Picture this: what if instead of signing with the Miami Heat, basketball stars Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwayne Wade had formed their own team to play in the NBA? That's the kind of impact that this new announcement is making in the gaming world.
The Fortnite player base is buzzing with excitement since the introduction of Creative 2.0, allowing players to create Fortnite maps inspired by other games, including the return of islands from Chapter 1. Fortnite influencers and professional players have taken this to the next level by announcing Project V, a brand new Battle Royale experience that will launch in 2024.
What's new:
Project V is a creator-led initiative where five popular Fortnite streamers, SypherPK, Ninja, CourageJD, Nickmercs, and TimTheTatman, are teaming up with Sypher’s Oni Studios’ Fortnite division called Superjoy Studios to create the ultimate gaming experience using UEFN. The project will feature a staff of Fortnite Creative devs from Oni Studios and encourage community-based voting on the game’s artistic direction.
Why it matters:
With Project V, Fortnite is taking a step further in the gaming industry, enabling influencers and professional players to create something unique and personalized. This new Battle Royale project will leverage UEFN's new creative capabilities to set a new bar for Fortnite's custom map-making, offering a one-of-a-kind gaming experience to the players.
Why you should care:
The fact that professional players and influencers are joining forces to create a brand new gaming universe entirely using UEFN will inspire game developers and designers to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas to captivate their audience. This initiative is a prime example of how brands can collaborate with creators to build something unique and creative that resonates with their audience.
Credit: GGRedcon.com
The Mobile Gaming Party Is Winding Down
Credit: Marketing Brew
Mobile gaming may have been the breakout star of the pandemic, but its days of explosive growth are coming to an end. While gaming app downloads hit 50 billion in 2022, the same number as the previous year, it's the first time in a while that spending on mobile games fell worldwide year over year. Despite the dip, gaming revenue still topped social media and entertainment last year, reaching $79 billion. However, spending at the beginning of 2023 remained weak compared to the previous year.
What's new:
According to Sensor Tower, Turkey saw the fastest mobile app-download growth in Europe during the pandemic. The report also noted that mobile gaming could be poised for growth in Africa soon, as smartphone ownership, internet penetration, and payment ecosystems improve.
Why it matters:
With spending on mobile games faltering, the report identified areas of potential growth, including the potential for looser gaming restrictions in China and the implementation of post-IDFA strategies. Meanwhile, digital ad spend across North America and six major European markets continued to increase last year, hitting $28 billion in Q4. Finally, apps like Tinder are looking for new revenue streams, such as single in-app purchases, to keep profits flowing.
Why you should care:
It might be time to say goodbye to the unbridled growth of gaming within the past two years. But that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities for growth in other regions, like Africa, or in loosening regulations in China.
Kith Brings the Force to Fashion with New Star Wars Collection
Credit: www.footwearnews.com
Luxury brand Kith has announced its latest collaboration with Lucasfilm, a Star Wars-inspired collection of clothing, accessories, and home goods for adults and kids. The collection will launch on May 4, also known as Star Wars Day, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi.
What's new:
The collection features a variety of items, including varsity jackets, coaches jackets, and pull-overs, as well as accessories and household goods such as cookie jars, posters, and clocks. To celebrate the launch, Kith will host a special event at the Village East by Angelika Theater in New York on May 3, featuring a full takeover of the theater and the debut of the collection.
Why it matters:
The Star Wars franchise has a massive fan base, and collaborations like this bring a unique twist to fashion and pop culture. The collection provides fans with a chance to express their love for the franchise while also showcasing their fashion sense.
Why you should care:
The collection is sure to appeal to both the nostalgic and modern tastes of global Star Wars fans and Kith consumers alike. Plus, the special event in New York adds an extra layer of excitement and exclusivity to the launch.
Absolut Vodka Doubles Down on Ready-To-Drink Beverages
Credit: www.fooddive.com
Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice have partnered up to create a new ready-to-drink cocktail that blends the top premium imported vodka with the number one cranberry juice brand. The partnership aims to tap into the growing popularity of ready-to-drink beverages, and provide hassle-free drinks that are easy to enjoy both at home and on-the-go.
What's new:
The new cocktail combines two of the most popular drinks with consumers, and will provide a format that allows the brands to capture a larger share of the market. Ready-to-drink cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits category in both revenue and volume in 2021, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
Why it matters:
The partnership is a logical move, given that cranberry is the most preferred vodka mixer, growing 8% year over year according to Technomic data. The new cocktail provides a hassle-free option for hosts who want to relax and enjoy the moment, while also providing an opportunity for Ocean Spray to enter a new section of the store where it doesn't traditionally operate. The companies will still see the majority of their sales come from mixing their brands at homes and bars, but this new offering taps into a growing market of ready-to-drink beverages.
Why you should care:
As the popularity of ready-to-drink cocktails continues to rise, it's important for brands to take note and offer products that meet this demand. By partnering with Ocean Spray, Absolut is doubling down on the trend and aiming to capture a larger share of the market.