Wadiz-Nexon, Targeting 'Game-Goods Fandom' Simultaneously… 'MapleStory' IP Product Funding Launch
Wadiz-Nexon, ‘Game-Goods Fandom’ Simultaneously Targeted… ‘MapleStory’ IP Product Funding Launch
- Second Fanzmeker Funding Launch Following Zanmanglupi… Targeting Game and Goods Fan-Consumers with 22 Idea Products
- ‘Series Expansion Possibility and Opportunity Platform’...Big Brand IP and SMEs ‘Win-Win’ Effect
Wadiz is accelerating the expansion of synergy between big brands and manufacturing startups by launching funding for 'MapleStory' IP (intellectual property) products from ㈜Nexon, the country's largest game company.
Life Design Funding Platform Wadiz announced that it will open 22 final licensed products of the second partner Nexon 'MapleStory' edition of the IP Matching Program 'Fanzmeker (FANZ MAKER)' that opened last August, and start funding from the 21st.
Fanzmeker (FANZ MAKER) is a project where Wadiz partners with IP partner companies and directly matches makers through online to develop products, combining character IP, a funding platform, and startup ideas in a '3-party collaboration' format, which has already brought fresh repercussions throughout the industry.
The final products born this time total 22 types, and are characterized by expanded product lines with various idea products, targeting not only MapleStory users but also fan-consumers who consume based on product stories, designs, and their own preferences. From everyday products utilizing MapleStory's core characters Pinkbean, Yeti, Stone Golem, Orange Mushroom, and Slime such as wireless chargers, humidifiers, camping coolers and picnic mats, and toothbrush holders, to special-purpose preference-hitting products like cold brew coffee machines & speakers, dog hats, and golf clips, the lineup is richly composed.
In particular, makers selected for this MapleStory IP productization project are supported with 20 million won worth of Nexon Cash coupons that can be used for events, and are provided with special exhibitions at Seongsu-dong 'Space Wadiz', and diverse promotional opportunities through product exhibition sketches and interview videos.
Kang Da-young, MD of Good & Design, finally selected for the MapleStory productization project, said “While I had experience in manufacturing, conducting everything from planning to funding launch independently was not easy, but through consulting with Wadiz and Nexon, it became an opportunity to present good goods”, and Jung Bong-jun, artist of Cerberus (C&C Design), said “The advantage of funding is the great potential for various expansions such as series expansion starting from a single character”.
Nexon's New Business Department Head Yoon Seok-hyun said “It is meaningful that we can create value in win-win cooperation by providing quality goods to users who have significantly reduced opportunities to meet offline due to the coronavirus pandemic, and by providing new manufacturing and distribution opportunities to manufacturing startups facing difficulties”.
Meanwhile, Wadiz Fanzmeker is scheduled to open the 3rd Jinro Toad's IP product in March following the 1st Zanmanglupi and 2nd Nexon MapleStory, and is expanding opportunities for brand experiences for consumers by covering not only IPs with global fandom such as Disney and Hyundai Ioniq but also the automobile industry.
The exhibition sketches of Fanzmeker 2nd MapleStory and vivid interview videos of project managers from Wadiz and Nexon can be found through <Link>.