The Chick-fil-A cows return in a big way with games, merch and prizes

At Chick-fil-A, it’s the summer of the cows.The fast-food chain’s mascots haven’t been front and center lately. But over the next few months, the cow characters, which made their initial appearance 28 years ago, will be starring in an online game, an animated short film and a new line of bovine-inspired merchandise.

“Code Moo, A Chick-fil-A Game,” becomes available Wednesday on playCodeMoo.com and lets players help the cows in their ongoing battle against their rival Circus Burger. By playing the game’s weekly missions, you can win one of 2.5 million food prizes (while supplies last). Other prizes include free Chick-fil-A food for a year and a trip for two to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.

“The Chick-fil-A Cows have been a beloved part of the brand for nearly three decades and carry a contagious spirit everywhere they go, reminding our guests to laugh and appreciate the little things around them,” said Joe Saracino, senior vice president of brand, advertising and media, in a press release.

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In addition to the game with its weekly missions, the cows will star in an animated short film, coming in mid-July. And starting next week, on June 26, you can corral some Chick-fil-A cow merchandise including beach towels, visor, paddleball game, even a cow costume, and more on shop.chick-fil-a.com. Also available in restaurants June 26 is a “Cow Party” board game and new cow plush toys and keychains.

The cows made their first appearance in 1995 on a billboard in Atlanta urging people to “Eat Mor Chikin.” They were prevalent in Chick-fil-A’s marketing for more than 20 years, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, the cows were kind of put out to pasture for awhile.

A trailer for the upcoming animated feature – you can watch it now on Chick-fil-A's YouTube page and online – shows the cows again tackling a billboard.

Want to play the new Chick-fil-A cows game? Here's how

Go to playCodeMoo.com on either desktop or mobile. If you go to the site on desktop a QR code will redirect you to the mobile web game. You will also be prompted to sign into your Chick-fil-A One account when you begin play on the site so any rewards get added to your account. Mobile users can go directly to playCodeMoo.com.

During the game, you face trivia challenges in a VR-like environment. After completing the challenge, those who receive a food reward (while supplies last) will see their reward automatically added into their Chick-fil-A One account.

Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @mikesnider.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chick-fil-A brings back iconic cows for summer of games, prizes