#58: Brands Gearing Up for Holiday & Post-Election Launches?

In This Article

Around the Block…

• Blockchain / NFTs: Ubisoft

• AR / VR: Kiehl’s

• Gaming / Metaverse: LEGO, Hell’s Kitchen

• Roblox: Hugo Boss, MLB

Chain Reactions!

• Quiet Before the Holiday Rush, Brands Avoid Election Noise

Around the Block…

Blockchain / NFTs

• Ubisoft: Launches First Original NFT Game, 'Champions Tactics'

  • Ubisoft, the gaming giant behind franchises like ‘Assassin’s Creed’, has launched ‘Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles’, its first full-fledged NFT game. Built on the Oasys blockchain, this free-to-play strategy game lets players assemble teams of fantasy characters for battle. Players can use free characters in casual and limited competitive matches, while NFT characters offer unlimited access to play and can earn exclusive rewards. This is Ubisoft’s latest step into blockchain gaming, ahead of the launch of another blockchain-based game, ‘Captain Laserhawk’, based on the Netflix series.

  • Source: Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles / Decrypt

AR / VR

• Kiehl’s: Unveils AR Mirror in NYC for Personalized Skincare Experience

  • Kiehl’s has introduced an AR Mirror outside its Nolita store in New York, drawing customers inside by analyzing the skin of those passing by and inviting them in for a more personalized consultation. The experience was created in collaboration with AR tech company FFFACE.ME.

  • Source: LinkedIn (FFFACE.ME)

Gaming / Metaverse

• LEGO: Launches ‘LEGO Parkour Worlds’ in Fortnite Inspired by DREAMZzz

  • LEGO has launched a new Fortnite experience called ‘LEGO Parkour Worlds,’ inspired by its hit show ‘LEGO DREAMZzz.’ Developed by GameFam, the game allows players to explore the Candy Realm and compete in parkour obstacle courses. The experience also allows players to watch full episodes of ‘LEGO DREAMZzz’ with friends within the game. More worlds will be added over time, bringing regular updates to the experience.

  • Source: Fortnite (LEGO Parkour Worlds) / LinkedIn (GameFam) / YouTube (Fortnite)

• Hell’s Kitchen: Unveils ‘Fork Off’ Event in The Sandbox Metaverse

  • The Sandbox has partnered with Hell’s Kitchen to launch ‘Fork Off by Hell’s Kitchen,’ a Web3 crossover event inspired by the famous cooking show led by Gordon Ramsay. Players can explore a virtual Hell’s Kitchen restaurant and participate in single-player arcade games where they dodge obstacles and collect ingredients. By completing quests, participants can earn rewards, including The Sandbox’s native $SAND tokens and exclusive NFTs.

  • Source: The Sandbox - Fork Off by Hell’s Kitchen / NFT Insider

Roblox

• HUGO BOSS: Updates ‘PLANET HUGO’ Roblox Experience for Halloween

  • Hugo Boss has updated its ‘PLANET HUGO’ experience in Roblox just in time for Halloween. Players can explore a haunted house to earn a special badge, which unlocks an exclusive car texture in ‘HUGO FASTER’, the brand’s in-game racing experience.

  • Source: Roblox (PLANET HUGO)

• MLB: Launches Official Team Jerseys for Sale in Roblox

  • Roblox players can now customize their avatars with official Major League Baseball jerseys. All 30 team jerseys are available in the Roblox marketplace for 55 Robux each, allowing users to style their avatars with their favorite team's uniform. Players can also join the MLB group on Roblox to connect with fellow baseball fans and show off their new gear.

  • Source: MLB / Roblox (MLB Marketplace) / Roblox (MLB Group)

Chain Reactions!

Quiet Before the Holiday Rush, Brands Avoid Election Noise

• This week was lighter on activations, likely a brief lull as brands avoid the noise of election season and prepare for major holiday-themed campaigns. As the holiday season approaches, expect to see more activity in the metaverse, AR, and AI spaces, as brands aim to capture attention through experiences that extend and complement their traditional advertising efforts.

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