Cuphead collection debuts at Zara

King Features Syndicate, along with its local agent in Spain, Caravanserai, has announced that gaming phenomenon Cuphead is building on its successful international presence with a new clothing collection at ZARA, the Inditex Group’s popular apparel retailer.

Cuphead, Mugman and other fan favourite characters are jumping off the screen and onto the runway with new apparel for adults and kids. Available now at ZARA stores worldwide, the collection features t-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts with designs inspired by the highly celebrated game’s classic animation style.

Cuphead continues to resonate with dedicated fans around the world and inspire pop-culture collaborations across all categories,” says Carla Silva, VP/GM, global head of licensing, King Features. “Working with ZARA is a true reflection of Cuphead’s popularity, and we are thrilled to partner with such a prominent brand to bring fresh and exciting fashion styles to fans worldwide.”

Cuphead is continuing to level up around the world with new publishing programmes in development for art books and graphic novels. Dark Horse and Norma Editorial are expanding the existing lineup of Cuphead books based on the original video game with “The Art of Cuphead” art book launching in Spain. The book will also hit shelves globally in markets across Europe and Asia such as France, Italy, Japan and more. Additionally, Cuphead graphic novels will launch in Spain, France, Italy, Israel, Japan and additional markets across Europe and Asia.

Studio MDHR’s Cuphead is celebrated by fans around the world for its arcade-action gameplay, highly original art design and award-winning soundtrack, featuring almost three hours of original jazz, early big band and ragtime music. A true cultural phenomenon, the game has sold millions of units worldwide and won over 20 major awards. In addition to a wide range of new product releases, this year, on 30June the Studio will launch Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course which will add an entire new island to the game, as well as introducing a new playable character, Ms. Chalice.

The game was also recently transformed into an animated series on Netflix. The first episodes of The Cuphead Show!, which debuted on February 18, made the Top 10 Kids list in 90+ countries. Due to its successful premiere, The Cuphead Show! is returning with a fresh set of episodes dropping this summer on August 19.

MeteoHeroes and Real Madrid join forces for summer workshops

Mondo TV Studios, part of Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content, has announced that the popular video game based on award-winning hit kids’ animation MeteoHeroes – a series co-produced by Mondo TV S.p.A and Meteo Expert – will be playing a leading role in the kids’ summer camp taking place at Real Madrid City, the world-famous football team’s training complex.

The aim of the Campus Experience Football and Responsible Gaming camp is to offer a unique experience that encompasses football training, gaming activities and the encouragement of positive values. With this in mind, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has announced a programme of PlayStation Talents activities at the event, which will open its doors to thousands of girls and boys from all over the world from 3–15 July 2022.

The Responsible Football and Gaming programme is an opportunity the Real Madrid Foundation offers boys and girls aged 9 to 12 to combine their two passions – football and gaming – in a responsible way and with a strong educational component.

PlayStation Talents is playing an important role in the programme with activities centred on various PlayStation titles including MeteoHeroes – Saving Planet Earth.

These activities will include entertaining and informative sessions and activities incorporating an environmental theme. They will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 July to 16 July and will accompany the training programme prepared by The Global Esports Academy, a benchmark esports academy in Spain.

This year the show has arrived in multiple Latin American and Portuguese-speaking markets and, thanks to the exclusive partnership of the show’s co-producers with mega hit-maker Kenn Viselman (Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine), also made its broadcast debut on PBS in the US with an Earth Day Special. As a result of a deal struck between Viselman and Adventure 2 Learning, MeteoHeroes will debut in 30,000 schools across America this autumn, impacting as many as 15 million children.The first series of MeteoHeroes is now available in over 20 languages and has been sold into or confirmed in over 145 countries. Starting in April, the second season of MeteoHeroes (52 episodes x 13′) had its world premiere on Cartoonito in Italy, where season one is already among the most successful Cartoonito children’s series. MeteoHeroes has enjoyed similar success in Spain on Clan.

The MeteoHeroes videogame, like the TV show, builds on the unique value proposition of the MeteoHeroes brand, one that combines an important and valuable message about climate and environmental issues, and ways to protect the planet, with fun and entertainment.

