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Made-in-India Battle Royale Indus Trailer Debuts in New York’s Times Square
Pre-Registration Date Slated for Later This Year
● Indus is an Indo-Futuristic battle royale for mobile, PC, and consoles
● A trailer for the game debuted in New York’s Time Square on the Indian
Independence Day of August 15, 2022
● Indus is developed by Pune-based SuperGaming, makers of MaskGun and Silly
Royale
Made-in-India Battle Royale Indus Trailer Debuts in New York’s Times Square
The first trailer for Indo-Futuristic battle royale Indus made its debut on New York’s Time Square to celebrate India’s Independence Day of August 15. Developed by Pune-based SuperGaming, Indus will release on mobile, PC, and consoles. The trailer showcases SuperGaming’s intent to deliver a bold and new experience for gamers the world over.
“Indus is at a stage where within the development team, we are able to play it in-house regularly,” says SuperGaming co-founder and CEO Roby John. “While there’s still some work to be done before we can bring Indus to all of you, this trailer shows what we’re crafting to match your expectations and our ambition of putting India on the global gaming map.”
In addition to this, the trailer also highlights that pre-registrations for Indus will begin later this year on both Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store for mobile devices. Stay tuned for more details in the run up to pre-registrations.
With Indus, SuperGaming leaned into its strength of putting players first with a community playtest for the game at its studio in Pune earlier this month. It included players, content creators, and esports pros. Their response to the game and its themes allows SuperGaming to make Indus better and has validated its many design decisions.
“The feedback from our community playtest strengthened our resolve that this is the right way to develop games,” says John. “We can’t build a better game without knowing who we’re building it for and what they want.”
Battle Royale by the Numbers With a Community-First Approach
The underlying philosophy of working hand-in-hand with the community is how SuperGaming crafted its biggest hits – MaskGun and Silly Royale. Popular multiplayer shooter MaskGun has amassed over 64 million players since its launch. This is due to a relentless focus on putting its players first with consistent community collaborations, even leading to some of its biggest members featuring in-game as well as celebrating India-specific events like Diwali.
Similarly, the recently released social deduction game Silly Royale has over 20 million players in a year, in no small part thanks to regular community and content creator initiatives. The company aims to do the same with Indus with this playtest being the
first of many planned.
The Indus Community Playtest resulted in a host of interesting takeaways including:
● 80 percent of the community had a positive sentiment with the theme of Indo-Futurism.
● Over 50 percent of those at the playtest want more game development and behind-the-scenes content.
● Roughly 30 percent prefer gyroscopic controls in-game.
● Most entries for playtest invitations were from Pune followed by Delhi, Gujarat, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
● The average age of players being under 25.
All of these details are in line with the company’s outlook on the market potential for Indus. Battle royale games are played by 350 million gamers in India and are a billion dollar market in the country. In-app purchases on mobile shooters grow year on year at 40 percent CAGR. Most importantly, no game has been built for an India-First audience until Indus.
For more on Indus, check out the developer blog as YouTube, Discord, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest behind-the-scenes updates.
ARCADE1UP REMASTERS THE ICONIC FRANCHISE WITH AT-HOME NFL ARCADE EXPERIENCE
NFL BLITZ IS BACK
ARCADE1UP REMASTERS THE ICONIC FRANCHISE WITH
THE FIRST AND ONLY AT-HOME NFL ARCADE EXPERIENCE
NFL Blitz Legends Pre-Orders Begin Today;
Game Arrives this NFL Season, Exclusively on Arcade1Up’s Home Arcade Machine
ARCADE1UP REMASTERS THE ICONIC FRANCHISE WITH AT-HOME NFL ARCADE EXPERIENCE
Arcade1Up, the leader in at-home retro gaming entertainment, today announced NFL Blitz Legends,remastered versions of the legendary games that captured the attention of millions of fans during their heyday in the 90’s. Returning after 25 years, the iconic NFL Blitz franchise aims to score big with today’s NFL fans and gamers, while also invoking a sense of nostalgia. In a first for the NFL Blitz franchise, Arcade1Up has created a unique arcade machine for the home featuring three of the most popular titles – NFL Blitz, NFL Blitz ‘99 and NFL Blitz 2000: Gold Edition. NFL Blitz Legends is available for pre-order on Arcade1Up.com, BestBuy.com andWalmart.com beginning today and will be available at retail stores this upcoming NFL season.
