Activision Blizzard Consumer Products Group Arrives at Brand Licensing Europe 2017 with Spectacular Lineup Anchored by Esports and Franchises of the Future
Set for International Growth, New Partners Include Rubber Road, Paladone, Exquisite Gaming, ThinkGeek, NECA and Rossi
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Activision Blizzard brings its powerhouse slate of franchises to Brand Licensing Europe 2017, along with a strong lineup of partners to drive the expansion of some of today’s hottest properties. Making its international debut, the recently formed Activision Blizzard Consumer Products Group (ABCPG) will present a roster of iconic, blockbuster titles, including: Call of Duty®, Skylanders®, Crash Bandicoot™ and Bungie’s Destiny from Activision; Overwatch®, Hearthstone® and World of Warcraft® from Blizzard Entertainment; and Candy Crush™ from King. Reaching a global audience of more than 400 million, the company’s franchises of the future feature thrilling gameplay, linear storytelling, esports and consumer products, offering exciting opportunities for multi-category licensing.
“With some of the world’s most popular brands like Call of Duty and Overwatch, Activision Blizzard is helping re-define entertainment and the ways it is enjoyed,” said Tim Kilpin, CEO and president, Activision Blizzard Consumer Products Group. “We’re excited to work closely with our partners to create new and innovative merchandising opportunities that’ll bring fans around the world closer to their favorite videogames and characters, players and leagues.”
Commitment to International Growth
Activision Blizzard continues to invest in growth, most recently with the hire of Philippe Bost, vice president of International Consumer Products, Activision Blizzard. In his role, Philippe will drive international growth across the portfolio to provide added strength at retail and generate more engagement opportunities.
Additionally, ABCPG has recently appointed Tinderbox as the Call of Duty licensing agent to expand the company’s European footprint in key markets. This has resulted in such partners as Rubber Road, EMP, Paladone and Sun City, to date.
Further bolstering its growth trajectory, ABCPG is also collaborating with PowerStation Studios on the development of a rich assortment of creative assets for both Call of Duty and Overwatch. In doing so, they will help support the expansion of product variety and range providing broader opportunities for licensing and retail partners.
Esports
Activision Blizzard is squarely at the forefront of the competitive gaming phenomenon with its Overwatch League™ and Call of Duty World League. The esports market is expected to reach nearly 600M² viewers by 2020 and affords rich possibilities to give fans around the world new ways to play, display, wear and live the brands they love.
The Overwatch League is the first major global professional esports league with 12 city-based teams. The preseason begins on December 6 at Blizzard Arena Los Angeles with a series of exhibition matches—the world’s first chance to see Overwatch League professionals in action. The inaugural season kicks off on January 10, 2018 and will continue into June with the finals in July.
Additionally, the Call of Duty World League leveraged the global strength of the best-selling console franchise and the reach of MLG media network. This year’s competition awarded $4M in total prize money throughout the season, concluding with the Call of Duty World League Championship that took place in August.
Franchises of the Future
ABCPG drives some of the strongest, most culturally relevant IP in the entertainment industry reaching virtually all demographics. Licensing partners around the world are sustaining excitement for ABCPG’s powerhouse slate with a vast product line-up.
Activision Highlights
Call of Duty: With more than $15 billion³ in franchise revenue since inception, the pop culture phenomenon Call of Duty is one of the biggest videogame franchises of all-time. The highly anticipated new game – Call of Duty®: WWII – is scheduled for release on November 3. It will be supported by a roster of partners including: Rubber Road (Apparel, Accessories); Paladone (Apparel, Accessories); Sun City (Apparel); Exquisite Gaming (Cable Guys, Crates); Dreamtex (Bedding, Cushions, Beanbags); and Loot Crate (Dedicated Crate with exclusive items).
Crash Bandicoot: Leveraging the ’90s nostalgia trend, Crash came back in a big way this year with the top-selling Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy. New partners include: Exquisite Gaming (Cable Guys, Crates); Rubber Road (Apparel, Accessories); Bioworld International (Apparel); and NECA (Plush, Figures, Tabletop Games, Novelty).
Bungie Highlights
Destiny 2: Bungie’s award-winning Destiny is supported by a global community of passionate fans. On the heels of a successful Destiny 2 console launch in September, the highly-rated game saw player concurrency hit an all-time high for the franchise. Fans now are gearing up for the launch of Destiny 2 PC on October 24. Bungie’s Destiny consumer products program continues to expand globally with toys, figures, apparel, publishing and accessories, such as: ThinkGeek (Vinyl Figures, Apparel, Accessories); Funko (POP! Vinyls); McFarlane Toys (Action Figures); Razer (PC Gaming Peripherals); Prima (Strategy Guides); GB Eye (Posters, Mugs, Prints); and Rubber Road (Apparel, Accessories). Visit the Bungie Store at: http://bungiestore.com.
Blizzard Highlights
Overwatch: With more than 30 million players and more than 100 Game of the Year awards, Overwatch has captured imaginations and driven strong global engagement. The franchise is supported by: Bioworld International (Bags, Accessories); Good Smile Company (Figures); Razer (Mouse); J!nx (Hoodies); Dark Horse (Artbook); Funko (Figures); and Scholastic (Books).
World of Warcraft: The iconic World of Warcraft has engaged more than 100 million passionate players in an ever-evolving online adventure. World of Warcraft: Legion™ is one of the fastest-selling PC games ever, and Warcraft (2016) is the highest-grossing videogame film adaptation of all time. Partners include: Ju Ju Be (Bags and Accessories); J!nx (Apparel); Insight Editions (Cookbook); Funko (Figures); and Dark Horse (Publishing).
King Highlights
Candy Crush: With hundreds of millions of players, Candy Crush is one of the most popular mobile games in the world. The award-winning Candy Crush property is supported by partners like BakedIn whose Candy Crush Baking Kit won Best Licensed Food or Drink Range at the recent Licensing Awards. Additional partners include: Rossi (Ice Cream); Poetic Gem (Apparel); Mallowtree (Confectionary); Tikiboo (Activewear); Doshisha (Confectionary); and Partnership with Mrinalini Chandra (Jewelry).
Located at Booth #E40, ABCPG also will continue to highlight Skylanders and Hearthstone.