MeteoHeroes – Saving Planet Earth invites children of all ages to join the much-loved characters from the popular environmentally themed TV series in a fun action platform game. There are enemies to escape from, fast-moving adventures and multiple locations on all the world’s continents, where players have to find hidden items on the screen that will help them rid each city of pollution and decay.

The MeteoHeroes videogame has been available worldwide on PlayStation and PC (STEAM platform) from 28 February. It is expected to start launching in retail stores in autumn 2022. Release dates and territories will be confirmed later this year.

The video game is a co-production between Sony Interactive Entertainment España (SIE España), development partner Gammera Nest and Mondo TV Studios. It can also boast the support of PlayStation Talents in its area of PlayStation Alliances, the company’s programme that promotes the development of video games in Spain. Worldwide publishing is managed by PlayStation Talents, as well as communication, promotion and launch activities. North American distribution and marketing for the game is managed in partnership with The Itsy Bitsy Entertainment Company, from producer Kenn Viselman.

MeteoHeroes is the only cartoon in the world dedicated entirely to climate and environmental issues. Each episode focuses on issues related to ecology and respect for nature through the adventures of six superpowered kids who can control weather phenomena.

Maria Bonaria Fois, CEO of Mondo TV Studios, says: This is an important opportunity for MeteoHeroes, both to let children known more about an excellent video game based on their favourite TV series and to highlight the message of the show about caring for the planet. We are delighted to be working with Sony and Real Madrid at this important and timely event.”

 

The Great British Teddy Bear Company comes to PUBG MOBILE

PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular mobile games, has launched a partnership with soft toy brand and global IP owner The Great British Teddy Bear Company.

Established in England in 2002, The Great British Teddy Bear Company has developed an international reputation for producing teddy bears that celebrate iconic aspects of British culture and tradition. Now, players of the popular battle-royale game will now be able to get their hands on a specially designed PUBG MOBILE-themed GB Teddy Bear alongside a selection of The Great British Teddy Bear Company’s iconic British characters, including Robin Hood Teddy Bear and Sherlock Holmes Teddy Bear, as in-game buddies.

Alongside the new buddies, players will be able to access new and exclusive GB Teddy Bear items, from a GB Teddy Bear Set and GB Teddy Bear Cover to a GB Teddy Bear Ornament and GB Teddy Bear Parachute.

In a special event running until 22 July, players can obtain cotton by completing tasks to make various GB Teddy Bears and unlock exclusive in-game rewards.

PUBG MOBILE is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Layer launches digital marketplace to shake up licensing in the gaming space

Australian start-up Layer has launched a dedicated digital licensing marketplace to shake up how licensing deals between brands and games companies are managed.

Layer acts as a matchmaking platform between IP holders looking to extend their licensing activities into the games industry, and game developers and publishers seeking licensable IP to include in their games. With major titles like Fortnite leading the way and leveraging well-known brands to attract and retain players, securing IPs has become a vital part of the business of gaming. On the other hand, IP holders are realising its value and increasingly exploring opportunities in games. The whole idea behind Layer is to make the process of finding the right deal and getting it agreed “so simple that anyone can do it”.

The concept for Layer came about after one of the company’s founders, Rachit Moti, successfully licensed a song from his now-defunct band into a NASCAR racing game. Chris was struck by the legal complexities and opaque nature of the licensing process. In 2021, Rachit, together with Chris Illuk, founded Layer to democratise IP licensing by streamlining and simplifying the whole process. Part of this ambition is to enable as many game creators around the world as possible to work with their favourite brands and characters.

Rachit Moti, CEO & Co-Founder at Layer, explains: “Layer matches game developers to IP holders’ profiles based on commercial requirements, audience overlap and thematic fit. For instance, a developer working on a new game aimed at children can join the platform and be matched with popular children’s characters based on the parameters they set. Once two companies are happy with a match, they can proceed to the negotiation phase to agree commercial terms, all of which is handled within the platform.

