Disney Unveils Playmation

Today the Disney Consumer Products group unveiled Playmation, which is a unique product merging a video game and toys together. It is a groundbreaking system of toys and wearables which uses smart technology to inspire kids to run around and use their imaginations, as they become the hero or heroine of stories from across The Walt Disney Company. Playmation Marvel’s Avengers is the first in a series of new franchise-based systems in development, and will hit shelves in October 2015, with Star Wars following in 2016 and Frozen in 2017. The Starter Pack is priced at $119.99 and pre-orders start in July.

Here is the trailer:

Here is a look at the starter pack, with more figures set to come out later.

The starter pack includes five connected toys: one piece of Avenger Gear (Repulsor), two Power Activators and two Smart Figures – a Super Hero (Captain America) and a Super Villain (Iron Skull). Getting started is easy, strap the high-tech Repulsor Gear onto your arm (it fits adults, too!) and listen closely to JARVIS as he takes you through the tutorial on how to control your new Gear, inspired by Iron Man technology.

Here are some details on the new system:

How does Playmation work?

Playmation uses today’s technology—smart toys, wearables, wireless technology, motion sensors, and more—to create a unique experience in which toys interact not only with the kids who play with them, but with each other. Along with the system’s companion app, the toys in Playmation reinvent “old school” play for the digital generation—allowing kids to become part of the story in real life.

Is Playmation a video game?

No, Playmation is an entirely new category of play – unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. You will go through familiar gameplay experiences of leveling up, earning points and completing missions There is a companion app, but Playmation is not meant to be played in front of a screen. Instead, you become part of the story in real life–running around and using your imagination to complete missions and go on exciting adventures.

How is Playmation different from other toys or games on the market?

You’ve heard a lot about “Toys to Life” lately, and Playmation flips that idea on its head. An entirely new play system, Playmation takes the best digital play experiences and puts the player in the center of the story – in real life. Instead of using toys to create a screen-based experience like “Toys to Life,” Playmation brings the best of digital to real world play, using connected toys, wearables and customized Disney stories to allow kids to play alongside their heroes and heroines in the real world. Since Playmation is not tethered to a WiFi network or a screen, you are able to play anywhere your imagination takes you.

ow do to the toys interact with each other?

The toys communicate with each other through a combination of gesture recognition, infrared and radio frequency technology. This allows the toys to bring the story to life around you as each toy senses your movements and actions. The wearable tech (Avenger Gear) communicates to the AvengersNet app through wireless technology to record your accomplishments, give you rewards and unlock new experiences.

Do you have to have internet connectivity to use Playmation?

For the Playmation Marvel’s Avengers system, an Internet connection is only required for certain activities such as downloading the AvengersNet app, registering your Gear with the app, and downloading new missions, but is not needed for general gameplay. The Playmation toys create their own inter-connected network to communicate and interact with each other without requiring an Internet or WiFi network or connection, so you can play anywhere.

What is the AvengersNet App? Do I need it to play?

Playmation toys don’t need the app to communicate, so you can get playing right away! Registering your Gear with the app gives you the best experience by delivering updates to your Gear, letting you see your progress, browse game locations and missions, and test and load abilities. Product comes with missions included, and more are available through the App. The AvengersNet app is not currently available but check back for more information soon!

Will the AvengersNet app work with my device?

The app will be available on select Apple and Android devices. It is currently planned to support iPhone 4S, 5C, 5S, 6, 6+, iPad: 3, 4, Air, Mini and iPod: 5th Generation, using iOS 7 or later. Information on compatible Android devices will be coming soon.

What do I need to get started playing with Playmation?

The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers “Starter Pack” will include 1 piece of Avenger “Gear” (Repulsor), 2 Power Activators and 2 “Smart Figures” – a Super Hero (Captain America) and Villain (Iron Skull). Additional items will be sold separately. You can use the AvengersNet app to register your Gear, get updates, see progress, customize your Gear, and even get additional missions for all new play. Check back soon for more information on product details, retail availability, and how to pre-order!

What do you think of Playmation?