As a fellow enthusiast of all things Masters of the Universe and Funko Pop!, I can truly relate to Parsons’ feelings of excitement and honor at being part of expanding these beloved universes. It’s not every day that one gets to create something that will be cherished by fans for generations to come, much like how my own collection of action figures and comics has been a constant source of joy since I was a kid!
In an entertaining blend of third-person action and humor, sprinkled with contemporary cultural references, Funko Fusion stands out as a daring initiative. This project aims to reimagine the beloved collectible vinyl characters in a fresh, innovative manner. The game is the brainchild of 10:10 Games, a studio based in Britain that was established in 2021. Collaborating with an array of IPs, from the well-known to the unexpected such as KFC, Funko Fusion is a game designed for the passionate fan community.
10:10 Games’ co-founder Arthur Parsons, lead designer Wil Evans, lead character artist Sean Dudley, and animation director Andy Dolan recently had a chat with Game Rant to delve deeper into the game ‘Funko Fusion’. They shared insights about the game’s inception and how it transformed during development. Additionally, they provided glimpses into their personal Funko figurine collections. The interview has been trimmed for better understanding.
Funko Fusion’s Development Journey
Let’s delve into the origins. How was the concept for a Funko board game conceived, and what were the initial conversations with Funko like? Was it you who reached out to them or vice versa?
In the initial phases of 2021, our CEO Jon Burton contacted Funko with a proposal for collaboration on an exciting venture. Given our team’s rich background, Funko was eager to take up the challenge, marking the start of this thrilling journey. One of the advantages of partnering with Funko is their unique aesthetic that seamlessly blends franchises, making it perfect for video game creation. Our conversations with Funko have remained vibrant and highly creative since then. We find a strong connection on various levels with Funko, who fully supports our creative endeavors, showing an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm.
Could you share some insights on the primary ideas behind Funko Fusion’s creation, and how the game evolved during its development process?
Parsons: On our adventure with the Funko Fusion, we definitely took a few twists and turns along the way. Way back when we hadn’t teamed up with NBC Universal yet, we invested a lot of time in tinkering with the structure of a Funko Pop! figure: testing its movements, like jumping, running, landing, even dying, you name it. A great deal of trials were conducted to ensure that our initial representation of a Funko Pop! was spot-on. We also experimented with their facial expressions and whether they should have mouths or not; it was fun just messing around with them. As for the game itself, the core gameplay has largely remained faithful to the original idea, which aimed to provide a genuine playground for fandom, allowing us to mix various worlds, but also offer an accurate portrayal of popular film and TV franchises.
The actual game structure has gone through many evolutions, but our vision was always to unite a variety of different intellectual properties with a Funko narrative. I’d love to be able to tell a story of how the game started life as one genre, pivoted to be something else, and spent time as free-to-play, etc. However, given the games we’ve worked on in the past, we had a very clear vision of what we wanted to create, and the changes were far more subtle – mainly around mechanics, character unlocks, collectibles, and size and scope of the content in the game.
Question: In what category would you place the development approach for Funko Fusion, considering it’s often described as either “story-focused” or “gameplay-focused”?
Funko Fusion is straightforward to define: Our strategy has been to prioritize fun above all else. We aim to create a game that is amusing and humorous, while remaining faithful to its source material. It’s like a fan festival where both casual gamers seeking quick entertainment and hardcore gamers craving depth and challenge can find satisfaction. The game offers a vast amount of content for those who enjoy collect-a-thons.
Funko Fusion’s Maturity Level
A: In creating our game, we had to consider the maturity levels across various Funko franchises, which span from child-friendly cartoons to adult-themed R-rated horror movies. How did we manage this balance in terms of content appropriateness?
Parsons: In the beginning, we conducted some research to identify our potential audience. We believed that enthusiasts of Funko products would be interested, but also gamers who had previously played games similar to LEGO. This discovery helped us determine that our audience was likely older, but through further investigation, we found a wide range of possibilities. Given this, it made sense for us to choose a diverse array of franchises, not just from different decades, but also various genres and maturity levels. Our goal is to astonish players by offering a game that celebrates pop culture and fandom, and can only be created through the Funko perspective.
What strategy did you use when dealing with Funko Fusion’s “unconventional sense of humor,” and in what way does it differ from that of LEGO?
