York Maze celebrates Mr Men Little Miss 50th with world’s largest maize design

York Maze, believed to be the largest maze in Europe, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic British character brand, Mr Men and Little Miss by paying tribute to its cast of personalities by carving out their likeness within its 15 acre expanse.

Covering the area of eight Wembley football pitches, the York Maze design, when viewed from the air, depicts images of the first Mr Men character to be created, Mr Tickle, together with Little Miss Sunshine, Mr Tall, Mr Bump, and the latest character to join the troupe, Little Miss Brave.

Each of the Mr Men characters in the maze are the size of a football pitch, making it a line up of the world’s biggest Mr Men characters on record. The maze features over 5km of pathways in which visitors can lose themselves.

The maze is the creation of farmer, Tom Pearcy who designed the maze to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Mr Men and Little Miss brand.

“I grew up with the Mr.Men characters and loved watching the original TV series as a kid. I rediscovered the brand when my children were young and just love the images and storytelling which appeals to all ages,” he said. “We were not able to open last year at all because of Covid so we’re really looking forward to welcoming our visitors back for the first time in nearly two years.

“I’m delighted with how the design has turned out and the maize plants are nice and tall already so its a great year to get lost.”

The Mr. Men Little Miss 50th Anniversary Maze is open for visitors to explore from Saturday, July 17th to Monday, September 6th 2021 when the crop will be harvested.

Visitors will have to navigate the maze of pathways to find the six Mr. Men Little Miss characters hidden in the maze. Find all the characters and you could win a prize. For details of opening times visit www.yorkmaze.co.uk

York Maze celebrates Mr Men Little Miss 50th with world’s largest maize design

York Maze, believed to be the largest maze in Europe, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic British character brand, Mr Men and Little Miss by paying tribute to its cast of personalities by carving out their likeness within its 15 acre expanse.

Covering the area of eight Wembley football pitches, the York Maze design, when viewed from the air, depicts images of the first Mr Men character to be created, Mr Tickle, together with Little Miss Sunshine, Mr Tall, Mr Bump, and the latest character to join the troupe, Little Miss Brave.

Each of the Mr Men characters in the maze are the size of a football pitch, making it a line up of the world’s biggest Mr Men characters on record. The maze features over 5km of pathways in which visitors can lose themselves.

The maze is the creation of farmer, Tom Pearcy who designed the maze to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Mr Men and Little Miss brand.

“I grew up with the Mr.Men characters and loved watching the original TV series as a kid. I rediscovered the brand when my children were young and just love the images and storytelling which appeals to all ages,” he said. “We were not able to open last year at all because of Covid so we’re really looking forward to welcoming our visitors back for the first time in nearly two years.

“I’m delighted with how the design has turned out and the maize plants are nice and tall already so its a great year to get lost.”

The Mr. Men Little Miss 50th Anniversary Maze is open for visitors to explore from Saturday, July 17th to Monday, September 6th 2021 when the crop will be harvested.

Visitors will have to navigate the maze of pathways to find the six Mr. Men Little Miss characters hidden in the maze. Find all the characters and you could win a prize. For details of opening times visit www.yorkmaze.co.uk

Moose Toys delivers knockout new franchise Akedo Ultimate Arcade Warriors with WildBrain CPLG and Nickelodeon

Moose Toys is delivering a knockout new launch this summer and its ‘biggest boys’ launch to date’ with the arrival of Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors, a battling action figure series that will launch with a new animated series, a licensing programme managed by WildBrain CPLG, and a special tournament hosted by Nickelodeon.

Derived from the Japanese word for arcade, Akedo has a retro gaming look and combines it with kids battling one-on-one with 39 unique warriors including ninjas, robots, gladiators and Vikings, alongside teddy bears, a dinosaur and clowns, using skill and strategy to claim victory over their equally well-equipped opponents.

Building excitement for the action-packed game play of Akedo, Moose is making its largest ever investment in content with WildBrain. Moose also is partnering with Nickelodeon to create a branded “as live” event ― The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament ― on Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel which garners over 50 million views each month.

