‘Pac-Man’ Collectibles to Get Digital, Real-World Tokyo Activation in FlickPlay, Bandai Namco Pact

FlickPlay, the Web3 platform that allows people to unlock digital assets and create videos using augmented reality (AR), has unveiled a major partnership with Bandai Namco , the owner of the Pac-Man intellectual property, and the City of Shibuya in Tokyo that it describes as "a significant step in merging the digital and physical worlds to shape the future of play, providing fans worldwide with unprecedented access to interactive Pac-Man collectibles in both online and real-world settings."

Paying homage to Japanese culture and Pac-Man's 45th anniversary , a Pokémon Go-style location-based activation during the DIG Shibuya technology and arts festival, taking place Feb. 8-11, will transform more than 40 locations in Shibuya City into an interactive playground where fans can unlock and engage with Pac-Man characters.

With more than 120,000 attendees and 3 million daily visitors expected in Shibuya during the festival, Santa Monica-based FlickPlay said the activation was designed to set "the stage for mainstream adoption of Web3-powered entertainment."

"Web3" is a term that describes a vision for a decentralized internet that is built on blockchain technology and communally controlled by its users. Sony Group recently revealed that it was looking for its Sony Pictures and Sony Music units and a new global incubator to help it with a push into the blockchain and Web3 space.

A second exclusive Pac-Man collection series, infused with nostalgia, will be accessible for Pac-Man super-fans worldwide via the FlickPlay store, "inviting fans everywhere to join the celebration of its 45th anniversary and a new age of digital experiences," the firm said.

"This partnership reflects our shared vision of blending beloved cultural icons like Pac-Man with cutting-edge technology to redefine fan engagement," said FlickPlay founder and CEO Pierina Merino. "We're proud to be leading the way in making Web3 experiences accessible to everyday consumers, transforming how people interact with digital characters, and creating new opportunities for local economies and global brands alike."

FlickPlay, whose investors include Bandai Namco , Goal Ventures, Cogitent Ventures, Lightspeed Ventures and Muse Capital, highlights its vision on its website this way: "Bring your digital toys to life and join communities of like-minded fans." A visual for the Tokyo activation also shows the tagline: "Collect. Play. Connect."

Bandai Namco's vision is "to share dreams, fun and inspiration with people around the world" to "create a brighter future for everyone," said, Yoyo Yang, principal, Bandai Namco Entertainment 021 Fund. "Our partnership with FlickPlay aligns seamlessly with our vision as their innovative platform offers a fresh approach to online-to-offline fan engagement through game-ready characters. We see immense value in FlickPlay's ability to bridge digital and physical worlds."

Yoshiro Tasaka, director, Shibuya Startup Support, added. "Shibuya has always stood at the forefront of cultural and technological progress, and our partnership with FlickPlay marks a significant step forward in how cities can engage residents and visitors through digital experiences. By integrating iconic characters like Pac-Man with real-world exploration, this activation at the DIG Shibuya Festival offers a glimpse into the future of city entertainment – where physical spaces and digital interactions come together to create unforgettable urban experiences. We believe this collaboration will not only enhance the time people spend in Shibuya but also set a new standard for how cities can drive innovation in tourism, commerce, and community connection."

FlickPlay previously said its goal is to "become the destination for fans to buy game-ready digital toys, explore self-expression, and discover mini-games and communities to join," along with "redefining social storytelling and empowering fans to engage with their favorite characters in their everyday experiences."