Parsons: For us, incorporating humor in games has always been significant, and that includes our creation, Funko Fusion. We strive to deeply understand each franchise’s essence, channeling our inner fans (since many of us on the team are die-hard fans of these franchises), which makes it easier to generate fun interactions, recurring jokes, or even subtle humorous elements that resonate within the IP. Some of the humor might be overlooked by players because it’s rooted in the franchises, but that’s part of what makes it special – those hidden nods, witty one-liners, right down to the characters’ animations and weapons. It’s all about seamlessly blending the IP into Funko Fusion, while also ensuring the game maintains its own distinctive tone. Ultimately, our goal is to astonish and delight players with every aspect of the game.
As a passionate aficionado, I find that infusing humor is undeniably one of the most gratifying aspects of my role. Being fans ourselves, we delve into each intellectual property with an eagerness to find opportunities for amusement. This could be by revisiting significant scenes or quirky character actions from the original content, subtly incorporating Easter eggs for fellow enthusiasts. For instance, recalling Rick’s mummy-scaring cat escapade in The Mummy or that boy’s dramatic vomit in Hot Fuzz. Unlike LEGO, we cater to a slightly mature audience, providing us with the creative leeway to experiment. This allows us to introduce elements like a helicopter propeller piercing through someone’s head in Shaun of the Dead or ripping out David’s intestines – things that might not be feasible within LEGO’s scope. Furthermore, we satirize Funko Pop figures themselves, depicting their oversized heads and petite arms getting stuck in doors or clashing by headbutting rather than chest-bumping.
Could you tell me, in a broad sense, how you’ve utilized your extensive knowledge of LEGO properties in the context of Funko Fusion?
Parsons: In my professional experience, I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous large-scale franchises, which has provided me with a wealth of learning opportunities. However, when collaborating on movie and TV franchises, trust is paramount. Trust that you understand and appreciate their content, and trust that you will handle it with the necessary care and dedication. Earning this trust allows us to concentrate on the creative aspects, ensuring we create something exceptional. We pride ourselves on our expertise in handling third-party intellectual properties, and as a team, we’ve leveraged our experience to deliver an enjoyable experience. Fortunately, our partners have been with us from the beginning, supporting us in staying true to our original goal.
A: One thing that makes Funko Fusion special is its ability to blend various characters from numerous franchises together. Can you describe any fascinating character or setting interactions that were enjoyable to design in this process?
The thrill of Funko Fusion lies in the creation of a game that still holds potential for unseen, exciting crossover combinations. What makes it particularly fun is the existing references we’ve incorporated, such as how He-Man is already referenced in Hot Fuzz, which adds an extra layer to the gameplay experience. Similarly, the ability to place sand castles on the Amity beach in Jaws that are miniature replicas of Castle Grayskull is a fun touch. There are countless hidden references, Easter eggs, and surprises throughout the game; we eagerly await watching players discover them all and share their reactions to our clever additions.
Dolan: I have a special fondness for the character The Hoff playing as a lifeguard on the beach in the movie Jaws. Additionally, I find it amusing when Chucky makes an appearance, specifically the scene where he’s chased around the quiet village of Sandford depicted in Hot Fuzz, which is quite enjoyable.
For me, experiencing the blend of the past and present is quite intriguing. Watching young players enact characters from Battlestar Galactica within Freddy Fazbear’s world leaves me bewildered. It’s fascinating to see these new generations becoming acquainted with franchises that I cherished during my childhood, through their preferred platforms. A parent might pause, spotting their child engaged in the game, exclaiming, “Wait a minute, is that He-man!? Incredible!” and subsequently drawn into observing and sharing nostalgic tales about it.
Communicating Character Expression Was a Challenge in Funko Fusion
A: What methods are used to convey character expressions and emotions in Funko Fusions while still adhering to the typical Funko POP facial structure with empty eyes and minimal facial details?
Dolan: Expressing emotions in Funko figures can be challenging since they don’t have mouths. We make use of eyebrows and eyelids to convey as much emotion as possible, often exaggerating expressions. We employ techniques like rotating the eyelids, which wouldn’t be used on a standard character. The primary source of expression, however, comes from the figure’s body itself. We express emotions through a slumped posture for sadness or a bouncy walk for happiness, essentially overacting the emotion.
Q: When it comes to recreating Funkos in the game, is there anything you’re most proud of?
We’ve got an impressive array of diverse characters spread throughout our game. It takes considerable effort to breathe life into each one, ensuring they align with the multiple intellectual properties we manage.
The character team accomplished something remarkable by uniting various popular licenses and franchises within a single universe. There’s an impressive range of styles from animation, television, video games, and films represented here. However, what truly caught my attention was the role they played in developing Eddy Funko, a memorable mascot and antagonist.