To create full franchise opportunities for the new brand, Moose and WildBrain Spark are co-producing a new animated series bringing the world of Akedo to life. The action-packed series trailer can be viewed on the MooseTube Mania YouTube channel, a mini movie will premiere on July 2 and full episodes will roll out shortly thereafter.

Episodes also can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video Direct. In Canada, WildBrain also will debut the new Akedo series on its leading television network beginning this fall.

Alongside the robust content offering, Moose also has partnered with WildBrain CPLG, to manage a global licensing program for the Akedo brand across all categories to follow the toys’ launch. WildBrain will handle global distribution for the new series.

Action-packed gameplay is created by figures that are attached to individual coin bases that are reminiscent of arcade play. Using the included controller, figures deliver a unique split strike action that literally splits the other Akedo figure in half. Players’ skill and strategy increase as they move through the collection of 39 warriors, including Classic, Epic, Ultra Rare, Legendary, Exclusive Ultra Rare and the very Limited Edition Mythical Stormstrike, a glow-in-the-dark Viking.

For the ultimate battle experience, players can match up in the ’90s retro style Ultimate Battle Arena, a play-set that emulates an old-school arcade game complete with its own theme song. The arena comes with two exclusive Ultra Rare warriors, Turbo Chux and Screen Shot, both with double battle accessories.

Included are two interchangeable backdrops, two deluxe controllers and detachable training punching bag. Adding excitement, and a bit of humor, to the battles, the arena plays more than 35 real battle sound effects.

“Our success in the boys’ aisle with the Treasure X and Heroes of Goo Jit Zu lines established Moose as a toy super innovator in the category. We are pulling out all of the stops with the Akedo launch,” said Ronnie Frankowski, chief marketing officer, Moose Toys.

“Combining our expertise in collectibles, WildBrain’s cutting edge approach to content and licensing and Nickelodeon’s ability to create on-trend interactive events for its highly engaged and loyal audience, Akedo is positioned to deliver a knock-out hit.

“It’s the most dynamic battling toy ever, and with deep collectability and engaging entertainment, we are delivering a fully-rounded experience that meets kids where they are. It’s a bold move that is consistent with Moose WOW innovation. Akedo is the next global boys’ action franchise mega hit.”

Rachel Taylor, commercial director, WildBrain Spark, added: “Having successfully managed Moose’s YouTube strategy for a number of years at WildBrain Spark, we know just how incredibly engaged kids are with their content online. As more and more kids’ brands move to digital-first launch strategies, it’s a natural step to extend our Moose partnership across WildBrain’s integrated offering of production, distribution and licensing for the amazing new Akedo franchise.

“Moose has an excellent track record of delivering toys kids love, and we’re confident Akedo is going to be a big hit both on and off screen.”

Frankowski added: “Working with Nickelodeon we’ve created an action-packed interactive component to the product launch, The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament, that literally brings to life the Akedo experience in a way no other partner could.

“Moose has had a long-standing relationship with Nickelodeon, but this is the first time we’ve partnered with them for a branded “as live” event. Tapping into Nickelodeon’s group of top-level influencers to introduce kids to Akedo and this absolute next level game play will be entertaining as well as demonstrate how the game is played by enthusiasts that kids can relate to.”

April L. McKenzie, Vice President, Kids & Family Activation, Velocity, ViacomCBS, said: “Through this collaboration with Moose Toys, Nickelodeon continues to push the envelope by creating innovative content and experiences that appeal to fans of all ages.

“The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament not only spotlights the exciting launch of this new action-based toy, but also offers kids and families an opportunity to be at the center of the action.”

The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament will tap the power of Nickelodeon’s 35 million social reach, and enlist its talent and influencers to reach kids and parents. The event will match up 16 competitors made up of kids and top influencers in an exclusive bracket-style tournament, with each competitor battling for their warrior to win the title and become the Ultimate Akedo Champion.

Leading up to the event, influencers including Ninja Kidz, Onyx Kids, Kyle’s Toys & Games and Ohana Boys will be sharing content that showcases how they are training for battle.

On Aug. 15, the event goes live on Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel hosted by digital creator and YouTube star Nathan from Unspeakable calling the action through Aug. 21. Catch it after Aug. 21 on Moose’s YouTube channel, MooseTube Mania.

