Last week, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) introduced the world to Playmation—the next step in the evolution of play, where digital gets physical and imagination becomes real. The groundbreaking system of toys and wearables uses smart technology to inspire kids to run around and use their imaginations, as they become the hero or heroine of stories from across The Walt Disney Company. The big announcement was made in Hollywood, with D23 Members on hand to be the first to hear the news and watch live demos of Playmation in action.
First up is Playmation Marvel’s Avengers, which hits shelves this October. At launch, the Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will include five connected toys: one piece of Avenger Gear (Repulsor), two Power Activators and two Smart Figures—a Super Hero (Captain America) and a Super Villain (Iron Skull). Getting started is easy, strap the high-tech Repulsor Gear onto your arm (it fits adults, too!) and listen closely to JARVIS as he takes you through the tutorial on how to control your new Gear, inspired by Iron Man technology. Other Playmation Marvel’s Avengers connected toys that work with the Starter Pack will also be available separately for purchase at launch, with more on the way.
Also available at launch, is the AvengersNet app where you can register your Avenger Gear to see progress, explore additional locations and characters, and get access to new missions. New recruits to the Avengers can fight Marvel Super Villains including Ultron, Iron Skull, and Loki, or join fellow Avengers Super Heroes like Black Widow, Falcon, and more as they battle to save the Earth by running, jumping, ducking, and dodging—whatever each challenge requires.
“With Playmation Marvel’s Avengers, the very best of Marvel storytelling is infused into every aspect of the system to further spark imaginative, active play,” said Joe Quesada, chief creative officer, Marvel. “Playmation offers kids a dynamic way to interact with their favorite Super Heroes—I wish it was around when I was a kid!”
Playmation Marvel’s Avengers uses familiar technologies including smart toys, wearables, wireless technology, motion sensors, and more, but applies them in ways that are completely new to create an experience that’s never been possible before. Playmation is purposely not tethered to an Internet connection so players can run around and explore each adventure from anywhere they want—a bedroom, living room, or yard. With multiplayer modes, recruits can sync their Avenger Gear to tackle missions and combat arenas together, or face off in competitive play.
The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will have a suggested retail price of $119.99 and will launch in October 2015 in the United States and Canada at mass and specialty retailers, select Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com, and will be available for pre-order starting July 7.
Star Wars and Disney Frozen systems are currently in development for 2016 and 2017, respectively.
For more information, visit www.playmation.com.