Evans: We’ve taken great care to preserve what makes Funko Pop!s special, but we’ve also injected our own creative twists into their gameplay mechanics. For instance, when they melt or fall from a high place, these toys reveal skeletons or squish inside their heads. This gives each character a unique feel and personality within the game. Moreover, we’ve developed an original storyline for the game that has been accepted as part of Funko’s official lore, such as introducing Eddy, Freddy’s evil brother. It’s truly rewarding to see that our innovative ideas have extended beyond our game and left a mark on the broader Funko universe.
Speaker: I’m genuinely proud of our entire development team because we, as an independent studio, have managed to create an exceptional game that not everyone knows about. While developing a fantastic game, we’ve also been cultivating a remarkable studio, one that has always prioritized the well-being and input of its team members from day one. We’ve made every effort as senior leadership to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, that we are open and transparent in our practices, and that we create a great game ethically, by putting people first. Moreover, nearly half of our team is new to the industry, so we’ve been providing opportunities for the future leaders of gaming. So, I’m very proud of my team for taking on this journey and embracing it wholeheartedly.
The Importance of Funko Boxes in Funko Fusion
A: Since Funko boxes and their packaging are nearly as recognizable as the POP figures themselves, could you elaborate on why they should be included in our discussion too?
Right from the start, we recognized that Funko enthusiasts would play a crucial role in our development process. As die-hard Funko fans, they’d want the essence of Funko to shine through in the game. Consequently, we treated Funko as a unique intellectual property and ensured that the game reflected all aspects of Funko. The distinctive Funko Pop! box was a must-have element, appearing not just during character selection with its collector’s feel, but also serving as the means of travel between worlds and character switching. However, we didn’t stop there; we extended this commitment to Funko by incorporating more elements that resonate with fans, ensuring that the Funko spirit permeates every corner of our game.
We have included pretty much every ounce of Funko within the game, from Easter egg appearances from some of Funko’s own characters, through to the soda cans and bottles, the general look and aesthetic are all inspired by Funko, and for those that know, they’ll also get to see and find many hidden secrets. For example, you’ll see NPCs wearing to-scale Loungefly bags, there are Mondo references in the game. Ultimately, the game is a Funko fan’s dream video game, so it’ll come as no surprise that many of us are Funko Fanatics ourselves.
In our game, Funko Pop! figurines wouldn’t be complete without their distinctive packaging, which plays a significant role throughout the game. Upon launching the game, you’re greeted by a character selection screen featuring all characters neatly arranged in their Pop! boxes, giving the illusion of standing before a shelf in a real-life store. The theme of these boxes extends throughout the game as well. To switch characters, you approach a Pop! box and engage with it, similar to how you’d interact with a toy in reality. Boss battles culminate with a unique assist arriving in a colossal Pop! box, and if you lose, you respawn by returning to one of the boxes. Furthermore, we’ve made an effort to ensure that any existing Funko Pop! figurine has the accurate packaging within the game.
A: Just like Funko, the “collection” aspect of the game is highly appealing to many enthusiasts. Could we argue that gathering items in the game provides a similar thrill as collecting actual Funko POP figures?
The Funko Fusion game is a treasure trove for collectors who adore Funko figures. As passionate fans ourselves, we understand the thrill of discovering a chase figure or finally acquiring a flocked variant to match a standard character version. To cater to fellow Funko enthusiasts, we’ve integrated numerous secret elements into the game. Besides unlocking characters from various popular IPs, players can also unlock hidden variants, including rare ones like zombie versions. Moreover, there are unique weapons that players can gather and employ across their collection. Some of the character transformations are awe-inspiring, and witnessing the character selection screen with all unlocked characters is truly enjoyable.
Despite Funko Fusion being out of fashion for some time now, it still appears to be an excellent choice for a toys-to-life game similar to Skylanders. Was this potential application ever contemplated during the development process?
Parsons: Toys-to-life games had their moment, and I was fortunate to contribute to LEGO Dimensions. However, Funko Fusion was never a choice for us. We did aim for a blend of physical and digital experiences, allowing players to expand their game enthusiasm into the real world or vice versa, but we didn’t wish to delve deeper than that. Funko Fusion is an excellent match for Funko enthusiasts, yet it also attracts fans of pop culture, television shows, and films in general. Our goal is to captivate as many gamers as possible.
A: It seems like numerous game developers are opting for a live service approach, and given Funko’s extensive collaborations with popular IPs, one might assume that this strategy would be ideal. Was there ever a thought about adopting a live-service model, and in any case, what do you believe to be the major advantages of its existing content model?
