Pollard Banknote is making the headlines in early 2024, as the lottery partner has announced the launch of a ticket based on the legendary action video game, TEKKEN™. The martial arts style game is popular for holding Guinness World Records for the longest-running 3D fighting video game franchise and the longest-running video game storyline.
The franchise first started in 1994 as an arcade game before transitioning to PlayStation® in 1995 and is driven by the Mishima family. Players of the game can choose from many characters to try and win the King of Iron Fist Tournament. Its latest edition TEKKEN™ 7 made more than US$11 million in sales and is now coming to Pollard Banknote’s portfolio.
Debuting Another Iconic Game as a Lottery Ticket
This month, the iconic video game franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary and what better time for the lottery provider to launch a ticket inspired by the game. TEKKEN™ is owned by Bandai Namco, which is the licensor for the supplier’s other successful and licensed games that have been printed on tickets, such as PAC-MAN™, Ms. PAC-MAN™, and GALAGA™.
Brad Thompson, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Pollard said the company’s arcade brand has engaged players in North America and the provider is quite optimistic that this will also be the case for TEKKEN™. He added that the game’s huge fanbase will create hype among lottery players and loyal franchise fans who are new to the lottery sector.
To generate strong sales and engagement, the lottery provider’s Licensed Games team provides lotteries with a comprehensive turnkey program that features the design, programming, and printing of themed tickets. It also includes various optional improvements, such as second chance draws, merchandise and experiential prizing, POS programs, and digital marketing.
Recent Activities by the Company
Just before the recent winter holidays, Pollard announced that it has joined lotteries and organizations from North America in the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign. Organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University, its purpose is to raise awareness of the risks of youth gambling.
As a proven partner to numerous lotteries, it is devoted to helping its customers generate revenue for good causes in a socially responsible manner. With its rich experience in the industry, the company realizes that supporting responsible gaming requires an ecosystem that involves education, communications plans, and tools to promote positive play.
Not long ago, the company also congratulated its long-term partner, the Idaho Lottery in the U.S. on a record-setting fiscal year in 2023. The lottery reported an all-time high in revenues of US$422 million, providing approximately US$82 million to support public education and the State’s Permanent Building Fund. The two parties have been partners for more than 10 years now.
Source: “Pollard Banknote Adds Iconic Tekken™ Brand to Licensed Game Portfolio” PR Newswire, January 4, 2024