Funko’s Jason Bischoff Talks Adding Existing and New Game Tie-Ins in Funko Fusion

Funko's Jason Bischoff Talks Adding Existing and New Game Tie-Ins in Funko Fusion

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that I am thoroughly intrigued by the upcoming release of Funko Fusion. The concept of merging various dimensions of fandom through an action-adventure game is nothing short of genius, and the partnership between Funko and 10:10 Games promises a unique gaming experience that caters to a wide array of fan bases.


The upcoming game titled “Funko Fusion” is a collaboration between 10:10 Games, Funko, and NBCUniversal. This action-adventure game honors fandoms across multiple realms, including movies, video games, comics, and TV shows. The game features over 60 characters from more than 20 iconic franchises in the form of Funko! Pop vinyl figures. Some new characters have been created specifically for this game. Notably, some of the IPs in “Funko Fusion” are already established in video games, such as the blue robotic character from “Mega Man“, who has joined the diverse roster of playable characters. However, the game also introduces characters and worlds from properties making their debut in gaming, such as the action-comedy hit “Hot Fuzz” and the recent sci-fi horror movie “Nope“.

In a recent chat with Game Rant, Jason Bischoff, Funko’s VP for Licensing and Business Development, shared some insights into the unique challenge of integrating multiple intellectual properties in the Funko Fusion game, particularly from a licensing standpoint. He elaborated on the distinction between popular video game IPs versus those that are less commonly or infrequently used in the gaming world.

Adding Existing Video Game IPs In Funko Fusion

Funko's Jason Bischoff Talks Adding Existing and New Game Tie-Ins in Funko Fusion

In a recent announcement, Funko Fusion has added Mega Man to its roster of playable characters, a well-known hero in the gaming world. When questioned about the difficulty of incorporating established properties like Mega Man compared to those not linked to games, Bischoff responded that it was primarily a matter of showing respect for the genre and making sure any addition is handled appropriately, while always staying true to the IP and the Funko brand.

In simpler terms, it’s crucial that everyone involved with Funko Fusion, including external partners like Amblin Entertainment in the Jurassic World series, feels confident about the project’s goals. Handling various licenses isn’t much different from our regular work at Funko, but we have a unique advantage – a rich network of partnerships. These relationships are built on trust and rapport, which is essential for success.

“Our journey often began with genuine passion for the genre, but there was also an element of strategy involved as we explored various sub-genres. Additionally, it sometimes felt like we had reached a certain point and asked ourselves, ‘What more can we add to make it even better?’ This phrase could be seen as adding a touch of extra flavor or excitement to our work.”

Adding New Game Tie-Ins To Funko Fusion

Discussing the task of designing video games based on unique IPs seldom used in gaming, such as the beloved films from Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy, like “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead”, Bischoff expressed it as a significant privilege to be involved with these IPs. From a practical standpoint, Bischoff noted that this involved not only identifying the distinctive gameplay mechanics tailored to each environment that align with the IP’s essence but also discovering all the fitting jokes, which play a crucial role in the overall gaming experience. It seems this endeavor also allowed for a good deal of creative liberty, as Bischoff elaborated.

“Balancing both duty and enjoyment is key here. We want to remain loyal fans and create something genuine, yet compelling – a tribute that deepens the affection for these intellectual properties.”

In summary, Funko and 10:10 Games have skillfully blended creativity with respect for the intellectual properties they’ve incorporated, as evident from Game Rant’s preview of Funko Fusion, which showcases innovative and reverential treatment of properties such as Hot Fuzz and Jurassic World. While we’ll need to wait until September to see how the game manages other existing and upcoming tie-ins, it’s clear that both excitement and hope are running high.

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2024-08-28 23:24