Funko teams with Hasbro for My Little Pony NFTs

Funko has announced the upcoming release of a new collection of NFTs based on Hasbro’s iconic My Little Pony characters, including Pinkie Pie, Princess Luna, Rainbow Dash, and more.

The My Little Pony x Funko Digital Pop! NFTs will be released on 28 June on NFT platform Droppp.io

Funko Digital Pop! are non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, in the form of digital collectibles featuring Funko’s unique stylised figures. My Little Pony Funko Digital Pop! will be available for $9.99 USD for the Standard Packs and $29.99 USD for the Premium Packs, with both limited to 18,000 copies available each for a total of 360,000 NFTs.

Each pack of Digital Pop! gives buyers a chance to reveal one of the rare Funko Digital Pop! when opened, which can then be redeemed for a free, limited edition, physical vinyl collectible.

Funko Digital Pop! will be available to purchase through the Droppp.io platform using a Droppp account and a credit card.

Web 3.0 platform Reality Gaming Group becomes Reality+

Reality Gaming Group has rebranded as Reality+. The company already has a proven track record in the games and blockchain entertainment space, developing and managing experiences on behalf of the BBC (Doctor Who: Worlds Apart) and ITV Studios (Thunderbirds: International Rescue Club), and as Reality+ (www.realityplus.com), it will offer a full-service Web 3.0 platform enabling brands around the world to utilise blockchain technology and NFTs to engage their most loyal fans.

The company’s UK- and Denmark-based in-house development studio, which has a five-year track record creating engaging experiences, is now focused on helping global brands develop and deliver their go-to-market blockchain strategies.

The development offering is backed up by a powerful technology platform and world-leading expertise in all aspects of Web 3.0, including tokenisation, metaverse integration and construction, NFT marketplace deployment and more.

Reality+ has grouped its operations into four distinct but complementary divisions: Web 3.0, Metaverse, Blockchain Games and NFTs.

Reality+ is currently building out its international reach as it seeks global opportunities, following a significant ramping of its leadership and development teams in 2021 and 2022.

The company has also confirmed the appointment of Katherine Taylor-Jones as CFO. Taylor-Jones is a highly experienced CFO specialising in PE/VC backed, fast pace, high growth companies in the tech sector, leading them through growth. In addition, the company has appointed Mark Hojgaard, CEO of Coinifi, and Hans Henrik, COO of Coinify, to bolster its board and help Reality+ reach new verticals and markets.

Crucially, all Reality+ projects are managed using the company’s own ‘side-chain’ of the Ethereum mainnet. This enables the creation of environmentally friendly Web 3.0, blockchain and NFT experiences that offer substantial reductions in the amount of energy used to produce and trade digital collectibles. Reality+ also ensures ESG (Environmental, Social and corporate Governance) KPIs are tracked and reported for each of its projects, giving brand partners absolute peace of mind across all their Web 3.0 projects.

Reality+ Co-Founder and CEO Morten Rongaard says: “Web 3.0 moves fast, and we’re moving along with it. We’re happy to announce that Reality Gaming Group has rebranded to Reality+. This isn’t just a name change and new corporate colours. Reality+ represents a big step towards our plans for a connected future. We’re no longer just a blockchain gaming company. We’re a full-service Web 3.0 platform where the metaverse, NFTs and online collectible marketplaces combine to give you and your customers access to a new, community-led digital future.”

Reality+ Co-Founder Tony Pearce adds: “We believe that through demonstrating utility, quality, and variety in our projects and partnerships, we can build a more equal and democratic digital economy for everyone. From introducing Doctor Who to the potential of digital ownership to launching a brand-new Web 3.0 Thunderbirds project to a whole new generation of fans, we’re helping worldwide brands find their voice in our new, connected world.”

 

Pinkfong announces second Baby Shark NFT collection

The Pinkfong Company, the global entertainment company behind the pop culture phenomenon “Baby Shark”, has announced a deeper dive into NFTs with the release of Baby Shark: Collection No. 2, a generative art collection of 10,000 unique NFTs featuring Baby Shark and his family, on digital collectibles marketplace MakersPlace.

With the world’s most viewed video in YouTube history, Pinkfong’s Baby Shark has grown into the most iconic earworm to emerge from the internet, recording a 20-week streak on the Billboard Hot 100 while its music video became the first video to hit 10 billion views on YouTube.

Baby Shark: Collection No. 2 is the latest in the company’s commitment to NFTs and Web3. Baby Shark’s initial NFT collection, Baby Shark: Collection No. 1, launched in December 2021, was an instant sell-out. Now, following their successful foray into the waters of NFTs, the company will release its second collection centered around strengthening and expanding the global Baby Shark community, both on and offline.