“We could not be more excited to bring NFL Blitz Legends to fans who have been waiting years for the return of this iconic game,” said Scott Bachrach, CEO, Arcade1Up. “Our team spent the better part of the last two years making sure we both honored the games’ past while bringing it up to today’s modern standards with AAA development efforts in partnership with the NFL and FGA, and I think we’ve achieved that in an unbelievable feat of fun, exciting, action-packed gameplay while reengineering the original game.”

To bring an authentic NFL Blitz Legends experience into the homes of football fans and gamers alike, Arcade1Up partnered with the National Football League (NFL) and the IMG-managed Football Greats Alliance (FGA) to ensure that hundreds of the game’s legends are featured including Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins), Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers), Deion Sanders (Denver Broncos), Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers), Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers), Terrell Davis (Denver Broncos) and Cris Carter (Minnesota Vikings).
NFL Blitz Legends gets straight to the fun with easy-to-understand gameplay that highlights the best parts of the game including Hail Mary’s, interceptions, game-changing tackles, and touchdowns. To support the NFL’s current Player Health & Safety initiatives, a specific set of tackles and after-the-whistle hits were removed or edited in the remastered versions of NFL Blitz, NFL Blitz ‘99 and NFL Blitz 2000: Gold Edition while maintaining the level of excitement in the original games. And, for the first time in the Blitz franchise, players can play on a home arcade machine and compete online with Wi-Fi multiplayer and leaderboards.
“I’ve always thought Blitz was one of the best games made and the fans loved it too,” said Jerry Rice, NFL Legend. “I like how Arcade1Up took the time to reflect today’s NFL game while celebrating the game’s greatest legends and uniforms from back in the day. Every play is still a game-changing play and I love that. I can easily see this becoming a favorite pastime.”
“This has been an amazing partnership and team effort between the NFL, Arcade1Up and the FGA across development, strategy and activation,” said Brett Weiss, Associate Vice President of Licensing at IMG and its FGA business, which manages the collective licensing, sponsorship & marketing rights of retired NFL players. “NFL Blitz remains one of the most iconic video games of all time and was a staple in arcades and homes in the 90’s. We could not be more excited to revive it this fall and introduce it to a new generation.”
Built to resemble the iconic NFL Blitz found at retro arcades, NFL Blitz Legends is a five-foot-tall arcade machine featuring NFL legends on the sides of the cabinet. The artwork and gameplay also feature retro team logos and uniforms, adding to the authenticity of the gaming experience. In addition to Wi-Fi multiplayer and leaderboards, the arcade machine has a 49-way joystick and 17-inch screen with a light-up marquee, and branded riser.
NFL Blitz Legends is the third iconic retro sports title that Arcade1Up has released this year along with NBA JAM: SHAQ EDITION and Golden Tee 3D making it the leading player in at-home retro sports arcade machines. The company’s other sports titles include Ridge Racer™, Outrun™, Big Buck Hunter® and Pong®.
Pre-orders for NFL Blitz Legends begin today on Arcade1Up.com, BestBuy.com and Walmart.com and the machine will be available this fall – just in time for at-home football gatherings – for $599.99. Branded stools representing every team in the NFL today are available for$79.99. The first 1,000 consumers to pre-order the machine from Arcade1Up.com will receive a limited-edition NFL Blitz Legends hat as a gift with the purchase.
