Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACT Michael Volpatt 415-994-8864 Michelle Chidoni Mattel 310-232-3921
U.B. Funkeys(TM) Debuts Funkey Trunk Micro Transactions for Access to Exclusive Game Enhancements
Developed in Conjunction With Arkadium, Funkey Trunk Gives Players the Power to Purchase New Add-Ons for Their Virtual Experience
| Source: Arkadium
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - December 22, 2008) - Radica, a division of Mattel, in conjunction
with causal game and software developer Arkadium, today announced the
launch of its new Funkey Trunk micro transactions system. As the latest
addition to U.B. Funkeys™, a popular interactive game that combines
vinyl toy collecting with the world of gaming, Funkey Trunk enhances
players' user experience by providing them with the ability to purchase
exclusive new add-ons for their virtual world. The new Funkey Trunk is made
up of two parts: My Funkey Trunk and Angus' Lab.
In My Funkey Trunk, items called Funkey Familiars and Portal Jammers can be
purchased. Funkey Familiars are virtual Funkeys that grant access to the
Game Rooms that belong to a specific Funkey, without having to own the
physical Funkey first. Players who already own that physical Funkey will
receive extra features with a Funkey Familiar. Portal Jammers are items
that allow players to pass through any Portal, into any Game Room, or into
any game for a one-time preview.
Also introduced in this release is Angus, a new character in the U.B.
Funkeys™ world who walks around and can be accessed within every Zone.
When clicked on, players are transported to his lab where new items such as
mood indicators and animated and interactive items for a player's home
base, or Crib, can be found.
"Our teams have created a 'loot' system that allows parents or guardians to
securely add funds for their children to spend in the U.B. Funkeys™
virtual world," said Jeff Bruneau, Sr. Marketing Manager for U.B.
Funkeys™. "These micro transactions are a fun way to educate children on
responsible spending habits, while letting them customize their gaming
experience. Because these items are available within the controlled
virtual environment, parents can be assured that they will continue to
provide fun even past the holiday season and are appropriate for children."
Loot is purchased through a secure online system inside the U.B.
Funkeys™ PC game software. Parents can purchase loot easily and the Loot
added in the Funkey Trunk does not have an expiration date if not spent.
The balance can be tracked by the player though the 'My Loot Balance' area,
and a complete list of transactions can be viewed in the 'Transactions'
section of all accounts.
Vinyl toy collecting and online virtual gaming are both popular activities
among today's young adults and children. This latest enhancement of U.B.
Funkeys™ further marries the vinyl figure collecting trend with the
world of online casual gaming and delivers an all-new virtual experience
filled with fun, exploration and games. The U.B. Funkeys™ Starter Kit,
available at major retailers everywhere, includes the U.B. Funkeys™ hub,
figure and PC software. Individual Funkeys figures are also available for
sale separately.
About Mattel
Mattel, Inc. (NYSE : MAT ) (www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the
design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel
family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most
popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American
Girl®, Radica:® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands,
including Little People®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of
entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of 2008's
"100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE Magazine. With worldwide
headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 30,000 people
in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150
nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today
and tomorrow.
About Arkadium
Arkadium is the premier game solutions developer for the advergaming and
casual game markets. The company's growing archive of over 200 Flash-based
and custom game solutions currently reaches millions of people through some
of the most popular online destinations and corporate branded Web sites on
the Internet. For more information visit http://www.arkadium.com.