Pinkfong has joined forces with Nolcha Shows, the award winning events producers at the intersection of art, music and culture, to kick off celebrations for the upcoming Baby Shark NFT collection with an exclusive party during NFT.NYC. Expected to offer a night of fantastic entertainment, music and networking, Baby Shark Nite @ The Nolcha Shows: NFT Edition will take place on Monday June 20, featuring art from Baby Shark’s 1st NFT collection along with a teaser for the next collection.

With music serving as the pulse of Baby Shark, the company has plans to introduce a number of surprise remixes with notable musicians in the future. The project will also reward their community with unique perks, including special gifts and access to exclusive events and social activations (to view the roadmap in its entirety, click here).

“We’re incredibly excited to participate in and host our first offline title event at NFT.NYC as we lead up to the launch of our second NFT collection, Baby Shark: Collection No. 2. We will unveil a teaser of the collection for the first time during NFT.NYC and can’t wait to finally show our community what we’ve been working on,” says Bin Jeong, CEO of Pinkfong USA.

“Baby Shark has made its mark across generations and geographies,” says Craig Palmer, CEO of MakersPlace. “As early brand pioneers in the NFT space, they have displayed a true innovative spirit allowing for an even deeper appreciation and engagement from their massive fan base. It is an honour for MakersPlace to be a part of Baby Shark’s journey as they strengthen their impact both on and off the chain.”

Baby Shark: Collection No. 2 is set to launch on MakersPlace this summer. For more information, visit https://nft.babyshark.com/.

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.

FOMO Lab and Banijay partner to launch Mr Bean NFT collection

Banijay has announced its first activation in the Metaverse with a Mr Bean NFT drop, in collaboration with intellectual property specialist and Metaverse architect FOMO Lab.

Fans will be able to own Mr Bean digital assets and collectibles, inspired by the hit animated series. The genesis Mr Bean NFT collection will be an assortment of 3,333 unique digital collectibles, available to purchase from 25 May using cryptocurrency Ether on FOMO Lab’s NFT marketplace, TheAvenue.market.

By purchasing the Mr Bean digital collectibles, holders will also have access to phygital rewards, competitions and redeemables, including a signed, unpublished hand-drawn still of Mr Bean from the first animated series. Further Mr Bean NFT drops with FOMO Lab are planned throughout 2022.

“Banijay has many exciting Metaverse projects to announce this year, as we continue to adopt new technologies to futureproof our brands,” says Owain Walbyoff, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay. With his huge global following, Mr Bean is rightly taking his first steps into this space, and the combination of digital and physical rewards gives the NFT long-term value for the lucky few who manage to purchase them.”

Khalil Kassam, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, FOMO Lab, adds: “”FOMO Lab is the bridge between brands entering the Metaverse and NFT space and the Web3 community, changing the digital landscape forever, and we are delighted to partner with innovator Banijay to launch the official Mr Bean NFT collection.

“We are continuously evolving our product offering, working closely with tier-one brands, as well as the next generation of creators, relentlessly providing value to our community. It’s our mission to bring NFTs to a wide audience, with exclusive access to the latest and most sought-after products on the market.”

One of Britain’s most famous comic creations of all time, Mr Bean, first appeared on screens in 1990, with the versatile performer Rowan Atkinson playing the hapless hero. The show has now been in continual distribution for over 30 years, spawning a globally successful animated series voiced by Atkinson, which launched in 2002.

The brand attracts significant digital audiences, with over 129 million followers on Facebook, making it the biggest TV brand on the platform; nearly 50 million subscribers and 15 billion lifetime views across official YouTube channels; 8.7 million followers on Instagram; and 8.3 million likes on TikTok.

FOMO Lab’s recent partnerships include collaborations with road racing cyclist Mark Cavendish, MEFCC (Middle East and Film Comic Con), entrepreneur Roland Berger, and the heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The legacy NFT collection with Tyson Fury saw FOMO Lab achieving the highest bid in NFT boxing history, selling the 1-of-1 NFT for $987,000

FOMO Lab is creating an entire product suite which includes a multi-chain NFT marketplace, a staking ecosystem, FOMO Lab Launchpad – a Metaverse platform with a ground-breaking mobile social application for NFT collectors – and many more products. The Avenue provides its holders with full control over their digital assets with over 3,000 users signed up, alongside an average visitor count exceeding 30,000 monthly.

Mr Bean: The Animated Series is produced by Tiger Aspect Kids and Family, part of Banijay Kids and Family.

MAD:BOXX to release the latest officially licensed Popeye NFT series

Popeye the Sailor Man is partnering with UNDONE, the world’s leading custom watch brand, and MADworld to release an NFT collection across Asia.

