Just for Sidekicks

• The title is an allusion to the term "just for kicks".
• The song Spike sings at the beginning of the episode: "Spike is great, making a jewel cake", is a reference to a famous skit performed by Bill Cosby about giving his children chocolate cake for breakfast. In return his children sang, "Dad is great, gives us chocolate cake!"

Games Ponies Play

• The title of this episode alludes to 1964 bestselling book, Games People Play.
• The Equestria Games are based on the Olympic Games.
• The winged shoes the messenger was wearing is an allusion to the ancient Greek god Hermes, who wore winged sandals and who played the role of messenger for the Olympian Gods. Hermes was likewise a patron of sports. The winged shoes also allude to the myth of Perseus, a hero who borrowed Hermes' sandals during his ventures.

Magical Mystery Cure

• The title is a reference to the 1967 film Magical Mystery Tour by the Beatles.