Yep, Activision has created their very own Pokemon, and they're rakin' in the profits.
Today, Activision Publishing has announced that Skylanders figures have outsold all action-figure properties in the US and Europe so far in 2013. The Skylanders property also outpaced all toy properties in the UK year-to-date as of June 30, 2013. It's a craze!
As of July 31, 2013, the popular franchise has generated a whopping $1.5 billion in worldwide retail sales (combined sales of the toys and games). Furthermore, so far in 2013 in North America and Europe, the recently released Skylanders Giants has been the #1 best-selling console and handheld game overall. They're going strictly by dollars in that statement, which means profits have gotta be through the roof. Said Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg:
"We began something very special with Skylanders, and the magic of bringing toys to life through a video game. But it's not just about the game. We know the toys have to be just as creative and imaginative as the kids that play with them, and that's why we're so excited to bring even more innovations to this genre when Skylanders SWAP Force™ comes out in October."
The games aren't bad at all, and the idea of creating physical figurines you must purchase in order to unlock and play all available characters…let's face it, it's genius. It wouldn't work as well for adults but as a property that's geared toward kids, it's perfectly designed. These guys know how to make money, don't they?
