes traversing the screen and interacting with objects intuitive and straightforward for younger gamers. This thoughtful design consideration demonstrates the amount of care and attention that went into making the game truly accessible and enjoyable for its target audience.
The Evolution of the Dollhouse: From Screen to Interactive Adventure
The game builds on the incredible success of the Gabby’s Dollhouse series, which has become a global phenomenon since its debut in 2021. Created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, the show has consistently been a top performer on Netflix, with Nielsen data from this year showing it as the most-viewed streaming original series for kids. The series’ popularity has led to its expansion into a comprehensive franchise, including an award-winning toy line, extensive publishing, and even appearances at Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks.
This game, along with the upcoming theatrical release Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, marks a significant expansion of the IP. The film, directed by Ryan Crego and produced by Steven Schweickart, boasts an all-star cast, including Laila Lockhart Kraner returning as Gabby, with new additions like four-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan as Grandma Gigi and Oscar nominee Kristen Wiig as the eccentric cat lady Vera. The movie’s plot sees Gabby on a road trip that leads to a quest to save her cherished dollhouse, setting the stage for a grand cinematic adventure that complements the game’s narrative.
The Importance of Cooperative Play and Creative Expression
A central theme in Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is local two-player co-op gameplay. This feature encourages families and friends to play together, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared fun. The game allows for customizable characters, letting players personalize their experience and further immerse themselves in the dollhouse world. The ability to play side-by-side with a friend or family member is a crucial element that aligns with the series’ core message of friendship and collaborative fun.
The game’s design is heavily rooted in the “growth mindset” philosophy of the series, which encourages flexible thinking and learning from mistakes. This is integrated into the gameplay through various challenges and activities that require problem-solving and creative expression. Whether it’s baking a cake, creating a craft, or solving a puzzle, the game provides a safe and encouraging environment for kids to experiment and learn. The inclusion of co-op play elevates this, as players can work together to overcome obstacles and celebrate their successes, reinforcing positive social interactions.
A Celebration of Imagination
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is shaping up to be a must-play experience for families, offering a faithful and engaging adaptation of the beloved series. From its vibrant environments and diverse mini-games to its thoughtful, accessible design, the game is a true celebration of imagination, creativity, and friendship. The new gameplay footage gives a promising glimpse into a world where players can explore, create, and party with Gabby and her friends, making magical memories together. It’s clear that Outright Games, in collaboration with Universal, has poured a lot of heart into this project, ensuring it lives up to the playful spirit of the source material.