Tinderbox sparks new partnership with Ubisoft for Far Cry and Just Dance gaming franchises

The French video game company, Ubisoft, is partnering with Tinderbox – the digital division of Beanstalk – to represent its top selling gaming franchises, Just Dance and Far Cry for licensing across Europe.

Under the new partnership, Tinderbox will support both franchises, Just Dance and Far Cry, by expanding the European
consumer products footprint into new categories and channels, pursuing opportunities across fashion, collectibles, home, gifting and novelty, consumer electronics and more.

Since its formulation in 1986, Ubisoft dedicated itself developing high quality games that resonate with all kinds of personalities. Its Far Cry franchise – now in its 17th year – features open-world, first-person shooter games known for their wilderness environments and survival thematics. Today there are over 60 million unique players in the franchise, and the next title, Far Cry 6, is to be released on October 7th, 2021.

Meanwhile, Just Dance is the number one Music Video Game franchise of all time,boasting 11 titles, 80 million games sold, and
more than 138 million registered players worldwide. The evergreen franchise invites players to have fun playing with their family and friends, or to keep fit, exercising at home to classic songs and the latest hits.

The next title, Just Dance 2022, will release on November 4th, 2021.

Dave Tovey, head of Tinderbox at Beanstalk, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Ubisoft in developing consumer product programmes for its top selling titles. Far Cry is one of the biggest gaming franchises, with a passionate fan base that is eager for more consumer touch points.

“Just Dance is the ultimate definition of a cross-generational gaming experience, delighting fans from Gen Z, Millennials and beyond. The team at Tinderbox is excited to get started and establish exciting and engaging brand extensions at retail on behalf of Ubisoft.”

Francois Tallec, senior director, consumer products and partnerships at Ubisoft, said: “At Ubisoft we strive to bring players the best gaming experiences, and ultimately, grow and engage strong communities with transmedia brands. We are enthusiastic to partner with Beanstalk/Tinderbox, experts in forging licensed product partnerships with leading video game franchises, to expand our Far Cry and Just Dance licensing programmes throughout Europe.”

Tinderbox brings Tell Me Why video game soundtrack to vinyl in iam8bit deal

Xbox Game Studios Publishing has partnered with iam8bit and DONTNOD Entertainment to bring the soundtrack of the episodic narrative adventure gaming title, Tell Me Why, to vinyl.

In a deal brokered by the video game licensing specialist and digital media division of Beanstalk, Tinderbox, the new LP will feature 17 songs from the composer and musician Ryan Scott and the ethereal soundtrack to the popular adventure game.

‘The score is as complex as the game’s themes, with sparse passages building into complicated and soaring melodies,’ read a description of the soundtrack.

Packaged inside is a sleeve that faithfully recreates the in-game Book of Goblins. Fiber artist, Theo Randall, was inspired by the game’s handcrafted piece which is seen as an emotional touchstone throughout Tell Me Why. iam8bit used quilting, linotype stamping and applique techniques to create a physical piece that embodies the game’s unique attributes.

“The quilted theme is further underscored by embossing and debossing, which creates the illusion that the soundtrack album has been pulled from the game into this world. It’s a remarkable piece of tactile art that draws inspiration from not only the Book of Goblins but also Tell Me Why’s deeper themes,” said the firm.

Tell Me Why is an episodic narrative that tells the story of twins, Tyler and Alyson Ronan, who return to their childhood home in Alaska to investigate their mother’s death. Their telepathic bond sets them apart and serves to provide the player with insight into DONTNOD’s story about childhood, identity and redemption.

Following its release last year, the game has won several awards, including “Games for Impact” at The Game Awards and “Best Microsoft Xbox Game” at the Best of Gamescom Awards.

DONTNOD’s work in exploring trans identity in mainstream gaming earned Tell Me Why a GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Video Game.” Tell Me Why is currently free on Xbox and PC throughout the month of June.

As part of Pride Month, customers can choose to donate a dollar or round up their total at checkout to the nearest dollar in support of Trans Lifeline and The Trevor Project. iam8bit will match those donations. iam8bit is also proudly participating in ohhey.gay, an online initiative designed to support LGBTQ communities The Tell Me Why vinyl soundtrack is available for pre-order on iam8bit today.

The $39.99 album also includes a digital download of the soundtrack. Orders are expected to ship Q1 2022.