Special Feature - Funko

Fusing fandom with gaming

Three years after entering development, Funko Fusion launches this month across PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S. Funko Fusion promises to immerse players into an expansive world where they will be able to engage with the extended Funko universe like never before, making Funko’s entry into the world of computer gaming a celebration of the entire community it has built over the years. Here, Andy Oddie, chief commercial officer at Funko, tells Toy World what the game offers existing Funko fans and what it brings to the computer games market.

The debut title from 10:10 Games, a studio co-founded by Jon Burton with a team of experienced developers known for their work on brick-based games, Funko Fusion is an action-adventure, single player and online co-op experience that pays tribute to NBCUniversal’s deep roster of beloved worlds and the irreverent Funko Pop! interpretations of the figures who inhabit them. According to Funko’s Andy Oddie, the game offers new and existing Funko collectors alike an experience that ‘really captures what makes Funko special’.

“Funko Fusion is definitely going to give our existing fans a kick - they'll love seeing their favourite characters in action,” he explains. “But it’s not just for the die-hards. This game is designed to be fun for everyone, whether you've got a shelf full of Funko product or haven’t yet picked one up. The beauty of Funko Fusion is that it’s incredibly accessible and packed with an engaging, original storyline and stunning visuals. It’s a great way for newcomers to get a taste of the Funko world and maybe even start their own physical collections.”

In all, the game showcases over 60 iconic characters from more than 20 NBCUniversal franchises, in Funko’s signature, hugely successful Pop! style, and blends action, adventure, puzzle solving and humour while staying true to the playful nature that lies at the heart of the company. Andy says working with NBCUniversal on the project has been a ‘fantastic’ experience. The partnership has allowed 10:10 Games and Funko to access an impressive roster of franchises including The Thing, Back to the Future, Jaws and Shaun of the Dead, giving the companies the scope to create something truly unique: especially, as Andy says, when you start taking beloved characters out of the confines of their own story and placing them into other worlds. Speaking personally, he says he’s particularly looking forward to delving into Five Nights at Freddy’s, Invincible, Walking Dead, Scott Pilgrim, M3gan and Jurassic World once the game is released.

“Funko Fusion provides a rich experience for both solo players and online co-op enthusiasts,” Andy says, when asked what sets Funko Fusion apart from other 3rdperson action games within the world of console gaming.

“After all, teaming up with friends is what Funko’s all about. Coupled with Funko’s rich, signature Pop! Style, and an all-new, intriguing storyline staring Funko original characters - including our new titular villain, Eddy Funko - we’re taking action platformer games to their next, natural evolution.”

To support the launch of the game, and to give fans a little something extra to get their teeth into, Funko is launching a special line of Funko Fusion Pop! collectibles. The initial wave will include characters from franchises such as Masters of the Universe, TheThing and Hot Fuzz, many of which will offer consumers a one-in-six exclusive chase version featuring a ‘corrupted’ Eddy Funko deco scheme. These collectibles will feature characters from the game together with redeemable codes for additional in-game unlockables, including exclusive characters and deco variants. Following what Andy calls an exceptional reception to the line, Funko also plans to expand the Funko Fusion toy offering further by adding new characters and exclusives as more properties are announced, meaning gamers and collectors alike have a lot to look forward to.

“We’re really excited about the launch of Funko Fusion and our fans’ and players’ reactions,” Andy enthuses. “As for what’s next, while we cannot share specific details at this time, we can say that the door is wide open for future projects with 10:10 Games.”

He adds: “Keep in mind that one of Funko’s unique advantages is our extensive range of licensor partners. This gives us incredible flexibility to explore new, exciting and unexpected gaming experiences. With so many beloved franchises in our network, we believe we have exceptional opportunities to develop fresh and innovative content, the likes of which have maybe never been seen before. That said, our immediate and main focus is on making Funko Fusion the standout success we know it to be - and to deliver a great experience for fans.”