The 7 Secrets Michael Jackson Hid in His Video Games

1. The Bubbles Easter Egg in “Moonwalker”

No detail was too small for Michael’s attention, especially when it came to his beloved chimpanzee companion, Bubbles.

In the arcade classic Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker, players who take a moment to stop dancing and fighting Mr. Big’s goons might notice something special.

If you leave the game idle on the attract screen for a short period, a unique cutscene plays.

Instead of Michael, the camera pans to reveal Bubbles, suited up in his own tiny tuxedo and sparkly socks, ready to take on the world.

This wasn’t just a cute gag; it was a heartfelt nod to his constant real-life companion, immortalizing Bubbles as a hero right alongside Michael himself.

2. The “Smooth Criminal” Auto-Dodge

Every fan knows the iconic lean from the Smooth Criminal short film, a move that defied physics and left audiences gasping.

But how do you translate that impossible magic into a 16-bit video game?

The developers of the Genesis version of Moonwalker found a brilliantly subtle way.

They programmed a unique auto-dodge mechanic specifically for the “Smooth Criminal” level.

When enemy bullets get too close to Michael, he will automatically perform his signature anti-gravity lean to avoid them, without the player pressing a single button.

This wasn’t a standard game design choice; it was a deliberate act of character preservation, ensuring the on-screen avatar moved with the same preternatural grace as the man himself.

3. The Hidden “Leave Me Alone” Cemetery

Michael Jackson’s relationship with the media was, to put it mildly, complicated.

He often used his art to push back against the relentless scrutiny and sensationalist headlines.

In the Moonwalker game, the final stage before confronting the villain Mr. Big is a haunted graveyard.

Sharp-eyed players who explore the backgrounds will notice something chilling on the tombstones.

Etched into the pixelated granite are tabloid headlines and the names of infamous publications that plagued his life.

This secret level served as a direct digital counterpart to his music video for “Leave Me Alone,” a biting satire of the media circus.

It was his way of fighting back in a new medium, turning his tormentors into literal tombstones for players to dance past.

4. The Secret Concert Performance

What’s a Michael Jackson game without his greatest hits?

While the arcade version of Moonwalker featured his music prominently, the home console versions had a delightful reward for skilled players.

Upon rescuing all the children in a level, Michael wouldn’t just move on to the next area.

Instead, the screen would fade, the perspective would shift, and you’d be treated to a full, uninterrupted performance of the song you just completed the level to.

Michael would perform his signature dance moves on a stage as the track played in its entirety.

This wasn’t a cutscene; it was a playable reward, letting you control his dancing amidst a shower of pixelated applause.

In an era before YouTube, this was a rare chance to own a piece of his concert magic.

5. The Morphing Mystery

Michael Jackson was the master of transformation, both in his music videos and his public persona.

This love of metamorphosis was hardwired into his games.

In Moonwalker, his most powerful attack isn’t a punch or a kick—it’s dance.

By collecting enough dancing children, Michael builds a magic meter that, when unleashed, transforms him into a glittering, invincible robot dance machine.

This wasn’t a random power-up.

It directly mirrored the closing sequence of the Moonwalker film, where he transforms into a giant spaceship and saves the day.

The game allowed you to become that superhero version of Michael, making his most fantastical cinematic moment an interactive reality.

6. The Signature Spin and Pose

Authenticity was everything.

Michael was reportedly deeply involved in the motion capture process (which, for its time, was incredibly primitive).

He insisted that his digital counterpart move with the same specific energy and precision as he did on stage.

The result?

Every time you execute a spin or finish a combo in the Moonwalker game, Michael strikes a perfect, iconic pose—ankles crossed, one hand on his hat, the other thrust outward.

These are not generic victory animations; they are direct recreations of his live performance choreography.

He ensured that even in a world of pixels, his art was represented with respect and accuracy.

7. The Elusive “Billie Jean” Code

This secret is the stuff of legend, whispered about on playgrounds and early internet forums.

Rumor has it that in some versions of the Sega Genesis game, a hidden code would unlock a special performance.

The code, allegedly “B-I-L-L-I-E-J-E-A-N” entered on the title screen, was said to unlock a playable version of the song that wasn’t otherwise accessible in the game.

While the existence of this exact code is debated among fans, its persistence speaks volumes.

It perfectly captures the aura of mystery Michael cultivated and the fervent belief among his fans that his games were filled with deeper, undiscovered magic.

It was a hidden layer meant only for the most dedicated explorers.

More Than Just a License

So, the next time you think of Michael Jackson’s foray into gaming, remember it was never just a business decision.

These hidden gems show an artist meticulously curating his legacy across every available platform.

He used the language of video games to fight his critics, honor his friends, and gift his fans with interactive pieces of his soul.

They are a time capsule of his genius, his struggles, and his boundless creativity.

Now, go fire up an emulator and see if you can find them all—the King of Pop is waiting to share his secrets with you.