Peanuts Worldwide Signs Elf on the Shelf
Peanuts Worldwide announced that it will serve as the licensing agent for The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition brand. It’s the story of a magical scout elf, which answers Santa’s age old question of “who has been naughty or nice?” Supported by an organic word-of-mouth campaign, the book has sold more than one million copies in the past few years.
Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this children’s book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. Each Tradition-in-a-Box comes with its very own scout elf, a hardbound children’s book, and keepsake box for easy storage.
Targeting children up to age 8, Peanuts Worldwide will offer a global licensing program that will initially focus on social expression product, ornaments, stationery, holiday décor, gifts, interactive, confection, apparel, and accessories.
Survey Says: Family Feud Available as iPad App
Interactive entertainment company Ludia and FremantleMedia Enterprises announced the launch of the Family Feud for iPad on the App Store. The game brings the classic Family Feud game experience to iPad owners but with HD graphics and multi-touch game play.
Players can choose two game modes: single and multiplayer. (May we suggest an additional Richard Dawson mode?) There are fully customizable player avatars (Richard Dawson, anyone?). Users can choose hairstyles, clothing, accessories, and more. There is predictive text input and auto spell check making typing answers faster. Unlock bonus items as a reward for progress in the game. There’s authentic stage, theme music, and sound effects to create a true-to-show experience. The App is available for $6.99.
Discovery’s Deadliest Catch Becomes Facebook Game
Hive Media, Inc., announced that it has entered into an agreement with Discovery Communications to develop and produce a social media game based on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. The social media game, scheduled to be released for the North American market in November on Facebook, was brokered on behalf of Discovery Communications by its licensing agent, The Joester Loria Group.
Players will act as captains of their own crab boats and navigate the Bering Sea to cast and harvest pots while balancing dangers against profits as they work their way to the top of the crab count leader board.
The Facebook game will follow the launch of the Deadliest Catch console game this fall. It will complete a three part interactive gaming experience for Deadliest Catch fans, also including a mobile game.
Ceaco and Minnesota Artist Partner for Puzzle Line
Ceaco, a jigsaw puzzle and game manufacturer, has secured the license to produce jigsaw puzzles using paintings by Ellen Eilers, a 93-year-old country artist. The 550-piece jigsaw puzzle series, titled Life in Calico Country, is now available.
Eilers creates her artwork at her kitchen table in Alexandria, Minnesota. She paints for 8–10 hours every day using materials such as drinking straws, toothpicks, and cotton balls. She says she draws inspiration from the art of simple country living. Ceaco is offering three different 550-piece puzzles featuring Eilers’ paintings.