Tag Archives: mobile gaming

StoryToys launches LEGO DUPLO MARVEL mobile app

Posted on by

StoryToys (a subsidiary of Team17 Group plc), the LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment have announced the launch of LEGO DUPLO MARVEL, a mobile app for preschoolers. With over one million pre-orders globally, the app is now available from the App Store and Google Play.

In LEGO DUPLO MARVEL even the youngest Marvel fan can engage with their favorite Super Heroes including Spider-Man, Captain America, Ghost-Spider and more. In each activity children help their favorite Super Hero save the day, whether shooting webs with Spider-Man or rescuing a cat with Captain America. They can also create and build structures with virtual 3D LEGO DUPLO bricks.

The app has been carefully aligned with the Headstart Early Learning Outcomes Framework to ensure it meets the developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. Each play pack features fun challenges to support learning and development skills, including early math, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app is now available worldwide in twenty-six languages, with more to come in 2022. It’s free to download with additional content available to purchase.

“As a lifetime fan of both Marvel and LEGO bricks, this project is one that’s very close to my heart,” says Emmet O’Neill, CEO of StoryToys.

“We’re delighted to once again be collaborating with our amazing partners at the LEGO Group, and to be working with Marvel for the first time on such a special project. Preschoolers adore and aspire to be Marvel heroes and this app will offer them a positive digital experience tailored to their abilities. Whether kids are LEGO DUPLO fans, Marvel fans, or both, it’s our absolute privilege to bring them the opportunity to engage with their favourite heroes in this fun and educational digital experience.”

 

 

Warner Bros and DC launch first AR Batman mobile app featuring digital comics, games and more

Posted on by

Warner Bros Consumer Products and DC Comics have lifted the cowl on a new Batman mobile experience for young fans with the launch of the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app – a free mobile app that immerses fans in a story that takes a deep dive into the technology of the caped crusader.

The new app encourages kids to join Batman’s crime-fighting team, the Knightwatch, and experience a first of its kind augmented reality immersion in the world of the Dark Knight himself, learning how to use his Bat Tech to fight crime and defend Gotham City from his evil adversaries.

COPPA compliant, free to use and available in 13 different languages, the new app experience is DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products’ latest leap into the digital space to bring young fans a fully interactive and immersive dive into the world of the DC Super Heroes.

The Joker, Mr Freeze, The Riddler, and other DC Super-Villains each make an appearance in the narrative-driven app game, while in addition to learning about Batman’s technology through the app’s AR storytelling features, kids can play mini games, transform photos with AR face filters and stickers, and read exclusive digital comics.

Fans will also be able to watch Batman Bat-Tech themed video content and gain access to the Batcomputer, the super-computer where Batman’s tech secrets are stored.

“Batman is one of our most important franchises, so bringing together the DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products teams to develop this app featuring his fan-favorite gadgets and crime-fighting tech was a chance for us to give fans yet another way to engage with a favorite DC Super Hero,” said Pam Lifford, president, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

“The app creates a truly unique experience that gives kids around the world a chance to immerse themselves in the DC Universe — there’s no other app like it available today.”

Kevin Morris, vice president, franchise management and marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, added: “The Batman mobile app showcases Batman’s innovative technology, using augmented reality like never before, and gives kids a way to unlock the mystery behind Batman’s crime-fighting gadgets.

“Kids can now experience being a DC Super Hero alongside Batman, and while learning and playing they can also help save Gotham City.”

At launch, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features Augmented Reality mission to complete as kids become members of Batman’s new Knightwatch team, Mini Games such as the Batman themed mobile driving game, the Batarang Practice campaign, or the Grapnel Launcher game, AR face filters featuring Batman, The Joker, Batgirl, and more, and Sticker packs that kids can use to decorate photos.

The app, meanwhile, will also house Batman Bat-Tech video content delivered through its connection to the popular DCKids’ YouTube channel. A new series titled Batman Science Lab will launch this autumn, exploring the real world application of Batman’s technology.

New missions, games, filters, sticker packs, and video content will be added and updated on a regular basis.

On top of all of this, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app will host an exclusive digital comic series – Batman – Knightwatch, through which kids can explore how the Knightwatch programme was created and follow along with Batman and his Super Hero team as they take on Gotham City’s Super-Villains.

Fans can download the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition today and help Batman save Gotham City.  Available for free on the App Store and the Google Play store, the app is playable on both tablets and smart phones. The app is available globally and is localized in 13 different languages.

Sanrio taps European game developer Azerion for slate of Hello Kitty and Friends games

Posted on by

Sanrio has tapped the pan-European digital gaming company, Azerion to develop a series of casual games based on the globally popular Hello Kitty brand. The three year partnership will see the firm launch five Hello Kitty and Friends branded games.