DGK & KOOL-AID® Brand Always in the Mix
DGK, the most iconic street skateboard and apparel brand, is about to drop the drippiest, most flavorful collection for the kids and the culture. DGK is proud to roll with KOOL-AID brand as DGK introduces a collection that will have the streets drippin’ with flavor for the Fall 2022 season. The deal was brokered by Kraft Heinz’s licensing agency, Brand Central.
DGK & KOOL-AID® Brand Always in the Mix

The Kool-Aid ManTM is committed to the culture which leads him to mix it up with the DGK crew. His flavor is put on full display as he bursts into neighborhoods with his DGK family, bringing a tongue-in-cheek attitude to everyone who comes along for the ride. This iconic adventure will be one the kids won’t soon forget, cementing the Kool-Aid Man in the hearts and minds of anyone searching for unapologetic fun.
In 1927, Edwin Perkins created Kool-Aid beverage powders aimed to provide a flavorful yet affordable drink for the kids. The groundbreaking drink exploded in popularity due to its taste, price, and the Kool-Aid Man’s adventures. Nearly 100 years later, the Kool-Aid brand is still the go-to favorite for kids of all ages. DGK has worked with the Kool-Aid brand to put flavor in the mix for your Summer and Fall.
The DGK & KOOL-AID Collection consists of a full range of Softgoods, Headwear & Skateboards featuring the Kool-Aid Man.
Available in stores worldwide and Dgkallday.com on August 12th, 2022.

Funskool launches Chhota Bheem action figures in India
The company acquired the license from Green Gold to manufacture and distribute Action Figures of Chhota Bheem & Friends – domestically.
Funskool launches Chhota Bheem action figures in India
Funskool India Ltd., India’s leading domestic toy manufacturer has made a landmark move by acquiring the license to manufacture and distribute the popular action figure Chhota Bheem and other seven characters from the famed cartoon animation series.
Funskool has obtained the license to launch the series of action figures from Green Gold Licensing & Merchandising India Private Limited.
Green Gold Animation, a pioneer in creating original Indian animation content has over the years transcended and established as a prominent player in Licensing & Merchandising, Movie Production & Distribution, Digital Business, Retail Stores and Events.
Chhota Bheem, the famous cartoon animation character has always struck a chord with Indian Children and Funskool through the manufacturing of the Chhota Bheem & Friends action figures in India has once again proved that India is moving towards being “Atma Nirbhar” in manufacturing of quality toys. Funskool has been leading the way in pro-actively and consciously choosing to promote the Make-In-India programme and the acquisition of Chhota Bheem & Friends has been a step in the right direction.

Commenting on the latest launch, R Jeswant, CEO – Funskool India Ltd., said, “We are excited to add Chhota Bheem to our well established manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Our existing scale and distribution network establishes an ideal platform to achieve the full potential of Chhota Bheem in India and will address the significant unmet needs of the portfolio of products.”

Samir Jain, Executive Director & COO – Green Gold Animation Private Limited., said, “When it comes to manufacturing high quality and toxin free toys for children, there is no substitute for Funskool in India. We are immensely pleased with licensing Funskool India with manufacturing and distributing Chhota Bheem and other 7 action figures. With its expansive distribution network prowess, we are confident that Chhota Bheem Action figures will reach to every child in the country”.
Asian Licensing Conference Online 2022 (27 – 29 / 7 / 2022)
Connect with licensing partners to explore business opportunities.
Asian Licensing Conference Online 2022 (27 – 29 / 7 / 2022)
Organised on 27-29 July 2022, the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) provides a one-stop online platform for global licensors and brands to explore business opportunities with licensees, licensing agents and traders from all over the world; and to keep the industry players updated with market intelligence, trends and opportunities.
This year, close to 60 renowned Asian Brands and IPs from Hong Kong and Japan will exhibit at ALC Online. Renowned brands including BANDAI, CAPCOM, DNP, Fuji Television, Minto, San-Byte, Sony Creative, etc. will share their brand stories in the debut Brand Forum and meet with participants online for potential partnerships. Besides, 45 Hong Kong home-grown brands from DLAB will present their creative character, animation, product and gaming design.
