Malaysia (10 July 2014) – Disney today announced the launch of “LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum” (’so͞om-so͞om), the top-ranked and free puzzle app from Japan, on mobile devices globally, along with a Disney Tsum Tsum stackable soft toy line. The app, which is published by LINE, the leading free call and messaging app, has reached the #1 free app spot on both iOS and Android in Japan and has been downloaded more than 14 million times. Coinciding with the global launch of the app, Disney Store is introducing more than 30 different stackable ‘Tsum Tsum’ toys available on DisneyStore.com, in select store locations in North America, and at Disney Parks starting today.
“Disney Tsum Tsum has quickly become a phenomenon in Japan, and we are very excited about the Japan-originated franchise now going global,” said Paul Candland, president, The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. “Disney Tsum Tsum is both a physical product and a digital game, allowing our guests to enjoy a multi-dimensional experience. We are hopeful that the Disney Tsum Tsum franchise will be loved and enjoyed by our guests around the world.”
“Disney Japan has created some of our most successful and popular digital products and Disney Interactive is proud to be working closely with the team to extend their success globally,” said Jimmy Pitaro, president, Disney Interactive. “This is one of the first times that Disney has introduced a distinctly Japanese product to a global audience, and Disney Tsum Tsum offers our Guests unique combination of quality characters, compelling game play and an engaging social experience.”
In LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum, which translates to ‘Disney Stack Stack’, players connect and pop as many of the Disney Tsum characters as they can in one minute. The more Tsums eliminated within each level, the higher the score. As they progress through the game, players will collect Disney and Disney•Pixar Tsums, like Mickey, Minnie, Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. Each collectable character can be leveled up over time and has a special ability that provides in-game help. The app offers experiences for both kids and adults. By connecting LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum to a LINE account, adult players can enjoy social features in-game, like competing for high scores on leaderboards and gifting, with their friends.
In addition to the mobile app, a wide range of Tsum Tsum soft toys based on favorite Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse to Winnie the Pooh, will be available starting today, with additional characters rolling out in the fall. The stackable Tsum Tsum toys have the added functionality of a screen cleaner material on their stomachs and come in three different sizes: large (USD$24.95), medium (USD$12.95) and mini (USD$4.95).
“Since the Tsum Tsum plush line debuted at Disney Store in Japan nine months ago, more than 1.6 million units have been sold,” said Paul Gainer, EVP, Disney Retail. “We believe the popularity of this line in Japan is something that can be replicated globally given their fun and collectible nature.”
Disney currently distributes stickers via the popular LINE app in Southeast Asia, with Thailand driving downloads and Disney characters being some of the most downloaded stickers in the LINE Sticker Shop, including Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Stitch.
LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum is published by LINE under license from Disney, and is now available for free on the App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/app/id867964741 and Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.linecorp.LGTMTMG. To enjoy the game’s social features, adult players can download LINE on the App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/line/id443904275?mt=8 and on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.naver.lineplay.android&hl=en.
