Game/toy hybrids offer PC retail new revenue stream

Toys that connect to desktop and tablet computers are presenting retailers with a fresh margin-making opportunity this Q3.
The Disney Infinity video game launches on August 18th for PC and mobile devices, as well as Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, PS3. Additional figures can be stocked (pictured, right) which consumers can purchase to unlock new content within the game, like levels and characters.
Then there’s Angry Birds Star Wars II from Rovio which lands on app stores on September 19th. Users can now place Telepod toys from Hasbro (see above) on their tablet or smartphone to play with different in-game characters – and over 30 of these will be available at retail.
Activision originally created the ‘toys to life’ category back in late 2011 with Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure for consoles and PC. This was followed by a sequel – Skylanders Giants – last year. However, the latest version of the kids’ game, Skylanders: Swap Force, has ditched PC in favour of consoles only. This launches in the UK on October 18th.
The Skylanders franchise has generated more than $1 billion in worldwide retail sales since its launch in late 2011.

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