PopCap are growing rapidly, with their titles such as Plants vs Zombies and Bejeweled now being readily available on nearly every current gaming platfrom out there. With that growth comes opportunity, and today it was announced that the company will be partnering withTrends International, Bioworld Merchandising, Funko, MjC International, JazwaresÔ and Walls360 to start introducing licensed merchandise to the public. Ever wanted some Plants vs Zombies boxers or a snazzy new iPhone case featuring those gems from Bejeweled? Well, in 2013, we will be seeing a lot more of that.
Here are some more details on this huge move for the brand:
The agreements announced today represent the first major partnerships PopCap has entered to license its properties for consumer products in the North American and European territories. Each partnership represents an exciting opportunity to expand PopCap’s franchises into the following new product categories:
- Bioworld Merchandising will be creating apparel, headwear, bags and accessories
- Jazwares is developing a series of plush toys, figures and electronic accessories including headphones, USBs, speakers and device cases
- Walls360 will be offering a starting line-up of wall graphics including individual characters and exclusive bundles
- Funko will be creating Plants vs. Zombies versions of their distinctive Pop! Vinyl Figurines
- MjC International is working on adult sleepwear and boxers
- Trends International is developing calendars and posters
“We’re taking a measured, deliberate approach to licensing our IPs, focusing on quality brand extensions that expand our unique game icons and experiences for our fans in authentic, meaningful ways,” said Brennan Townley, director of brand licensing at PopCap Games. “The partnerships we’ve announced today represent partnerships with some of the most highly regarded licensees in their respective categories.”
Known for its quirky, one-of-a-kind blend of art, humor, polish and attention to detail, PopCap has been a mainstay of casual, mobile and social gaming for more than a decade. Nearly a billion people around the world have played PopCap’s video games, including the award-winning blockbuster franchises Bejeweled, Plants vs. Zombies, Zuma, Peggle and Bookworm. The breadth of PopCap’s audience is similarly impressive, as its games appeal equally to both genders and all ages.
I have a passionate love for the addictive charms of PopCap’s many games, and this kind of agreement is sure to raise the newly acquired company’s stock even higher when these products launch next year. For now, I must say I am a bit curious to see what will be next in terms of new IPs for the company, as there is no doubt that Poppy are churning up some soon to be classics as we speak. We can now prepare our wallets while we imagine an awesome Disco Zombie shirt with a Plant-themed hat to match.