The POPEYE METAVERSE MADNESS tells the story of Popeye in different parallels, where the balance of time and space is broken and chaos occurs. The programme will include more than 4,000 Popeye character variations dressed in an assortment of costumes, set against a variety of backgrounds, and released in the form of algorithmically generated NFTs. The deal was brokered by MEDIALINK, Popeye brand owner King Features’ local agent in China.

The first drop of 2000 Popeye NFTs will be sold in the form of MAD:BOXX blind boxes, to help ensure random distribution of the NFTs across all three tiers and create a fair environment for buyers.

The Whitelisted Mint date will be on May 18, 2022. The Public Mint date will be on May 20, 2022. Information regarding the whitelisting campaign, minting link, and scheduling will be released in a later official announcement.

 

 

First Paramount Global NFT collection to drop with Star Trek on 9 April

Paramount Global and RECUR have announced that Star Trek  will be the first NFT digital collection to drop from their multi-year partnership to bring Paramount’s entertainment brands and characters to the metaverse.

Fans will be able to access Star Trek digital collectibles starting 9 April through Paramount.xyz, the online portal to access Paramount’s iconic IP and franchises in the form of NFTs.

Through this fan-focused platform, Paramount and RECUR have created a unified environment where fans can buy, collect and trade NFTs as digital collectibles across Paramount’s leading portfolio of brands, including Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, CBS, Showtime Networks Inc., and more.

Star Trek is the first franchise to launch and will be followed with collectibles from Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures.

Paramount.xyz allows fans to build a community, engage with peers, and unlock new, innovative and interactive experiences with properties and brands they love.

“Fans should be able to engage with our content wherever they are, including the metaverse,” says Pam Kaufman, President, Consumer Products and Experiences, Paramount. “Paramount.xyz will offer one seamless digital collectable experience for fans across our key franchises, starting with Star Trek,  an iconic franchise that is forward-thinking, innovative and multi-generational. We are thrilled to have a space that is accessible to everyone and allows another expression of fandom.”

The Star Trek collectibles will be housed in “Star Trek Continuum”, an experiential hub that will be the space for this first and future seasons of Star Trek NFTs. Here, fans will have the opportunity to own a piece of their favorite franchise while embarking on an entirely new journey.

The Star Trek Continuum sale will take place for 24 hours only on 9 April, 2022, starting at 11am ET. The cost per pack will be $250. There will never be more of these designs created and the minting window will only be open for 24 hours.

The Season 0 drop on 9 April will feature algorithmically-generated starships, and no two will be the same. The starships will be unveiled today, 8 April, at 1:45pm CT during Star Trek: Mission Chicago, where RECUR will be hosting a star-studded panel with talent from the franchise. Fans around the world can tune in to RECUR’s YouTube channel to view a live streamed unveiling of the coveted digital collectibles.

The journey continues later this year as fans can collect crew in Season 1 and go on voyages around the galaxy to seek out new planets and get digital collectible rewards. Season 0 starship owners will be rewarded with a crew member NFT leading into Season 1, and in Season 2 fans can use their crew to go on missions in a play-to-earn game.

“Fans are looking for new ways to engage with their favourite shows and franchises, and our innovative ecosystem gives them a community to be a part of for years to come,” says Zach Bruch, CEO of RECUR. “Through the introduction of Paramount.xyz and StarTrek.xyz, we’re providing fans with a unique way to embark on a journey to boldly go into the metaverse.”

Pre-registration for “Star Trek Continuum” opens today at StarTrek.xyz. Through this launch, RECUR and Paramount will be dropping 20,000 Star Trek  digital collectibles with an additional 2,000 in reserve. Continuum holders will get access to exclusive perks, events and the expanding content available to the NFTs digitally and in-real life.

For more information, visit Paramount.xyz and StarTrek.xyz.

Reality Gaming Group and Mana Partners unlock the blockchain for APAC brands

Mana Partners has selected Reality Gaming Group to provide best-in-class blockchain and NFT content solutions to its brand clients in the games and entertainment space, as demand for Web3.0 services booms in Asia Pacific.

Singapore-based Mana Partners is the leading consultancy in the region for Web3.0 marketing strategy and solutions, helping brands, startups, and rights owners unlock new communities and opportunities through partnerships and programmes.

UK-based Reality Gaming Group develops innovative content and marketplaces that combine the best of traditional entertainment with new technology based on the blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

Ground-breaking games and blockchain collectibles created by publishing arm Reality Studios include Doctor Who: Worlds Apart, Reality Clash and Smighties Universe, plus non-game NFT content with the likes of Toikido toys and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.