“With character skins, themed seasons, or co-branded DLC and other in-game purchases, there are so many more ways well-known IPs can get into the gaming space nowadays. Despite interconnected metaverses potentially being years away, we’re already seeing major brands take their first steps inside these virtual worlds, and this trend will only accelerate.

“Historically, securing an IP was a very complex, labour intensive legal process that was normally reserved for large publishers with the capital and right know-how – something I believe is antiquated and no longer fit for purpose in the modern entertainment landscape. We’re here to change that and give developers of all sizes a seat at the table.”

Signing up to the platform is free. Plus, the Layer team also offers licensing advice to companies that may not be familiar with the licensing process.

The Layer marketplace is already home to over 50 gaming companies and more than 150 well-known brands spanning automotive, celebrity, children’s books, comics, fashion, film and TV, and toys. It’s free, and quick, to sign up, while Layer’s onboarding team provides a white-glove experience setting up each new profile to ensure the highest quality matches for game creators and IP holders.

To sign up or learn more, visit: https://www.layerlicensing.com/

 

 

The Sims FreePlay and LEGO DOTS form virtual partnership

The Sims FreePlay has teamed up with LEGO DOTS for a virtual partnership that will allow players to bring LEGO DOTS products to life within the game.

The Sims FreePlay is a mobile experience that allows Sims creators – known as Simmers – to create an entire town inspired by their own style and personality. Opening a new world of DOTS-inspired fun and in-game products, the collaboration – engineered by Electronic Arts’ Firemonkeys Studio – features a limited-time LEGO DOTS x The Sims Live Event and free LEGO DOTS pack, both of which are officially available until July 24. The limited-time LEGO® DOTS x The Sims Live Event allows players to complete a series of activities to unlock the exclusive items by crafting at Arts and Crafts Stations to gather resources over the course of the event.

Once they have collected enough resources, Simmers can unlock up to 10 exclusive DOTS products to put in their Sims’ virtual home. This includes real-life products like a banana pencil holder, candy land bracelet, message boards, rainbow bracelet, stick-on canvas, stitch-on canvas, panda tray, and ice cream picture frame, plus inspired décor such as bright wallpapers, fabulous flooring, and other fun items featuring bold colours and special patterns.

“We want to connect with LEGO DOTS fans in a new way and introduce DOTS to passionate Sims FreePlay players,” says Marjorie Satgé Lopez, Global Marketing Manager of LEGO. “We can’t wait to see the engagement from fans who fully immerse themselves in the Live Event and free pack, whether it’s through crafting jewellery, decorating their Sims’ houses with DOTS-inspired items, creating a LEGO DOTS message board design, or sharing their creations with other like-minded fans on social media.”

“Our game developers worked directly with the LEGO DOTS team for their guidance so that we could ensure that players felt their Sims were accurately interacting with the real-life products from their retail line, and we are excited about what we were able to achieve,” says Danni Hindi, Game Producer of The Sims FreePlay. “Both The Sims FreePlay mobile game and DOTS are suited to being taken with you on the go, everywhere and anywhere! We are extremely excited to bring DOTS sets into our game; the patterns, likeness and item scale – it took a lot of time and effort to get it absolutely right.”

The Sims FreePlay partnership with LEGO DOTS is available to all players until July 24 2022.

Download The Sims FreePlay for free on iOS, Android and Amazon devices here: https://simsfreeplay.sng.link/Dyt7s/faxv/sxpi

To view the real-life LEGO DOTS products included in The Sims FreePlay, click here: LEGO® DOTS | Fun Crafts for Kids

 

 

Classic mystery game CLUE sneaks into Hidden Hotel: Miami Master

Leading free-to-play game publisher Tilting Point has joined forces with Hasbro and WhaleApp, a specialist in story-driven games, to bring some of the classic characters of the mystery board game CLUE to Hidden Hotel: Miami Mystery, during a special month-long event. Hidden Hotel: Miami Mystery is one of the top mobile hidden objects games in the world and is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Starting today and continuing until July 7, some of the most famous CLUE characters will be checking in to the world of Hidden Hotel: Miami Mystery. Miss Scarlett and Colonel Mustard will join characters in the many mini-events and mysterious detective stories, including mysteries with different endings depending on the player’s choices. Miss Peacock and Professor Plum will offer players daily tasks with very special rewards. Players will be able to test their skills of observation like a real detective while solving challenging puzzles, including a special CLUE event with 20 levels to investigate.