Complimentary business matching meetings will be arranged for participants for potential business collaborations.
Famed for its insightful contents and renowned speakers, the Conference gathers industry elites from 1011 SIPTEA, Animoca Brands, ARTiSTORY, BBS Records (the first in the world to drop a Chinese music NFT), Brandgenuity, Dapper Labs, Garena Online Pvt Ltd., Licensing International, MRM Entertainment Limited, Semk Products Limited (B-Duck), ShineRay Co Ltd (LARP Licensing), Striker Entertainment, LLC, The Smiley Company, etc. to discuss topical issues on non-fungible token (NFT), metaverse, brands crossover, arts & culture licensing, art technology, location-based entertainment experiences and ESG in licensing, etc.
In addition, Licensing Academy with a series of thematic workshops will be organised for industry beginners for licensing 101.
Register now with promo code A22FMP5 for free admission
Registration link: https://bit.ly/3NNvDZI
For details, please visit: https://alc.hktdc.com/
WILDBRAIN CAPTURES GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO HARPERCOLLINS PRODUCTIONS’ HIT ANIMATED SERIES, CARMEN SANDIEGO
WILDBRAIN CAPTURES GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO HARPERCOLLINS PRODUCTIONS’ HIT ANIMATED SERIES, CARMEN SANDIEGO
Companies extend existing partnership to include exclusive linear broadcast distribution rights for the Emmy Award-winning animated series, starring Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things)
First deals secured with Disney Channel for Japan and France
WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, is extending its longstanding partnership with HarperCollins Productions to include exclusive linear broadcast distribution rights, on a worldwide basis, for the publisher’s Emmy Award-winning action-adventure animated series, Carmen Sandiego. Under the deal, WildBrain has been appointed to distribute seasons one–four (33 x 30’ total) of the hit series, which was originally produced for Netflix by HarperCollins Productions and WildBrain’s animation studio in Vancouver. WildBrain has already secured deals for all four seasons of Carmen Sandiego with Disney for its linear broadcast channels in Japan and France.
The series, which launched on Netflix in 2019, follows the adventures of Carmen Sandiego—a master thief who uses her skills for good—as she pulls off a string of international capers, while also giving fans a look at Sandiego’s backstory and why she became a thief. Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) stars as Carmen, with Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) as Player, Carmen’s chief accomplice and friend.
These new rights build on WildBrain’s relationship with the Carmen Sandiego brand across its 360-degree offering of production, distribution and licensing. Under the existing partnership with HarperCollins Productions, WildBrain also distributes all four seasons of the classic 1990s Carmen Sandiego animated series, Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? (40 x 30’), and the company’s dedicated consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, represents the brand globally. The recently announced agreement with WildBrain CPLG includes representation of consumer products rights for the new Carmen Sandiego animated series as well as an upcoming live-action Netflix movie currently in development. The WildBrain CPLG arrangement is part of a larger partnership with HarperCollins Productions, which also includes consumer products representation for Pretzel and the Puppies and The Oregon Trail.
Caroline Tyre, VP Global Sales and Rights Strategy at WildBrain, said: “We’ve established a hugely successful and far-reaching relationship with HarperCollins Productions on the amazing Carmen Sandiego brand across our 360-degree capabilities of production, distribution and licensing. It’s been a thrill for our talented teams to be part of the reinvention of this beloved and iconic property, and with new consumer products licensing opportunities in the pipeline and a forthcoming live-action film, Carmen Sandiego is more popular now than ever before. We look forward to expanding the audience for both the new and classic series around the world.”
