There has been a growing amount of chatter on the Funkeys blogs and discussion boards regarding the future of our favorite little guys (and gals). Many have taken the lack of updates in the game, the long span from the release of Hidden Realm, the dwindling of store stock (and even clearancing of some series) as tell-tale signs that the toy line and game are in trouble. I haven't been helping matters by being so quiet recently either, but let me assure you that my lack of posts has been strictly personal issues keeping me from getting to it. I still have plenty to post about!

But let me address the worries. I feel I need to now because there have been some recent changes at Mattel that once made more public will add fuel to the fire. The branch in Texas, where the Radica team currently resides is being shut down in the near future.

The following is not "official" from the company, but I have multiple sources within and outside Mattel and feel comfortable making the following claims...

1) Radica will continue as a subsidiary name under the Mattel umbrella.

2) The lines that were managed from the Texas facility that are still going to be produced will be moved to the California facility.

3) U.B.Funkeys is a growing, thriving line and WILL continue to be produced.

Beyond that, there has been a scheduling change that was actually made a while back but I never got around to posting about it here. The Series 5 - Paradox Green will be the next series to be released, NOT the DC line as originally planned last year. I know this will not come as a surprise to some who have been paying attention to what's being displayed at the shows and pre-selling to retailers now, but since it wasn't officially announced I thought it should be.

Hopefully as the dust settles on these changes at Mattel, Funk-E will have a chance to send some official updates on all things Funkey, but for now that's all the specific news I have to share on the future of the Funkeys line.

Hopefully one of the mods on the forum will start an official thread to discuss this post soon. For now I have to run. To all... Stay Funkey!

Labels: Funkeys News, Mattel, Radica

The following blurb is from a new press release from Mattel reviewing some of the coming 2009 Fall releases...

U.B. FUNKEYS Game Factory Tool

U.B. Funkeys is a popular PC-based interactive game where vinyl toy collecting meets casual gaming. The U.B. Funkeys virtual world continues to expand as players collect figures and interact through in-game activities and challenges. The Game Factory tool enhances the user experience by allowing kids to unlock new gaming functionality within the U.B. Funkeys world. With each 2 Game Factory figures, kids can create their own U.B. Funkeys online game and post it to UBFunkeys.com where friends can play and rank their game.

UB Funkeys Game Factory Tool is designed for kids 8+ and will be available this Fall. Pricing is not yet determined.

This could get interesting! Hopefully they'll get it well tested before launch-time. :)

Labels: 2 Game Factory Figures, Game Factory, Game Factory Tool, Mattel, Press Realeases, U.B. Funkeys

There has been some grumbling and a level of discontent revolving around Funkeys 4.5 Funkey Trunk, the latest update to the U.B.Funkeys game, and I’d like to try and clear up a few misconceptions that are causing most of it.

To help out, we sent some questions along to our contacts close to the development team. Here are the responses. Keep in mind that these answers, while informative, cannot be taken as official responses like in the "Ask Funk-E" section since they did not go through all the normal channels.

Q: Is the purchased loot applied to only the account logged in or to all accounts on the computer similar to a bonus code? (This was sent before this was confirmed by some of the forum members)

A: Currently it’s a per account basis. The problem is that we cannot detect that 2 different accounts come from the same computer.

Note: This is followed up on and commented on more below…

Q: When will additional Familiars be available?

A: They will be rolling out in the next few weeks...the Familiars will never catch up to the physical Funkeys in regards to series. This is done so that they don’t compete directly with the figures. The series 1 figures are getting harder to find, so the Familiars for series 1 will be available....as we progress, Familiars will be added in a 1 to 2 series behind roll-out. Again, this reinforces the idea that in order to get the new content, you need the figures, but new users just coming in can catch up on older content if they can’t find the figures

Q: Will there be other ways to purchase loot, like through the website using unique Funkey name, or in stores like through a card purchase (like with Neopets).

A: The plan is to roll out gift-cards next year, and provide for other purchasing options...we are learning as we go, so bear with us....

Q: Will there eventually be ways to earn loot within the game as well?

A: I imagine that we will be implementing ways to earn loot; we have to gauge the overall response first.

Q: Why has Master Lox been so busy since the 4.5 update? Many are having issues trying to purchase loot and those who have loot are at time not able to spend it.

It was communicated that they are well aware of these outages and will get things fixed as soon as possible.

Also, while I can’t share the communications in their entirety, I wanted everyone to see a few snippets to help reinforce the fact that the folks working on the game are trying to make a better game in response to past feedback and not deliberately trying to just make more money off the fans.

"...I think its being a bit misunderstood. It is never the intention to make player's buy digital stuff in order to progress the game....all the Funkey trunk stuff is there if you want it, but won’t hurt if you don’t want it...like I said, the intention is to give the users who can’t find Funkeys the ability to get familiars....in addition, the games in Angus's lab are to reward those people who decide to get both a Funkey and a Familiar..."

"...the system is still being tweaked, and we’re eager to get feedback from the community. I just want to make sure that everyone knows the intention is not to squeeze extra cash out of the users..."

We had some discussion about the Familiars not having the same functionality as the real Funkeys (such as coins and trophies and such) and while the current functionality IS what was planned, the team is listening to the conversations going on in the forums and are considering what (if any) changes should be made to that.

