RR’s first-ever vintage video game culture-inspired car is an all-important side quest to win the heart of the 70s arcade gamer
Singapore – The Black Badge Ghost Gamer is Bespoke Rolls-Royce’s first-ever commission to be inspired by arcade gaming culture. RR’s side quest aims to win the heart of the 70’s Arcade Gamer, with the reimagining of 8-bit graphics which defined the gaming era.
Decked out in Salamanca Blue and deep-shimmer Crystal over Diamond Black, the Black Badge Ghost Gamer was created for a client with a deep passion for early arcade culture. Built with intricately crafted references, the Ghost Gamer includes hand-painted ‘Cheeky Alien’ exterior Coachline motif along with a pink 8-bit explosion on one side, and a yellow and blue on the other side of the car.
On the front, an Illuminated Pantheon Grille, topped by an Illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy are matched with seven-spoke forged 22-inch Black Badge wheels, paired with black brake callipers.
The visual treats continue on the interior, where ‘Player’ seat embroidery, ‘Pixel Blaster’ Starlight Headliner, a unique ‘Laser Base’ Illuminated Fascia, and a hidden cache of joystick-era Easter eggs, point to the visual language of that era.
To complete the commission, the Black Badge Ghost Gamer is decked out with Bespoke Illuminated Treadplates, engraved in the very same 8-bit graphic lettering as the seat embroidery. It displays familiar classic arcade-game prompts: ‘PRESS START’, ‘LOADING…’, ‘LEVEL UP’ and ‘INSERT COIN’.
Joshua McCandless, Bespoke Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, who oversaw the project said: “The unique privilege of working within Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design is the extraordinary breadth of ideas we’re asked to bring to life. This brief was particularly exciting. Over the course of a month, we immersed ourselves in the 8-bit aesthetic that defined late 70s and early 80s gaming – from the games themselves and archive imagery of arcade halls, to original promotional and cabinet artwork. As well as capturing the distinctive colour palette, mood and atmosphere of this rich source material, we wanted the client to feel that the motor car itself was an immersive experience – and that every time they stepped inside, it would recreate the same thrill they felt when they pressed ‘start’ on an arcade machine for the very first time.”
