TOKYO & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bandai Co., Ltd. and Sync Beatz Entertainment are delighted to announce that downloads of the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. App have surpassed the 2,500,000 mark within just 90 days after its initial release. This significant milestone comes as downloads of the iOS version, which launched March 28th of this year on the iTunes store, have passed the 1.5 million mark, while over 1 million downloads have been registered for the Android version since its premiere on the Google Play site February 14th.
Prompted by this strong fan response, Bandai will be issuing a recreation of the Tamagotchi “Generation 2” version this Summer, developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., as an update to its popular App for both Android and iOS users in the U.S. and Canada. Users will enjoy a new game in its TOY mode, and both a new game and new shell designs in the APP mode, along with the introduction of new characters.
In Early 2014, the company has plans to release Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Apps which recreate one of the brand’s most popular versions, the Tamagotchi Angel, for both Android and iOS platforms.
Marking another event in the evolution of the lifestyle brand, the companies have also confirmed the second winner in its Hometown Heroes program. This initiative encourages the public to nominate a local citizen who has made a measurable contribution to improving their community, with the nominee receiving the most votes winning a $5000 charitable contribution. For the March/April ’13 voting period, the winner is Lori Weise, who was recognized for her work with the Los Angeles non-profit group she founded, Downtown Dog Rescue (DDR). In honor of her efforts, Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. presented her with a $5000 check along with its Hometown Heroes Crystal Award.
“The Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. brand continues to build momentum and hit major milestones along the way,” said Naomi Tobita, Chief Tamagotchi Officer, Bandai Co., Ltd. “Naming our second Hometown Heroes winner in addition to reaching over 2.5 million App downloads, is just the beginning. The brand will continue to expand with additional product offerings rolling out throughout 2013 and 2014.”
The multi-faceted Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. brand initiative began with its Website launch in November 2012 and the establishment of the “Hometown Heroes” program in January ’13. The successful launch of the brand’s authentic recreation of the classic Tamagotchi game play as an App – followed shortly thereafter. The next phase for the lifestyle brand, which embodies the spirit and qualities of the original Tamagotchi experience, will introduce branded products in a wide range of key categories including apparel, home décor, stationery and accessories.
Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. will be exhibiting at the upcoming Licensing Expo 2013 in Las Vegas on June 18th-20th (Booth A167).
For more information on the brand, the App, and to nominate someone to be the next Hometown Hero, visit the Website at http://tamagotchilife.com/.
About Bandai Co., Ltd.
Dedicated to “Fostering Dreams and
Delivering Inspiration,” Tokyo-based Bandai Co., Ltd., one of the
world’s largest toy companies, manufactures engaging toys that captivate
the imagination and provide endless fun and entertainment through some
of the most popular brands in children’s toys and interactive
entertainment today. Bandai Co., Ltd. is part of BANDAI NAMCO Group,
whose global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys
and Hobby, Content and Amusement Facility. The product lineup of the
Toys and Hobby unit, which is led by Bandai Co., Ltd., includes toys,
candy toys, cards, vending machine capsule products (Gashapon), plastic
models, Apparel, lifestyle goods and other products. The company’s
mid-term strategy focuses on “Globalization” through the nucleus of its
business – the Character Merchandising business model.
About Sync Beatz Entertainment
Representing such respected
consumer product organizations as Bandai Co., Ltd. (“Tamagotchi”) and
Banpresto (“Kapi-Bara-San”), Sync Beatz Entertainment is a full service
marketing organization that creates strategic growth for IP owners by
employing traditional and digital media along with consumer product
expertise to introduce branded products to the United States marketplace.
Bandai logo: ® and © 2013 Bandai. Tamagotchi:©BANDAI, WiZ. The toy concept and products of Tamagotchi are developed by Bandai Co., Ltd. and WiZ Co., Ltd. jointly.
