Bandai Co. Ltd. and Sync Beatz Entertainment announced that downloads of the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. app have surpassed the 2,500,000 mark within just 90 days after its initial release. This milestone comes as downloads of the iOS version, which launched March 28 of this year on the iTunes store, have passed the 1.5 million mark, while more than 1 million downloads have been registered for the Android version since its premiere on the Google Play site on February 14.
Prompted by this response, Bandai will be issuing a recreation of the Tamagotchi Generation 2 version this summer, developed by Namco Bandai Games Inc., as an update to its app for both Android and iOS users in the U.S. and Canada. Users will enjoy a new game in its Toy mode, and a new game and new shell designs in the App mode, along with the introduction of new characters. Early next year, the company has plans to release Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. apps that recreate one of the brand’s most popular versions, the Tamagotchi Angel, for both Android and iOS platforms.
The companies have also confirmed the second winner in its Hometown Heroes program. This initiative encourages the public to nominate a local citizen who has made a measurable contribution to improving their community, with the nominee receiving the most votes winning a $5,000 charitable contribution. For the March/April 2013 voting period, the winner is Lori Weise, who was recognized for her work with the Los Angeles non-profit group she founded, Downtown Dog Rescue. In honor of her efforts, Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. presented her with a $5,000 check along with its Hometown Heroes Crystal Award.
COMMENTARY: Marble Runs Are on a Roll!
March 5, 2014 By Phil Guie Leave a Comment
During Toy Fair last month, I saw quite a few marble runs on display, which is not at all surprising. This particular toy has been around since my own childhood and never seemed to go away for any prolonged span of time. Meanwhile, one of the vendors I spoke to said marble runs have actually [...]