There are some videogames that tie merchandise into the fabric of the game.
Disney Infinity and Skylanders use toy figures to access characters and features, for example.
However there are some other games that have spun off their own merchandise based on the popularity of the game itself.
An interesting example here are the Animal Crossing games that have been steadily growing in popularity on Nintendo consoles since they first launched on the Gamecube.
The game adds a large cast of other townsfolk that players talk to and interact with. It’s here that a whole raft of different merchandise is found. These characters are available as collectable dolls, key chains and most recently the Tye Cacha Box Bell Danglers.
These sealed eggs hold within them a collectable Animal Crossing key chain and duplicate the in-game “collectamania” with a physical item to collect.
With the newest game in the series, Animal Crossing New Leaf, about to hit stores mid June, I suspect the desire for related Animal Crossing paraphernalia will grow stronger.