The games will be web-enabled versions powered by HTML5 and will be accessible to a wider audience on both web and mobile devices.

As part of the deal, Azerion is planning a series of joint marketing initiatives to introduce the new Hello Kitty and Friends games across its diverse platforms to its audiences across the globe. This will span multimedia promotional events and social media audience engagement through video trailers and other assets.

The strategy will enable Azerion to reach new audiences on both the publisher and user sides, and offer new content for Sanrio fans regardless of what device they use.

Silvia Figini, COO of Sanrio, EMEA, India and Oceania, Mr. Men – Worldwide, said: “We are extremely glad to partner with Azerion on this new project. The combination of the global appealing of Hello Kitty and the great experience of Azerion in developing and publishing high quality engaging games will generate the perfect formula to deliver fantastic gaming experience to our worldwide audience.”

Erol Erturk, EVP Games and Strategic Partnerships at Azerion said: “Azerion’s partnership with Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and Friends supports the iconic brand in becoming a fully fledged media franchise. Azerion will give Hello Kitty and Friends cross- and multi-platform reach, specifically with customized concepts for our publishing partners.

“We are honoured to have Sanrio’s trust in this and are thrilled about the possibilities.”

With a series of games to roll out within the coming years, the first games include Hello Kitty Pinball and Hello Kitty and Friends Jumper.

Electronic Arts acquires Golf Clash mobile game makers Playdemic from WarnerMedia for $1.4bn

Posted on by

Video game publisher, Electronic Arts has acquired Warner Bros. Games’ Playdemic Ltd, the mobile games studio behind the popular app game Golf Clash, for $1.4 billion in cash. The move is the latest in EA’s ongoing strategy for mobile game growth and drive to ‘deliver new experiences’ to its network of half a billion players worldwide.

Founded in 2010, Playdemic is a mobile gaming company known for its award-winning Golf Clash, a title in which players compete with each other around the world in real time. It has been recognised as one of the leading mobile games in the US and UK with more than 80 million downloads globally to date.

The game has even been honored with numerous industry awards, including winner of the BAFTA Games Mobile Game of the Year (2018), Mobile Games Awards Game of the Year (2018), PocketGamer.biz Game of the Year (2017) and The Independent Game Developers’ Association (TIGA) Awards Game of the Year (2017).

“We have enjoyed working with the talented team at Playdemic as they have grown Golf Clash beyond all expectations into a hit mobile game with tremendous longevity,” said David Haddad, president, Warner Bros. Games. “While we have great respect for the Playdemic team, our decision to divest is a part of our overall strategy to build games based on Warner Bros. storied franchises.”

Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts, said: “Playdemic is a team of true innovators, and we’re thrilled to have them join the Electronic Arts family. In addition to the ongoing success of Golf Clash, the talent, technology and expertise of Playdemic will be a powerful combination with our teams and IP at Electronic Arts.

“This is the next step building on our strategy to expand our sports portfolio and accelerate our growth in mobile to reach more players around the world with more great games and content.”

The acquisition will add to EA’s mobile portfolio of more than 15 top live services across fast-growing genres, including lifestyle, casual, sports, and mid-core games.

Playdemic’s experienced executive team has worked together since 2014, with strong expertise in mobile games and a proven track record of success in clash games. Playdemic’s expertise in building mobile games beloved by players around the world, combined with EA’s industry-leading IP, presents opportunities to expand the clash mechanic to other franchises and for future growth in mobile experiences.

“We founded Playdemic with a focus on creating highly engaging and innovative game experiences. Our success with Golf Clash has proven our approach and demonstrated the ability of our incredibly talented teams to develop and operate best in class mobile games,” said Paul Gouge, CEO of Playdemic.

“Joining EA, one of the most successful games companies in the world, is an important next step in our journey and we are excited to continue to develop both Golf Clash and new titles as part of the EA family.”

The purchase price for the transaction is subject to customary adjustments, and will be paid in cash at closing and retained by AT&T. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The remaining Warner Bros. Games portfolio is included in the recently announced WarnerMedia-Discovery transaction and will become part of the combined media and entertainment company after the expected close of that transaction.

Rovio Entertainment to launch the first Moomin games for mobiles this year

Posted on by

Rights & Brands has partnered with Rovio Entertainment in a worldwide exclusive mobile games deal for the Moomin IP.

Based in Stockholm, the global licensing agency, Rights & Brands is the worldwide master agent of the Moomins, while Rovio Entertainment is the most successful Finnish mobile gaming company globally and the creator of the Angry Birds franchise.