Crucially, all of Reality Gaming Group’s projects are created and managed by its Digital Asset Trading (DAT) Platform, which builds NFTs, online stores and marketplaces connected to its own “side-chain” of the Ethereum mainnet. This enables the creation of environmentally friendly NFTs that offer substantial reductions to the amount of energy used to produce and trade digital collectibles.

Matthew Zatto, Managing Partner at Mana Partners, said: “Brands are only starting to discover the potential value that can be unlocked through blockchain technology. It’s important to us at Mana Partners that we provide our brand clients with nothing less than the best-in-class solution and that is exactly why we chose Reality Gaming Group. No one compares to them in terms of experience, blockchain capabilities and offering a true full-service solution. We’re proud to be partnering with them in the APAC region.”

Reality Gaming Group Co-Founder Tony Pearce said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Mana Partners to offer its clients the most innovative blockchain and web3.0 content solutions. This partnership is a ringing endorsement of the DAT platform, further expands our presence in Asia Pacific and highlights the growing importance of NFTs to brands. We can’t wait to get started on what promises to be some tremendously exciting projects.”

Reality Gaming Group and Mana Partners unlock the blockchain for APAC brands

Mana Partners has selected Reality Gaming Group to provide best-in-class blockchain and NFT content solutions to its brand clients in the games and entertainment space, as demand for Web3.0 services booms in Asia Pacific.

Singapore-based Mana Partners is the leading consultancy in the region for Web3.0 marketing strategy and solutions, helping brands, startups, and rights owners unlock new communities and opportunities through partnerships and programmes.

UK-based Reality Gaming Group develops innovative content and marketplaces that combine the best of traditional entertainment with new technology based on the blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

Ground-breaking games and blockchain collectibles created by publishing arm Reality Studios include Doctor Who: Worlds Apart, Reality Clash and Smighties Universe, plus non-game NFT content with the likes of Toikido toys and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.

Crucially, all of Reality Gaming Group’s projects are created and managed by its Digital Asset Trading (DAT) Platform, which builds NFTs, online stores and marketplaces connected to its own “side-chain” of the Ethereum mainnet. This enables the creation of environmentally friendly NFTs that offer substantial reductions to the amount of energy used to produce and trade digital collectibles.

Matthew Zatto, Managing Partner at Mana Partners, said: “Brands are only starting to discover the potential value that can be unlocked through blockchain technology. It’s important to us at Mana Partners that we provide our brand clients with nothing less than the best-in-class solution and that is exactly why we chose Reality Gaming Group. No one compares to them in terms of experience, blockchain capabilities and offering a true full-service solution. We’re proud to be partnering with them in the APAC region.”

Reality Gaming Group Co-Founder Tony Pearce said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Mana Partners to offer its clients the most innovative blockchain and web3.0 content solutions. This partnership is a ringing endorsement of the DAT platform, further expands our presence in Asia Pacific and highlights the growing importance of NFTs to brands. We can’t wait to get started on what promises to be some tremendously exciting projects.”

Ben Sherman introduces Team GB-inspired Humanz NFTs

Extending the Ben Sherman and Team GB collaboration to outfit the official delegation of Team GB athletes, Ben Sherman has re-imagined the iconic line as wearables for the Metaverse. 

Through a partnership with Tokns Commerce and Humanz, Ben Sherman is offering an exclusive opportunity for Team GB fans to own the first custom-designed Humanz NFTs.

The delegation of 250 unique Humanz will wear artist interpretations of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremony look worn by the Team GB at the Beijing Games. While the physical items retail as a limited-edition Ben Sherman x Team GB collection available to purchase online from Ben Sherman and Team GB websites, the NFT collection will be available exclusively at TeamgbNFT.com.

Humanz is the creation of a team of illustrators, designed to be a simple, fun and appealing form factor, capable of endless possibilities, representative of familiar characters throughout history, and from all over the world and beyond. An ambitious collection of the remaining 10,000 Humanz will be available to the broader NFT community in a public minting event in March 2022.

Tim Reid, Senior Vice President, for Ben Sherman, commented: “We are thrilled to extend our support of Team GB beyond the Beijing 2022 Games and into the Metaverse. As an iconic fashion brand, this is part of a comprehensive plan to bring Ben Sherman into the world of virtual goods and spaces.”

“We are very excited to partner with Ben Sherman to make creative collectibles available to Team GB fans first,” adds British Olympic Association Commercial Director Tim Ellerton. “As the first Olympic Team to launch an official NFT collection in support of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, we are proud to include this collection alongside our Official Team GB collection at TeamGBNFT.com.”