Fortnite – Epic Games (IMG)
If you think Fortnite peaked, you’re just wrong. In 2024, Fortnite re-solidified its position as the leader of digital and social entertainment through groundbreaking game updates, collaborations, and player engagement milestones. The return of Fortnite OG brought back the iconic Chapter 1 map, while the debut of Ballistic—a first-person shooter—expanded gameplay for new and legacy audiences. The “Remix Finale” event, featuring Juice WRLD, Ice Spice, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem, set records with 14 million concurrent players and 100 million cross-platform interactions. High profile in-game collaborations with LEGO, Nike, Adidas, Sony, Marvel, and others introduced new assets, including custom skins, cosmetics, and iconic weapons. CP launches with innovative partnerships, in endemic categories, included Razer, Woojer, Crocs, and Timex. Fortnite’s unmatched creativity and constant innovation have redefined interactive entertainment and, with five billion annual gameplay hours and 650 million registered players, Fortnite remains a global phenomenon.
Minecraft – Microsoft (CAA Brand Management & Merchantwise)
Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time with over 141 million monthly active players across 22 platforms! Minecraft boasts more than 100 licensees with a global program ranging from toys with LEGO and Mattel, to apparel with Fashion UK, Caprice Australia, and many more! In 2024, Minecraft continued expanding their global licensing efforts with new products for the property soon available across new categories, including health and beauty, food and beverage, and consumer electronics. At retail, Minecraft also made substantial impact for Minecraft’s 15th Anniversary with their ‘Shape Your World’ campaign, which included an array of more than 35 retail activations across the U.S. (Target, Walmart), Europe (Müller, Hamley’s, El Corte Ingles), Latin America (Liverpool, Coppel, Suburbia), Japan (Parco, Toys “R” Us), and Australia and New Zealand (Big W, Woolworths). Minecraft continues to grow their evergreen status and delight their community of players and fans with authentic and fun products!
Sonic the Hedgehog – SEGA
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the hottest brands in entertainment today! From games to movies to TV to consumer products, Sonic has become one of the biggest brands to transcend gaming and entertainment—a genuine pop culture phenomenon! 2024 was another year of growth. With the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, SEGA’s third installment in the movie series, Sonic has now become a $1-billion movie franchise. With the announcement of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic continues to attract more fans to the legendary brand. SEGA released Sonic X Shadow Generations, selling millions of units and keeping the brand rooted in gaming. From a consumer products standpoint, Sonic grew across retailers globally, giving licensees and retailers a property that fans yearn for. We are excited to watch Sonic grow!
Stumble Guys – Scopely (CAA Brand Management)
In 2024, the Stumble Guys consumer products licensing program skyrocketed, making the brand a true 360-degree experience. On the digital side, we expanded the universe with over 20 new maps and monthly collabs with global IPs like TMNT and SpongeBob, driving downloads and fueling engagement. We also launched our game on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, letting players stumble together anywhere! On the consumer products side, we went global with 330 SKUs launched, more than 15 million products sold worldwide, and major retail wins. We launched two master toy series with PMI with exclusives at Walmart U.S., sold millions of Panini collectible cards, and dropped the first global SKUs at Zara Kids. We spread the word with in-game announcements and free rewards, bridging the game and product worlds like never before and cementing Stumble Guys as a trailblazer among digital brands.
Tetris – The Tetris Company
The Tetris brand celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024 with high-impact activations, collaborations, and digital innovations that engaged fans worldwide. From exclusive product launches to groundbreaking collaborations, Tetris solidified its status as a cultural icon and interactive brand leader. A historic collaboration with Minecraft introduced the first-ever branded add-on. The American Red Cross partnership encouraged blood donations with an exclusive Tetris-branded giveaway, leading to over 300,000 vital donations. The Slurpee x Tetris handheld gaming device, a limited-edition collaboration with 7-Eleven, saw immense demand. Outernet London hosted the world’s largest interactive multiplayer Tetris game, immersing players in a 360-degree gaming experience. Tetris has established itself as a global, cross-generational icon with unprecedented media engagement and innovative brand extensions. Its influence extends beyond its video game origins, impacting products and pop culture worldwide, solidifying its status as the definitive choice for Best Interactive or Digital Brand.