Akedo will launch on Walmart.com and Amazon in July and in stores at all major retailers in August.

Hasbro and Gamepath release first details of the Monopoly: Lifesized attraction coming to London this summer

Hasbro and Gamepath – a new division of Selladoor Worldwide – have released the first details of the Monopoly Lifesized experience – a new gameplay attraction due to open in London on August 14th this year.

The attraction will bring together the best of the iconic board game with escape room challenges and team co-operation for the ‘first of its kind in the world’ experience as players move around the board, participating in missions in order to acquire properties, earn money, and progress through the game.

Monopoly Lifesized is an immersive, on-your-feet version of the world’s favourite family game brand. Players will be able to experience the thrill of staging a heist in Mayfair, competing against the clock to build some of London’s most iconic buildings, or solve a baffling murder mystery.

The experience will be held at 213 – 215 Tottenham Court Road, a 22,000sq ft building over three floors in the West End. The building will house a retail outlet selling a range of Hasbro game merchandise, as well as The Top Hat – a Monopoly themed bar and restaurant serving signature cocktails and a British small plates menu.

Monopoly Lifesized will consist of a 75 minute gameplay segment on a 15 x 15m board, featuring eight properties, two Utility Companies, two Train Stations, Jail, Free Parking, Go, and Just Visiting. Each board can host between eight and 24 people split into four teams, all playing against each other.

Each team will have their own personal Monopoly token  – Scottie Dog, Boot, Racing Car, etc. – leading them around the game, taking scores, and giving hints where required. Each property square will have a full-sized location specific room behind it that players enter to participate in a challenge to ‘acquire’ that particular property.

The challenges will be a mixture of physical and mental puzzles and games that will test players’ skills and lateral thinking, and will be themed appropriately for the square, featuring either some historical or current day relationship with that part of London.

Monopoly: Lifesized will be created by a team drawn from across the immersive theatre, tech, and escape room worlds. Creative producers on the experience are Tom Beynon and Paul Mansfield, with set design by Tim McQuillen-Wright (designer for Secret Cinema experiences Stranger Things, Blade Runner, and Moulin Rouge) with costume design by Sarah Mercade, sound design by Luke Swaffield, and production management by Entourage.

Julia Posen, head of development at Gamepath, said: “Hasbro’s original board game continues to lead the market year in, year out and is loved globally by every generation that has grown up with the game. It has been an exciting journey to work with the talented Gamepath production team to bring this new experience to central London.

“We’re very excited as we know we have created something really special for people of all ages. When you step into the world we’re creating, we promise a dynamic, lively interactive experience and a great night out. Get ready for high risks and high rewards where there’s no ceiling to winning. As long as you can stay out of jail.”

David Hutchinson, CEO of Gamepath, added: “For us, Monopoly: Lifesized represents a major entry into a growing and exciting marketplace. Audiences want to consume live performance differently, and what better way than to jump into a lifesized version of the world’s favourite board game? Our creative team has been working their magic to fuse an experience that puts our audiences centre place on the board, and brings together our theatrical roots with innovative, digital and immersive storytelling.

“After everything we’ve missed out on individually and collectively and given the decimation of our high streets and city centres, it’s really exciting to be launching this now – we hope that we’ll be able to contribute to the recovery of Central London, and bring people back together in our fabulous Capital with a major new attraction in a major new destination building.”

Matt Proulx, vice president, Location Based Experiences at Hasbro said: “We are thrilled to be working with our best-in-class partners at Gamepath. Given its track record creating world class live performances, we believe that combining their skills along with our beloved Monopoly brand will create an exceptional, one-of-a-kind experience that truly brings the Monopoly game to life in a way only once imagined. We cannot wait for individuals of all ages to be able to once again get out and play together.”

The venue will be Covid-secure, adhering to all latest government guidelines, including one-way systems for the retail and food and beverage areas, hand sanitisers throughout the building, an enhanced deep cleaning regime, and with temperature checks undertaken for patrons and staff on arrival.

The capacity for each gameboard is limited to 24 maximum, and players are encouraged to form teams within their household bubbles. The producers will keep guidelines under constant review.