The classic mystery board game, CLUE (known as CLUEDO internationally), from Hasbro, has entertained generations of people for over 70 years with multiple adaptations across film, TV, books, escape rooms, musicals and more.

“CLUE is one of the most iconic games in the world and just what the players of Hidden Hotel: Miami Mystery are looking for,” says Samir Agili, CO-CEO and president of Tilting Point. “It’s fantastic that we could connect this great IP and game for a truly memorable month-long activation.”

In Hidden Hotel: Miami Mystery, players are challenged to test their seek-and-find skills while uncovering secrets, solving puzzles and renovating a mysterious old hotel. The game unfolds like a classic detective story, with the player at the heart of every mystery, gameplay and storyline.

Players can use their detective skills with the characters from CLUE in Hidden Hotel: Miami Mystery beginning today. Hidden Hotel: Miami Mystery is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Introducing Infinite Drive, the world’s first driving metaverse

The Tiny Digital Factory, a leading developer and publisher of world-class racing and motorsport games, has announced Infinite Drive – the world’s first real driving metaverse. Ushering in a new era of racing games fuel-injected by web3 technology, Infinite Drive rolls out worldwide on mobile devices in Q4 2022.

Testing players’ driving skills with high-octane fun, Infinite Drive combines accessible and authentic gameplay with stunning recreations of officially licensed cars. The Tiny Digital Factory has long-standing relationships with world-class carmakers such as McLaren, Porsche, Mercedes AMG and Ford, while Infinite Drive’s showroom already includes high-performance cars from Renault, Alpine, Ruf and W Motors. Many more licenses are set to be confirmed within a few months, bringing Infinite Drive up to a full complement of over 150 officially licensed cars from more than 20 automotive brands.

Designed by racing fans for racing fans, Infinite Drive’s simulation-based gameplay brings the thrill of being in the driver’s seat to the mobile metaverse. Players will be able to feel, hear and experience each car’s unique characteristics out on track, competing online to earn the acclaim of being the number one driver. With the power of web3 technology, highly skilled drivers can even ‘race to earn’, taking the wheel on behalf of other players, entering official races, competitions and even sharing in the winnings, just like a real-world racing team.

As well as ‘race to earn’, meaningful integration of web3 technology allows players to build, trade and own their own dream car collection as they compete for pole position on track. Starting in summer 2022, Infinite Drive will offer an initial collection of 5,000 licensed NFT cars from premium real-world brands, which will provide immediate access to the game’s closed Alpha phase. However, there is no requirement for players to own a car to enjoy Infinite Drive and hone their racing skill, and the full game will be free-to-play on iOS and Android.

Stephane Baudet, Founder and CEO at The Tiny Digital Factory, says: “With its game-first engine architecture and unique digital car ownership, Infinite Drive is the zenith of twenty years of making driving simulation games. For decades, racing fans have been staring lovingly at dream cars in virtual garages. So we’ve used web3 tech to make it possible for gamers to actually own and earn from their vehicles, alongside a stunning player experience out on track. Infinite Drive offers the accessibility of mobile games, combined with play and earn, providing the tools to reward passionate players who are already organising racing events and helping us create the very best driving experience.”

Developed by industry veterans behind some of the most successful free-to-play mobile titles such as Jurassic World: The Game, Gangstar, Hitman Sniper, Fallout Shelter, and Rollercoaster Tycoon Touch, The Tiny Digital Factory team’s experience includes the chart-topping GT Manager and F1 Mobile Racing. It also worked with Animoca Brands to develop F1 Delta Time, a pioneering web3 driving game, as well as the renowned REVV Racing game. Built with this motor gaming development pedigree, Infinite Drive delivers a unique blend of exhilarating racing, missions, and achievements, with web3 digital supercar ownership and trading.

