Bertish and Company is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Zuma the Dog augmented reality mobile gaming apparel range for kids.

The game, Zuma Likes to Dig, is the first edition from The Zumaverse’s AR mobile games and shares its title with the first pre-school book written by Samantha Bertish, which kicked off the brand’s journey back in 2009. This new game brings Bertish and Company’s character Zuma the Dog up to date as a 3D animation, where the user can access the game through a scannable logo on the specially designed apparel collection.

The game is designed without the need for heavy downloads onto devices or email logins, keeping it light, easy and fun to enjoy. Once scanned the user is taken to a colourful loading page and invited to ‘Launch Zumaverse’. Game play includes Zuma sniffing around for treasures which the user must help him find.

In true Zuma the Dog form, this game can be played by children of all ages, including pre-schoolers with some help from their parents. There’s even teen appeal for older kids, as it gives the user a complete immersive experience with Zuma, including the opportunity to be photographed with him and share to social media.

“It’s so cool seeing Zuma come to life in 3D animation,” said Samantha Bertish, brand creator. “Our partners at XRGoods really understood the brief and captured the movements and personality of Zuma perfectly. We just can’t stop playing with him.”

As Bertish and Company continues to push Zuma the Dog’s message of tolerance, anti-bullying and diversity education into the world, this cutting-edge balance between fashion and technology will help the brand cross over into the gaming world and spread its message in exciting ways that relate directly to the core audience. Zuma T-Shirts and hoodies will be available to buy at www.zumathedog.com in time for Christmas, and Bertish & Company is taking orders from retailers for spring 2023.

To stock the range of children’s clothes, email Samantha Bertish at sam@zumathedog.com. Licensees who want to collaborate with Zuma the Dog on new projects should contact brand manager Sarah Camp at sarah@contagiousmediagroup.com.