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Bandai Co Ltd, one of the world’s largest toy companies, has named Los Angeles-based Sync Beatz Entertainment Inc as the exclusive United States licensing agent and brand manager for its hugely popular Tamagotchi brand, which has sold over 78 million units in 54 countries and territories since the world’s first virtual digital pet first was introduced 15 years ago.
A new collection of lifestyle products inspired by the global fan favorite, branded Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. (Love is Fun Everywhere), will be unveiled at next month’s Licensing International Expo 2012 in Las Vegas.
Sync Beatz plans on implementing a comprehensive marketing program for an extensive line of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. products in key categories including apparel, domestics, furnishings, gifts & novelties, health & beauty and publishing in the United States.
Among the key drivers supporting the brand launch will be a range of digital media, including apps and Webisodes, providing a whole new level of interactivity and social media connection for Tamagotchi fans all over the world. The agency is reviewing several prospective apps including role-playing, strategy puzzle and other genres of casual games based on the characters of the original Tamagotchi property. It is also looking at multiple genres for its Webisodes, including live action and animation, which will provide a unique focus on fashion, lifestyle and cultural trends relevant to consumers.
Named by melding the Japanese word for egg, “tamago,” with the English language word “watch,” the Tamagotchi was an instant phenomenon when Bandai launched the original product in Japan in November 1996. Combining the latest in digital technology with the compelling attraction of interactivity, these colorful virtual pets captured the hearts and attention of all who touched them.
By the time Bandai released the wave of compelling creature-raising interplay in the U.S. the following year, Tamagotchi became the must-have product for millions of young fans who took on the care and feeding of these living entities.
As the new millennium began, Tamagotchi had become one of Bandai’s core brands, earning coveted evergreen status in the company’s property portfolio.
© Business Wire
2 Comments
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Fadamor
They aren't living entities. They aren't even CLOSE to being AI and you would need that before you could claim a digital construct was "alive".
cactusJack
For Tamagotchi, the fall was much faster than its rise.