THE CARE BEARS JOIN CANDY CRUSH SOLITAIRE FOR A SEASON OF SWEET KINDNESS
KING LICENSE NOSTALGIC IP FOR GAMING PARTNERSHIP
BACKGROUND:
For the launch of a new time-limited season within Candy Crush Solitaire, King wanted to create an in-game collaboration that would feel instantly recognisable, nostalgic and engaging for the game’s broad demographic. Care Bears emerged as a natural fit. With decades of cultural heritage, strong cross-generational recognition and a colourful, playful visual identity that complements the Candy Crush universe, the property offered King an opportunity to tap into nostalgia while still feeling relevant to newer audiences.
The breadth of Care Bears assets available also gave the creative team plenty to work with, making it possible to integrate the characters and their world naturally into the game and create a distinctive limited-time season that felt authentic to both brands.
THE CALL TO BORN:
Having worked on several campaigns that required working with existing assets and due to our great relationship with the Rights Holders, we were brought on board very early in the process to scope out feasibility with Cloudco and sell in the idea featuring Care Bears.
WHERE BORN LICENSING ADDED VALUE:
During the research and development phase, we pitched the idea to the Cloudco team and answered any questions they had at this stage. We then negotiated terms and costs, and ensured that all tight deadlines were met on time. Given our previous work with existing assets, we were able to guide the process smoothly, ensuring both Licensee and Licensor had every step covered along the way.
THE LAUNCH:
The partnership launched with a teaser around Halloween, and officially went live on 3rd November. The Care Bears Season unlocked for players who have reached level 22 in Candy Crush Solitaire and ran through the end of November. New players could join for free on iOS and Android, Amazon and Nook.
THE APPROVAL PROCESS:
As always, we managed the approval process from start to finish, helping with the release of assets, submitting initial concepts, WIP assets and reskins for the Care Bears team’s approval to ensure they were happy with how the assets were being developed within the gaming season. We were able to meet King’s key deadlines in an efficient and expedited manner, making sure the partnership was ready for delivery.
Care Bears™ is a trademark of ABG-Care Bears LLC. ©ABG-Care Bears LLC.
ICONIC IP WE’VE PLACED