UK-based Legendary Games has signed an exclusive partnership to make 3D models from its latest HTML 5-based game, Year 0: Tactics, available on Finland-based 3D Print Factory’s Launzer.com 3D model marketplace. The agreement, which is being officially announced today, shows that, not only are video games and 3D printing slowly coming together, but that they are also both evolving in parallel, allowing virtual 3D characters and objects to leave the confines of both local hardware and TV screens or computer monitors.
As video games become more online and cloud-based, the 3D printing industry is striving to provide a way to “physicalize” in-game models and take them into the real world. Fans of the online, turn-based 3D strategy game will now be able to own custom physical models of the game’s military-style figurines, selecting from a roster of 3D printable units and a wide range of materials available.
“We are very excited to launch our flagship game Year 0: Tactics into the real world. Now our most enthusiastic fans and 3D printing hobbyists will be able to collect some of their favorite in game units which is very exciting for us,” Charlie Cammack, Marketing Coordinator for Legendary Games, commented on the deal which, as 3D Print Factory has already hinted, will be the first in long series.
The Finnish company behind the Launzer.com network strives to play a major role in what they consider to be the next industrial revolution. The goal of the Launzer.com project, which is still in a beta testing phase, is to build up a platform for brands and consumers to meet each other, whether the printing takes place in the homes, hubs, or through service providers.
“We see a great future ahead in combining 3D printing and gaming figurines,” says Kari Voutila CEO of Launzer.com and 3D Online Factory Ltd. “It’s really great to see the dawn of the project we have been working [at] already [for quite a] while with Legendary Games.” In near future, Launzer.com is planning on launching the first 3D printed figurines from ITV’s legendary Thunderbirds and Warner Bros’ iconic DC Comics Super Heroes.
While there are already several projects striving to make major brands available through 3D printing, no huge IP holder has yet made significant steps into 3D printing, other than signing “exploratory” partnerships, such at the ones between Hasbro and Shapeways or Autodesk and Mattel. This might meant that, at this time, the sheers numbers do not yet warrant huge investments and the space exists for start-ups, such as 3D Print Factory, to gain a significant first mover advantage. If they need more IP, they do not have to look very far, since a number of important game companies are based in Finland, including the billion+ unit selling Angry Bird franchise.
