A while back I started to notice advertisements for something called Playmation. The image was vague and the commercial I saw later was even more confusing. So what was it? A video? A toy? Some kind of virtual reality system? Well, last week I attended a demonstration for Playmation and finally understood – it’s something totally new.
Playmation – A New Type of Play
Playmation is an innovative type of system that combines both physical and digital play. The idea is that kids are so comfortable with tech that they uncomfortable without it. So why not combine wearable technology with imaginative real-life play so kids can be part of the action instead of just watching it?! No screens or internet are needed and it can be played with anywhere, even outside. All you need is the hero gear, the Power Activators, and Smart Figures.
Playmation – How It Works
These items work together wirelessly to immerse children in 25 different missions (structured play). For the Marvel’s Avengers set, the story is that Ultron is back and has recruited other bad guys. At the Stark Labs, new recruits are given gear to fight along side the Avengers. A limit of two players can participate in the missions. There is a free app that kids can access for power ups. These can be loaded and synced with the accessories, and additional Smart Figures come with new missions.
Children are not restricted to using the gear for missions. An unlimited number of sets can be used for free play and will automatically interact when in range. Basically it allows kids to run around and chase each other as they act like super heroes and villains, something they already do but now with fun gear.
What should be pointed out is that kids are required to physically move around to complete the missions. In the demonstration we saw, the little girl really had to hide out of “sight” of the power activator, run around, and even go out of the room. If she stayed still, the game did not progress.
Playmation – Marvel’s Avengers, Star Wars, Frozen
The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will be released on October 4, 2015, with Star Wars Playmation to be released in 2016 and Frozen to be released in 2017. The Starter Pack will retail for $119.99 and includes:
- One (1) “Repulsor Gear”
- Two (2) “Smart Figures” – Super Hero (Captain America) and Villain (Iron Skull)
- Two (2) Power Activators
You can pre-order the starter pack now and pre-ordering through DisneyStore.com will score you a free smart figure. If you’d like to do a live demo, just go into your local Disney Store to try it out yourself. The gear is adjustable so adults can play along too.
For more information, go to:
Do you think your kids will enjoy Playmation?
I was invited on an all-expense paid media trip as a guest of Disney in honor D23 Expo. All opinions are my own.
See more:
Marvel’s Avengers Event | Avengers 2: Age of Ultron | Monsters University Event | Frozen Event | Big Hero 6 Event | D23 Expo 2015
2 comments
[…] (Thanks for the picture TerriAnn!) […]
This is cool, kids would never be get bored on this. 🙂
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