Mobile app Toyze launched today (July 7). The application allows users to 3D-print customized, mobile-gaming merchandise.
To create a custom figurine, users select the character they want and use touchscreen controls to select the pose and accessories they desire. Once satisfied, app users are able to purchase the character and have it printed and shipped to them. At the moment the app is only available for Android phones, but an iOS version is coming soon.
There are other custom 3D-printed figurine makers out there, but Toyze is specifically going after the mobile-gaming demographic by featuring popular characters from mobile games. The first big name to allow Toyze to sell custom 3D-printed characters from its games is Zeptolab.
Zeptolab, the name behind the games “Cut the Rope” and “Cut the Rope 2”, is allowing Toyze users to print all of the characters from its hit games, including the candy-eating monster Om Nom as well as Toss, Roto, Boo, Blue and Lick. Zeptolab’s out-of-the-gate support is expected as the company is a Toyze investor.
Easy to use design interface
According to Venture Beat, Misha Lyalin, CEO of Zeptolab, said in a statement “We’ve partnered with Toyze because they have the most cutting-edge technology and an easy-to-use app where your favorite game characters can be customized and ordered to be 3D-printed and delivered to your doorstep — on demand, from a game, straight from your mobile device. We invested, because just like ZeptoLab, many game developers will find that partnering with Toyze is a great way to provide brand extension and one more revenue stream.”
Toyze is the brainchild of mobile marketplace GetJar’s founder Ilja Laurs. Laurs anticipates other mobile gaming companies jumping on board because the service can help increase their footprint.
“It will also help brands build communities and expand their merchandising,” Laurs said to VentureBeat.
The prices of figurines on Toyze will vary depending on the character. On average, according to the Toyze website, a 2 to 2.5 inch figurine will cost $50. However, according to VentureBeat, a 2-inch’ Om Nom’ will only cost $8, while a 2.5-inch one will be $15.
Have you downloaded this app? What do you think? Discuss in the Toyze forum thread on 3DPB.com.
