The cute, brightly colored characters bumbling through PlayStation’s latest game-show-inspired video game represents competitive gaming at its most wholesome, but why is everyone talking about it?

September 11, 2020

1 Min Read
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The cute, brightly colored characters bumbling through PlayStation’s latest game-show-inspired video game represents competitive gaming at its most wholesome, but why is everyone talking about it? 

Apart from the fact I haven’t quite won a round yet, last month’s PlayStation Plus Exclusive “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout” has been a fascinating title to watch since its arrival on the gaming scene.  

Developed by U.K. indie studio Mediatonic and published by Devolver Digital, “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout” pits you against 59 other players, scrambling across a series of bizarre obstacle courses in a Minions-meets-Takeshi's Castle mashup where there can only be one winner.  

This adorable take on the Battle Royale phenomenon has now become so popular that it has reached the highest number of downloads on PlayStation Plus ever, as well as more than 7 million downloads on Valve’s PC portal Steam. 

 The brand potential of this competitive monster not only stems from the fun, simple and stripped-back gameplay, but the costumes, the in-game currency and the level design already have brands fighting for licensed in-game costume collabs on Twitter, such as artist Marshmello, fellow indie-title “My Friend Pedro” and upcoming CD Projekt Red game “Cyberpunk 2077.” 

“Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout” is also a rapidly growing esports sensation, with players and streamers like TimTheTatMan gaining countless views for that inevitable, yet oh-so-difficult win. 

While the licensing program or representative of “Fall Guys” is yet to be announced or introduced, the brand industry is waiting with bated breath to see how this incredibly versatile property grows beyond downloads to toys, publishing, mobile gaming, fashion and cartoons. We’re calling it. 

 

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