As a child, I would have never imagined play quite like this. As part of the digital generation, I am used to screen-based games that keep players in their seats. But a new gaming system called Playmation, unveiled by Disney Consumer Products in L.A. in early June, aims to get digital kids up and moving.
Created in partnership with Hasbro, Playmation employs toys and wearable gear powered by smart technology that makes play interactive and requires movement. Players must jump, run and hide. They can play anywhere, indoors or out, and become a part of a story that includes characters they have come to know.
“Playmation takes the best the digital world has to offer and uses it to create supercharged, real-world play,” says Leslie Ferraro, president of Disney Consumer Products. “This is play updated for today’s kids – bringing their imaginations to life as they go on active adventures alongside their favorite characters.”
Ferraro says that innovation and creativity are the driving forces behind Disney, which seeks to inspire children to unleash the power of their imaginations through stories and experiences. “With Playmation, we’re taking the next step in that tradition – bringing the worlds of play, storytelling, and technology together – in a new and very exciting way,” she says.
The first Playmation Starter Pack, which will be available for pre-order in early July and for sale in October, features Marvel’s Avengers. It includes Captain America and Iron Skull Smart Figures, two Power Activators, and one Repulsor, a game controller with motion sensors and sound effects worn on the arm that connects with the Smart Figures and Power Activators. All toys and wearable gear are wireless. The Starter Pack comes preloaded with 25 missions, guided by the voice of JARVIS, which do not require the use of the Internet.
The optional AvengersNet app will also be available for free download. It unlocks new capabilities, missions and locations around the Marvel Universe, and tracks players’ progress and scores once they register their gear. The app allows multiplayer modes so players can join forces for team missions or face off against each other.
The Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will retail for $119.99. Additional Avengers toys, including the Prowler Bot ($39.99), will be sold separately.
Already in development are more fun ideas for kids, including Star Wars and Disney Frozen systems, with Star Wars scheduled to launch next year, and Frozen in 2017. For more information, visit www.playmation.com.