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

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

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

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