Funko is entering the AAA gaming space this fall with Funko Fusion, a co-op action game that mashes characters from Jurassic World, Back to the Future, and more popular NBCUniversal IPs into Funko Pop. format.
According to the game maker, “Funko Fusion is an action-adventure, single-player, online co-op experience that pays homage to NBCUniversal's richly popular world and irreverent Funko Pop interpretation of the characters who inhabit it. The game allows players to watch their favorite movies and TV series across more than 20 wide-ranging franchises, from blockbuster movies like “Jurassic World,'' “Jaws,'' “Back to the Future,'' “The Thing,'' and “Shaun.'' To celebrate. of the Dead, Chucky, and hit television series such as Battlestar Galactica, The Umbrella Academy, and Masters of the Universe. ”
Funko released the first trailer for the game on Tuesday. Readers can watch in the video below. The trailer features pop-up versions of characters across the NBCU brand, including “Five Nights at Freddy's,” “M3GAN,” “Invincible,” and “Xena.” Warrior Princess,” “Hot Fuzz,” and “Nope.”
10:10 Games, Funko, Universal Products and Experiences, Funko Fusion will be released on September 13th on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Players who pre-order Funko Fusion will receive a Walking Dead pack made in partnership with logistics partner Skybound at lunch. This pack includes Rick Grimes and Michonne Hawthorne as playable characters, and includes costume variations for each.
“Funko Fusion is our first explosive entry into console video games,” said Jason Bischoff, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at Funko. “New and old pop! Fans can traverse and explore incredible worlds inspired by some of NBCUniversal's most iconic brands and characters, in addition to a wealth of surprises from both Skybound and Funko. It's going to be an adventure. Since our announcement, fans have been actively debating for more information. We are so grateful for the excitement and the opportunity to begin sharing the extraordinary work and partnership of our friends at 10:10 Games. Fall 2024, it’s all about Funko Fusion!”
Check out a Q&A about Funko Fusion with Arthur Parsons, co-founder, head of publishing and design director at 10:10 Games.
Will you be collaborating with other studios other than NBCUniversal on future versions of “Funko Fusion” to do the same with other IPs such as Disney or Warner Bros. Discovery?
arthur parsons: At the moment, the entire studio is fully focused on ensuring that Funko Fusion delivers on our original lofty ambitions. We want to create an incredibly fun and engaging experience for our players to enjoy, and if we achieve that goal, we can look to the future.
I think you're still waiting for the evaluation, but are you currently leaning towards a particular evaluation?
From the beginning of the project, our goal was to provide an amazing gaming experience for teens. So we're going to work closely with the rating committees to make sure that's where we land.
What are your plans for DLC?
We want to work closely with fans of our in-game properties and players who enjoy Funko Fusion and want them to be involved in our DLC plans. We already have some exciting things in store, but we really want to engage with the community that has come to embrace “Funko Fusion” in our decision-making.
Was NBCU ever hesitant to have more all-ages brands like “Back to the Future” interact with highly violent elements in mash-up elements?
We are very fortunate to have a rich history of treating intellectual property with respect and providing authentic and enjoyable experiences. Therefore, our cooperation with IP holders has been truly collaborative and creative, and as a result we have had no hesitation. Instead, by creating our own ruleset within Funko Fusion, we've managed to communicate fun, creative ideas and blend all kinds of IP through the Funko lens. We stay true to the IP we own in the game, while staying within the comic violence that our players know us for.
