NEWS

Cartoon Saloon partners with Asmodee to develop game

Published on: 7th June 2023

The Cartoon Saloon deal with Asmodee will see the creation of a game based on its award-winning Irish Folklore Trilogy, as the studio seeks further licensing partners.

Five-time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy-nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, has announced a development deal with Asmodee to create a new game for kids based on its Irish Folklore Trilogy, including Academy Award-nominated features WolfWalkers, Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells.

The new Irish Folklore Trilogy game will be developed under Asmodee’s successful Unlock! Game series’ Unlock! Kids, which debuted last year and has been designed for young players and their families to test their problem-solving skills in a series of escape games. The game comes with three stories that feature two adventures each, and, unlike previous Unlock! games, does not require an app to play. It will be distributed through Asmodee’s global distribution network, with additional details to be announced soon.

“We are thrilled to partner with Asmodee to expand the amazing worlds explored in our Irish Folklore Trilogy into a truly immersive gaming experience for kids and families,” commented Brian Tyrrell, general manager of Cartoon Saloon Brand Development. “With broad global awareness and demand from fans for more ways to engage with the stories and characters, we are excited to work with our new partners to create fresh, engaging and immersive experiences.

Brian added that Cartoon Saloon is looking forward to attending Licensing Expo to continue to build its retail offering. “In particular, we are looking to develop new categories, including Games, Apps, Apparel, Homewares and more,” he added.

Benoit Forget, head of Space Cowboy (Asmodee), said: “As a huge fan of Tomm Moore’s creativity, it is a privilege to collaborate with Cartoon Saloon on these three wonderful award-winning movies.”

Since announcing the debut of the Irish Folklore Trilogy brand nearly two years ago, Cartoon Saloon Brand Development continues to build the brand with licensing partners and at retail.  Current partners include the recently announced GreenRe, for a line of sustainable stationery products with distribution across North America, the UK and Northern Ireland, and Australia and New Zealand; Snuggly Figs for an eco-friendly and socially responsible children’s clothing line made of bamboo for North America; Value Add Games for an educational boardgame for the European Union; as well as Little Brown Books for Young Readers; Xist Publishing; Pinfinity and Gallery Nucleus, as well as Trends International.

Last year a special edition Blu-ray box set of the three films debuted in North America with partners GKids and Shout Factory, with Studio Canal Home Entertainment for Ireland and the UK and with Child Film/MidShip in Japan. Additionally, a  special edition trilogy designed range of apparel and mugs is available exclusively online, with a number of other Trilogy branded product licences under discussion.

 

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