Caroline Fraser, Head of HarperCollins Productions, added: “Carmen Sandiego is one of the crown jewels of HarperCollins Productions properties, and we are excited to expand the distribution of this award-winning television series. Our hope is that the action-packed adventures of Carmen Sandiego will inspire kids and families around the world to learn about and celebrate all cultures. We have partnered with WildBrain in several ways to help us accomplish this goal—first to animate this gorgeous TV series, then to help build a consumer products program that extends the brand, and now for distribution. With all of these capabilities under one roof, WildBrain is an ideal partner for HarperCollins’ efforts to reach kids and families across multiple touch points.”
An award-winning production company within HarperCollins Publishers, HarperCollins Productions develops and produces TV, film and interactive projects adapted from books published by HarperCollins, with projects ranging from preschool to YA to family entertainment, in both live-action and animation.
Smurfs x HarperCollins announces to publish its books in the Indian subcontinent.
Smurfs x HarperCollins announces to publish its books in the Indian subcontinent.
HarperCollins Children’s Books says, ‘It’s an honour for HarperCollins to publish the Smurfs in India. The Smurfs have been global stars and it is indeed a privilege to bring this strong brand to India. The Smurfs might be small in size but what they stand for is large and universal, so whether it is strong values or an environmental message or much else, it is all wonderfully conveyed through the stories starring the endearing Smurf characters. As we bring home the Smurfs we hope that the little blue friends will not just be loved by children but will strike a nostalgic chord in adults too – all for Smurf and Smurf for all!’
‘We are very proud and happy to bring new Smurfs books to India! And how exciting to do it with such a prestigious and powerful publisher as HarperCollins. My father was a storyteller and books are at the heart of the Smurf’s DNA. This will contribute to continue my father’s work, telling great stories and smurfing our beautiful blue planet.’, said Véronique Culliford, President of I.M.P.S. and daughter of Peyo, the creator of The Smurfs.
‘Publishing has always been a key category for us which helps us connect with the kids and enrich them with core values that Smurfs stands for. We are excited to paint the town blue with the exciting range of Smurfs books from HarperCollins which will be a perfect addition to a kid’s bookshelf.’, said Smita Mishra, Founder & CEO, Prism Licensing LLP.
The first two sets are expected to hit stores across India by August 10, 2022.
The Smurfs Ready-to-Read boxset contains 8 exciting ready-to-read books made specially for early readers. Each delightful book in this smurf-tastic set has age- appropriate vocabular and sentence structure to make reading engaging and fun for young readers.
The Smurfs Characters Series Collection: Meet the Smurfs in this delightful boxset and fall in love with them all as you read the exciting stories in this collection. Papa Smurf, the Smurf Chief with his big white beard and red clothes; Brainy Smurf, with his glasses and a know-it-all expression; Smurfette, everyone’s favourite girl, and who can show she’s boss too; and many other equally endearing Smurf characters.
Blue and small, and standing only three apples tall the Smurfs have always been one of the most iconic characters in the world. Created by Belgian comic book writer Pierre Culliford, also known as Peyo, in 1958, The Smurfs reside in a community of small, blue, human-like characters who live in mushroom-shaped houses in a forest. Since 2017, the Smurfs are the proud ambassadors of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and inculcate strong values like Climate Change, Marine Life Conservation and Recycling amongst kids. There are more than 100 Smurf characters, and their names are based on adjectives that emphasise their characteristics, such as “Jokey Smurf”, who likes to play practical jokes on his fellow smurfs. “Smurfette” was the first female Smurf to be introduced in the series. The Smurf hat was inspired by the Phrygian caps, which came to represent freedom during the modern era.


As well as supporting Madlug’s aim to empower care experienced young people by providing them with job training and entrepreneurial opportunities, this initiative aligns with Novel’s wider social impact programme. Last year saw the release of Horrid Henry and the Groovy Grandma, a conversation about loss, which was donated to GOSH’s Power of Play Platform. Alongside inclusivity consultant George O’Shaughnessy, Madlug, and the Foundling Museum, Novel Entertainment is now working on a second film, which will be a conversation about love. 