Under the partnership, Rovio will develop new Moomin based games for any platform while holding the exclusvie rights to Moomin based games for all mobile platforms. Rovio’s first Moomin game will be based on the original story and world created by Tove Jansson, and inspired by the animated series, Moominvalley.

The title is already in development and expected to soft launch later this year.

“Moomin Characters looks to expand their digital footprint and offering, it’s fantastic to join forces with Rovio Entertainment, who bring a wealth of expertise and success in this space. We’re confident this partnership will open up new opportunities not only to the Moomin trademark, but also to the additional Nordic story. This partnership marks an important milestone in our strategy to take local Nordic creations to the international marketplace,” said Roleff Kråkström, managing director of Moomin Characters.

Alex Pelletier-Normand, CEO of Rovio, added: “We are honored and excited to enter this partnership that will give us the opportunity to present this iconic brand to new audiences across the globe as well as delighting our existing fans. This partnership will diversify our IP portfolio, which is a key step in our consistent growth strategy.”

Patrick Ullman, CEO of Rights & Brands, said: “This is the strategic alliance and digital collaboration we have been striving to achieve since starting up Rights & Brands. This is an important part of our digital transformation and a key driver to take the Moomin story and global awareness further, reaching new target audiences.”

Rights & Brands and Moomin Characters have invested in the Emmy Award-nominated studio Gutsy Animations, creator of the internationally celebrated Moominvalley 3D animation series. Multi award-winning Moominvalley is the company’s flagship production, with a record-high of 16 million starts on Yle’s streaming platform in Finland and distribution sold to over 50 countries.

“Rovio’s first Moomin game is inspired by the Moominvalley visuals. The partnership between these companies, all major players in their respective fields, will support steady growth and brand awareness for the Moomins in all digital arenas,” said Patrick Ullman.

“This deal is the perfect match for the Moomins and shows the rare but massive impact a brand based on art and literature can have. The Moomins is a body of art and this certainly takes art to a new level.”

WildBrain CPLG signs popular mobile gaming IP Brawl Stars in latest Line Friends deal

Posted on by

WildBrain CPLG has secured a multi-territory representation deal for the popular online mobile game, Brawl Stars, with the brand’s global rights holder, Line Friends. The deal marks an existing partnership between the two that covers the Line Friends characters brands, Brown & Friends and BT21.

WildBrain CPLG will now represent Brawl Stars across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Iberia, Benelux, Nordics, CEE, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine with a licensing programme aimed at fans of all ages. Key target categories will include apparel, accessories, toys, homewares, and stationery.

Brawl Stars is a multiplayer online battle-arena and hero-shooter game with multiple game modes. It was originally created and produced by the Finnish mobile game developer, Supercell, and provided the foundation for a global partnership with Line Friends to exploit all opportunities for the Brawl Stars IP. This includes licensing, content creation, and merchandise production.

The game first launched in 2018 and has since generated a significant user base in Europe with over 280M downloads.

Maarten Weck, executive vice president and managing director at WildBrain CPLG, said: “We’ve established a very successful partnership with Line Friends across their beloved character brands, so it’s fantastic to extend the relationship and welcome the hugely popular Brawl Stars to our portfolio.

“The game has an impressive footprint across Europe, which will provide a solid foundation as we assemble a compelling cross-category consumer products programme for fans and gamers. We already have a number of exciting deals in the pipeline, so watch this space.”

MGA Entertainment partners with Riva Technology to launch LOL Surprise and Rainbow High mobile games

Posted on by

The international toy maker, MGA Entertainment has signed a series of brand licensing deals with the mobile game developer Riva Technology and Entertainment to develop and publish a sweep of new titles based on the firm’s hit properties LOL Surprise and Rainbow High.

The move will see MGA Entertainment begin to tap into a global gaming market valued at $162.32 billion in 2020, and a mobile gaming industry that generated $13.2 billion in revenue in 2019. The global gaming market is tipped to reach $295.63 billion by 2026.

Riva Technology and Entertainment is a veteran in the gaming and IP business, having built gaming companies for over 20 years, along with securing and developing top licensing deals ranging from Hollywood, Bollywood, Sports and all the way to the world’s leading brands.

Meanwhile, MGA Entertainment’s LOL Surprise! is recognised as a global phenomenon, winning the Toy of the Year Award for three years. MGA’s newly launched Rainbow High debuted in 2020 and has already become a cultural phenomenon with a presence across product, content and integrated digital media.

“MGA boasts a diversified portfolio of leading brands, and it builds fantastic award-winning toys. Our vision of bridging the world of mobile gaming with consumer products and the toy culture is strongly aligned. I admire them for their consistent growth over the years and the incredible efforts they have accomplished, creating a universe that each of their collections represents,” said Riva Technology and Entertainment CEO and founder, Paul Roy.