MGM’s iconic franchise RoboCop makes Fortnite debut

The iconic “part man, part machine, all cop” cyborg, RoboCop, is landing in one of the most popular free-to-play video games ever made.

Epic Games’ Fortnite and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) have announced that sci-fi franchise RoboCop is making its highly anticipated Fortnite debut for a limited time only from May 13 to May 21.

Just in time to celebrate RoboCop’s 35th anniversary this year, players will be able to bring the iconic franchise to life with inspired outfits and cosmetics available in the Fortnite Item Shop. The collaboration includes the Robocop Outfit, the LEG-209 Back Bling, and the leg of ED-209 that doubles as a Pickaxe. Additionally there will be a traversal Lil’ ED-209 Emote, where players using this Emote will be able to ride on a mini ED-209.

“RoboCop is celebrating its 35thanniversary this year and the thrilling sci-fi franchise continues to appeal to fans around the world. We are excited to work with Epic Games’ Fortnite on this RoboCop integration and bring dedicated fans new interactive experiences,” says Robert Marick, Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Experiences.

The first RoboCop film in 1987 launched a massive franchise with three film sequels, a live-action and animated television series, video games, books, “inspired-by” media campaigns and comics. The four films grossed over $350 million at the worldwide box office. The franchise continues to resonate with audiences around the world today and has transcended pop culture with a robust consumer products and licensing programme and a strong legacy in the gaming space.

 

The Smiley Company launches exclusive digital designs on Ready Games’ Icon app

Epik, a specialist in bridging the gap between real-world brands and digital ecosystems, has connected Ready Games, the leading distributed web3 gaming ecosystem on mobile, and Smiley Company, the lifestyle brand and original creator of the iconic smiling emoticon now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

In honour of Smiley’s half-century, the brands have launched a bespoke virtual fashion line of SmileyWorld branded merchandise for Ready Games’ app, ‘ICON Avatar Fashion Universe’. In the app, players can now choose up to 21 unique SmileyWorld pieces to add to their avatars’ virtual fashion closets. 

“Ready’s innovative NFT technology provides brands and creators with the opportunity to elevate fashion collections in the digital space,” says Christina Macedo, COO of Ready Games.” Our vision is for players to be able to express themselves through clothing and in-game accessories. Smiley’s iconic symbol of universal happiness is the perfect fit for our first animated and textured NFT fashion collection. The whole collection feels fresh, playful, and wonderfully iridescent – truly brilliant!”

“Launching a collection of SmileyWorld virtual fashions with Ready Games is an exciting leap into the metaverse for The Smiley Company,” says Lori Heiss-Tiplady SVP of Digital at The Smiley Company. “The ICON app is the perfect launching pad for digital fashions from our lifestyle brand born in the digital universe and built on self-expression. The animated patterns and avatars made possible by Ready’s ground-breaking technology will allow users to express their moods in a bold new way with SmileyWorld.”

 

Sanrio creates My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox

Sanrio has debuted My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox. The immersive experience, created in partnership with game development studio Rock Panda, enables visitors full control over their very own cafe in the Hello Kitty universe. Community members have the chance to build from the ground up, manage, and expand their cafe with help from Hello Kitty and her friends.

Starting from a simple cafe truck all the way to a massive coffee house, the fun and creativity is endless. With a built-in Gacha system, members can collect an array of different Hello Kitty themed staff members along with multiple characters from Sanrio.

“For several decades, our core values of friendship and kindness have helped build a positive community in the physical world. As the world moves to the digital space, we are evolving with our audience to create authentic digital experiences that are uniquely Sanrio,” says Craig Takiguchi, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Business Development at Sanrio, Inc. “Sanrio’s online presence will allow players of all ages to express themselves through our characters and extend the inclusive and kind Sanrio community to the digital world.”

As visitors progress through the experience, they’ll unlock familiar characters such as My Melody, Pompompurin, and Keroppi, along with many surprise characters. They can style their cafes with unique Hello Kitty decor, create original menu items for their customers, or hop on the Shinkansen to explore Hello Kitty City and visit a friend’s Cafe Town to see what they are up to.