And finally (for now) there’s the “per account” problem that many have raised regarding this update being a very expensive proposition for those with multiple users in the same house. (There are six in mine!) The answer above was that they couldn’t determine what accounts were on the same computer. They are working on ideas now. I had further communication with them about this and here are a few snippets from that...

...I agree that this is an issue, and one that we didn't anticipate...

...It is our #1 thing to discuss with the developers...

...due to timing, if we can find a fix, then it probably can’t be instituted until the beginning of next year due to end of year vacations...

...I 100% agree with the users on this issue, and will work to find a solution...

So what does all this mean? Well primarily, that the folks working on the game are working hard to make a great game for all of us to enjoy and the motives are where they should be. There ARE problems right now both technical and with some of the design, but they have acknowledged that fact and will work on fixing things. There will likely never be perfect agreement between them and the players of the game on everything, but I have faith that they are trying hard to make it a great experience for all. Give them some time to work all of this out.

Have a great time!

Labels: Funkeys News, Game Updates, Mattel

There's a new press release about the Funkey Trunk Update from the Funkeys game. I've noticed it start popping up today here, here, and here so far.

I also have some additional information and opinions to post about this update. I hope to get that up later today...

U.B. Funkeys™ Debuts Funkey Trunk Micro Transactions for Access to Exclusive Game Enhancements

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.

Labels: Arkadium, Funkeys News, Game Updates, Mattel, Press Realeases, Radica

There really aren't any new details out there yet, but the MunkyKing site was updated to include the upcoming show set for September 26th. The page is pretty much a "holder page" right now, but promises more info soon. They did put together this snazzy little promo image...


For those who didn't catch the earlier post about this show, there will be XL sized Funkeys, each hand-painted by various artists up for auction. The proceeds will go to The Mattel Children's Foundation.

Labels: Art Show, Mattel, Mattel Children's Foundation, MunkyKing, XL Funkeys

Mattel and MunkyKing are working together to put on a charity event in Los Angeles, CA for the Mattel Children's Foundation on Friday, September 26th. This event will be a custom art show featuring XL size Funkeys with original painted designs by various artists.

I did inquire about the artists participating. All I know for sure is that it's not an open submission event and the artists have been predetermined already. As more information (and hopefully more images) become available, I'll be sure to share!




Discuss!

Labels: Art Show, Mattel, Mattel Childrens's Foundation, MunkyKing, XL Funkeys

Playthings.com has an article wrapping up days 2 and 3 of the Licensing show going on in New York. Here's a snippet regarding Funkeys...

"Meanwhile, the U.B. Funkeys, from the company’s Radica division, are being licensed into plush as well as electronic tie-ins such as computer speakers and flash drives from Emerson in an exclusive program with Target this fall; the Funkeys push is the earliest ever outbound licensing campaign for a Mattel, according to a company representative. Mattel also confirmed that new apparel is in the works for all its key brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels and the U.B. Funkeys."

I'd say the flash drives sound interesting. I'm sure many will like the Plush Funkeys as well... :)

Labels: Funkeys News, Mattel, Plush, Press Realeases, Radica

Mattel just put out a press release for the upcoming Licensing International Expo 2008. It talks about their coming plans for partnerships to expand their licensed brands. It starts out by mentioning Funkeys with it's other top brands, "Mattel Brands (Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, Polly Pocket™ and new brand U.B. Funkeys™) underscores its position as a premier global licensing leader at the 2008 Licensing International Show in New York City."

The article expands on Funkeys specifically with the following, "Emerson: Mattel Brands extends its partnership with Emerson beyond the Barbie™ brand and into the fast lane with Hot Wheels™ and U.B. Funkeys™. Hot Wheels™ races to the finish line with its first-ever consumer electronics collection with Emerson Electronics, featuring everything from MP3 players to cool audio electronics. U.B. Funkeys™ brings the urban vinyl trend to electronic enthusiasts everywhere with computer accessories created in the likenesses of its popular characters. (Fall 2008)"

You can read the whole article here...

Labels: Funkeys News, Mattel, Press Realeases

We are just overflowing with new information right now! The challenge is figuring out what to get posted each day... :)

As our regular visitors have known for a little while, our contact at Mattel (Funk-E) has agreed to answer questions about U.B.Funkeys from the fans in monthly installments. The first took us a little while to get together, but we're proud to finally get it up for all to see!

Some topics addressed include series retirement, additional Funkeys merchandise, as well as advise of cleaning your Funkeys. Check out the first installment here!

If you have any new questions or suggestions, please feel free to add them to the latest thread in the "Ask Funk-E" section of the forum.

Labels: Ask Funk-E, Funkeys News, Mattel

That's right folks, Mattel / Radica's U.B.Funkeys have been nominated in the best toys of 2008 competition, from the Toy Industry Association. The Toy of the Year awards are held in New York at the American International Toy Fair.

Our beloved Funkeys have been nominated in the ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT TOY OF THE YEAR category along with the following...

U.B. Funkeys – Mattel, Inc.
American Idol Talent Challenge – KID Design, Inc.
Easy Link™ Internet Launch Pad – Fisher-Price
Power Tour Electric Guitar – Tiger Electronics
Rescue Pets Myepets.com – MGA Entertainment

Let's all hope they get the win they deserve!

Labels: Awards, Mattel, Radica, Toy Fair