“RTE always strive to associate with the biggest and the best and MGAE is certainly that. Details of the upcoming games will be announced soon.”

Isaac Larian, CEO and founder of MGA Entertainment, added: “We are delighted to partner with RTE who has a proven track record for working with the biggest IPs and delivering top quality results. Our digitally native fans want to experience our award-winning brands across all platforms and mobile gaming is a strategic focus for us in 2021 and beyond. It is MGA’s goal to expand both digital gaming and NFTs in a significant way.”

Nintendo and AR game developer Niantic partner again on a Pikmin mobile game

Posted on by

Nintendo and Niantic, the creators of hugely popular mobile game Pokémon Go, are partnering to produce a mobile game featuring another Nintendo IP, Pikmin.

This is the just the first of a series of apps the two companies intend to create, and will take advantage of Niantic’s real-world AR technology. The game will feature gameplay activities designed to encourage walking and make the activity more enjoyable – similar to Niantic’s previous title, Pokémon Go.

The app is scheduled to release worldwide later this year, with Niantic as the publisher. Additionally, the game will be the first title created by Niantic Tokyo Studio, which was established in April 2018.

“As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with  Nintendo,” said John Hanke, CEO of Niantic. “We’re looking forward to shaping the future of AR  together, bringing Nintendo’s beloved game characters to life for mobile game players around the world.”

“Niantic’s AR technology has made it possible for us to experience the world as if Pikmin are secretly living all around us,” said Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director, Fellow, Nintendo. “Based on the theme of making walking fun, our mission is to provide people a new experience that’s different  from traditional games. We hope that the Pikmin and this app will become a partner in your life.”

Nintendo and AR game developer Niantic partner again on a Pikmin mobile game

Posted on by

Nintendo and Niantic, the creators of hugely popular mobile game Pokémon Go, are partnering to produce a mobile game featuring another Nintendo IP, Pikmin.

This is the just the first of a series of apps the two companies intend to create, and will take advantage of Niantic’s real-world AR technology. The game will feature gameplay activities designed to encourage walking and make the activity more enjoyable – similar to Niantic’s previous title, Pokémon Go.

The app is scheduled to release worldwide later this year, with Niantic as the publisher. Additionally, the game will be the first title created by Niantic Tokyo Studio, which was established in April 2018.

“As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with  Nintendo,” said John Hanke, CEO of Niantic. “We’re looking forward to shaping the future of AR  together, bringing Nintendo’s beloved game characters to life for mobile game players around the world.”

“Niantic’s AR technology has made it possible for us to experience the world as if Pikmin are secretly living all around us,” said Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director, Fellow, Nintendo. “Based on the theme of making walking fun, our mission is to provide people a new experience that’s different  from traditional games. We hope that the Pikmin and this app will become a partner in your life.”

MGM Studios partners with PlaySide Studios to launch first Legally Blonde mobile game

Posted on by

MGM Studios has partnered with PlaySide Studios to develop and publish its first Legally Blonde themed mobile game based on the studio’s feature films Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.

The new game will be free to play on iOS and Android mobile devices as it rolls out to global audiences this year.

The game will combine puzzle and choice-based narrative mechanics with themes of empowerment and positivity as protrayed in the Legally Blonde film franchise. The result, says MGM, will be an immersive mobile game experience that allows players to tell their own Legally Blonde story.

Legally Blonde continues to resonate with new generations of audiences today as the film turns 20 this year. MGM is building out a licensing line around the movie’s key tenets – empowerment, education, humor and of course, fashion. Additionally, Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor have signed on to co-write the script for Legally Blonde 3, which will see Reese Witherspoon reprise her role as the beloved Elle Woods in 2022.

Collaborating with MGM to publish the Legally Blonde game marks a significant moment in PlaySide’s company history as it represents its first movie-based brand licensing agreement for a mobile title developed internally.

PlaySide’s CEO, Gerry Sakkas, said: “This is a historic occasion for PlaySide. Since the Company was founded, I have always wanted to bring a major Hollywood brand to the mobile space. I couldn’t think of a better partner in MGM, an iconic Hollywood studio with a rich 90-year history of premier movie titles, it’s truly an exhilarating time for PlaySide.”

Robert Marick, executive vice president, MGM Global Consumer Products & Experiences, said: “Legally Blonde is one of those iconic and inspirational brands that continues to appeal to new generations of fans around the world.

“We are thrilled to partner with PlaySide Studios to bring these trailblazing films to mobile devices, and offer consumers a new way to interact with one of our most cherished characters, Elle Woods.”