Parsons: What sets our team apart is creating games that embody fandom, intricate Easter eggs, and a positive gaming environment right from the start, which is why we’ve always opted against turning the game into a live-service platform. Instead, we want players to be able to purchase a complete game package and delve into all its content. The game’s strength lies in the abundance of material it offers. There’s so much to explore, discover, and unlock, with numerous hidden characters and features that make playing even more exciting.
Everything you encounter within the game is included with your purchase. From its inception, we’ve maintained a consistent approach during development, and this methodology has remained unchanged. That being said, we anticipate that gamers might seek additional content to enhance their gaming experience through DLC. This supplementary content could include new characters from existing IP within the game or even entirely new franchises. It’s worth noting that this extra content will be available for purchase if players choose to acquire it. However, it is not required for an enjoyable play experience as the core gameplay remains self-contained.
Q: What was it like bringing the iconic Freddy Funko to life in the game?
As a fan, I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of the process that shaped Freddy’s character rules and image, effectively creating a lasting blueprint for Funko’s iconic mascot. This collaborative effort with Funko’s creative team was not only an honor but also a fantastic experience. It was truly enjoyable working alongside such talented individuals, making the entire process even more rewarding. Truly, it was an honor and a blast!>
Dolan: Freddy didn’t animate in any form beyond his 2D cartoon, which has a distinct style. Consequently, we needed to develop a character that would fit well in our Funko universe. We aimed to make him warm-hearted and optimistic, serving as a stark contrast to our villain Eddy.
A: During a recent conversation with Game Rant, Funko CEO Cynthia Williams shared her enthusiasm about incorporating Scare-Mare into the Masters of the Universe storyline. Essentially, what does it involve to collaborate on and extend the Funko universe through Funko Fusion?
User: It’s truly amazing to contribute to a tale or a series, to offer something that becomes an enduring piece. I am a die-hard fan of the Masters of the Universe, and if I could go back to 1983 and tell my 8-year-old self that someday I’d be contributing to the lore of MOTU, I can only picture the smile on my face! We are lucky to have this opportunity, but also to help create stories that will never fade. We played a significant role in creating Eddy Funko, who is now an integral part of the Funko universe and a real Funko Pop! It’s fantastic to be part of that narrative.
Q: Did you face any unexpected challenges related to making a Funko game?
As a passionate gamer, I’ve got to say, every game development journey comes with its fair share of surprise hurdles, no matter how meticulously you plan. The creation of Funko Fusion was no exception. Most of these unforeseen obstacles were self-inflicted, as we aimed high by inviting more franchises to join us in the project. This decision required a bit of shuffling and reorganizing, but our dedicated team has managed to keep things on track and according to plan.
In the realm of animation, one of the most significant hurdles we faced was ensuring that the Funko characters could appropriately wield their weapons, given their diminutive, disproportionate arms. This was particularly challenging because our weapon designs are all oversized. Nevertheless, they turned out wonderfully! Kudos to our props team for crafting some truly exciting and fun weapons.
Dudley: One of the difficulties we faced at the beginning was figuring out the size scale for all elements within the game. Most Funko figures share a standard 4-inch Pop! size, or have varying sizes physically, but this isn’t feasible when they coexist in the same game world. Given the wide variety of characters, creatures, and dinosaurs, we had to create a scale guide to determine the relative sizes. Ranging from something as minuscule as a fly to something colossal like Jean Jacket from Nope.
Q: Are you Funko POP collector yourselves? Do you have any particular favorites?
User: Without a doubt, I’m a dedicated collector of Funko Pops! I’ve amassed quite an extensive collection, both at home and in my workplace. I own more than 100 Masters of the Universe Pop! figures, which I adore, and I have a truly eclectic mix from various shows, movies, comics, and other sources that I enjoy. However, among all my Funko Pops, it’s my flocked Tony the Tiger who steals the show. He’s simply fantastic – he’s truly Grrrrrreat!
ME: I’ve got to admit, I’m quite smitten with my Jubilee and Gambit Pop figurines from the X-Men series. And let me tell you, Nightcrawler is nothing short of amazing too!
Dudley: I’ve got approximately 40 to 50 collectibles spanning from ’80s action movies and cartoons to television shows, football, and video games. Currently, the oversized Mandalorian and Grogu figurines on my work desk are my top picks among them.
Evans: Over time, I’ve accumulated quite a few items due to my passion for them. Generally, people either collect a diverse assortment of things or focus on a specific theme. In my case, all my collections revolve around one theme – ice-hockey players from the NHL league, as hockey is a sport I enjoy playing.
[END]
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2024-09-12 17:46