Licensing deals drive new IP Jig-A-Pix

Zushi Games plans to drive sales for its new DSi puzzle brand Jig-A-Pix with a range of high profile licensing deals.

The Jig-A-Pix series is the newest IP from the publisher, and tasks players with rebuilding picture puzzles with the stylus. No less than five entries are due for release before March.

We have high hopes for Jig-A-Pix and the future of the brand,” marketing executive Chris Walton told MCV.

Following the Brand Licensing Show in October, we are now in discussions with a number of household brands to further broaden the appeal and reach of the brand.

We already have the second phase of launches lined up in Jig-A-Pix Love Is… and Jig-A-Pix Smiley World, which will release in February. Also expect to see the Jig-A-Pix brand expanded into the younger market with titles branded Jig-A-Pix Kids during 2010.”

A key selling point for the Jig-A-Pix range will be the camera functionality.

While each edition will contain plenty of preset puzzles for DS Lite owners, DSi users will be able to create their own with the handheld’s built-in camera.

The unique functionality of the DSi is central to the wide appeal of the Jig-A-Pix range,” Walton explained.

The ability to take a picture of anything and create any one of a variety of puzzles from it is not only a first for the format but also exactly what the game-playing public is looking for in the new DSi console.

We only have to look at the new Nintendo TV ads to see that this new functionality is exactly what the consumer is looking for when considering a DS or DSi.

I can assure you that we have seen very strange puzzles being put together with Jig-A-Pix and it’s the first thing everyone wants to do when they pick up the game.”

The first instalments in the Jig-A-Pix series – Pets, Wonderful World and Wild World – were released towards the end of last month.