News 18.12.2020

Need to Know

A Gen Alpha playground built on Roblox, route’s visual tracking app elevates delivery services, and Chinese drinkers embrace physical bars post-lockdown.

Ryan’s World reaches Gen Alpha fans on Roblox

Ryan’s World on Roblox

Global – Nine-year-old Ryan Kaji has become the first YouTube creator to build an interactive virtual world for his fans, housed within the hugely popular game creation platform Roblox.

The virtual version of Ryan’s World – a YouTube show that has rapidly become a successful Gen Alpha media franchise – will take a more interactive approach to children’s content. Fans who enter will explore a city centre, school and ‘fun zone’, with the chance to shop for gadgets and challenge their friends to games.

It is also being described as Kaji’s biggest meet-and-greet ever, with the chance for fans to interact with the star inside Roblox and win exclusive prizes such as a digital car designed by Kaji. ‘We’re excited to be able to bring together kids from around the world who love Ryan, while also bringing the brand to new platforms making Ryan’s World ubiquitous among kids,’ says Chris M Williams, founder and CEO of pocket.watch, Ryan’s World’s studio partner.

As explored in our Gen Alpha Money Market, today’s children are confident using in-game currencies as kids’ entertainment – and retail – breaks through into the virtual realm.

FaZe Clan launches influencer talent incubator

FaZe Academy by FaZe Clan, US FaZe Academy by FaZe Clan, US
FaZe Academy by FaZe Clan, US FaZe Academy by FaZe Clan, US

US – FaZe Clan, one of eSport's most prominent organisations, is unveiling a new talent incubator that ensures all future members are aligned with its core values.

Dubbed the FaZe Academy, its in-house talent management team will use the platform to mentor new FaZe Clan recruits, with members working through a variety of gaming and content creation lessons as part of its programme The Journey. Beginning with a five-day immersive bootcamp, the programme covers areas such as cultural and sensitivity training, mental health awareness, content strategy and creation, and audience development.

Candidates then complete a three-month apprenticeship before being firmly accepted into the group. ‘FaZe Academy is seeking the best in the world – from the undiscovered charismatic vlogger to the elite multi-hyphenate global content creator who is already making waves,’ explains Jaci Hays, COO of FaZe Clan.

As we explore in our microtrend Accredited Influencers, the influencer model is being upended as it gains status as a legitimate career path, with training and dedicated content creation programmes becoming more common.

Route visualises online orders in real time

US – Route is a visual package tracking service that allows shoppers to view and track multiple orders in real time.

Through its efficient app, users can view and track each stage of their package's journey, uniting multiple orders and outlets in a single platform. The service also provides extra peace of mind for customers, with the ability to add insurance to an order, backed by insurer Lloyd’s of London, for just 1% of an item’s cost.

Evan Walker, CEO of Route, explains how the app ‘over communicates’ with consumers to ensure there’s sufficient transparency in locating packages. ‘The number one question for two billion people that buy things online is, ‘Where’s my stuff?’ We basically made shipping insurance digital across the internet,' he says. ‘In order for us to do that, Route really started evolving as this kind of post-purchase experience into a fully fledged customer experience platform.’

With an increasing number of consumers relying on online shopping, the need for secure and efficient logistics and fulfilment is paramount.

 Route, US

Stat: Chinese drinkers head back to physical venues

Le Café V at Louis Vuitton, Osaka, Japan Le Café V at Louis Vuitton, Osaka, Japan

Chinese consumers are willing to go back to physical drinking and entertainment venues in the post-Covid era.

Research by CGA in China reveals that nine out of 10 consumers in the country have already visited bars, restaurants or karaoke bars since the end of China’s lockdown. The study also shows that 42% of drinkers plan to visit on-trade venues more often in 2021 than they did in 2019, while 64% are now confident enough to visit large-capacity venues.

But as Chinese consumers return to their favourite spots, they’re also changing their habits – three in five drinkers say they would try to make healthy drinks choices when returning to bars, opting for low-calorie, low-sugar or nutritional drinks.

While some consumers in Asia may prefer virtual hospitality opportunities in 2021, those heading to physical locations are open to exploring new drinks and flavours, often with a health-conscious edge.

Previous News Articles
Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

News

Avanade Intelligent Garden gives trees a voice at Chelsea Flower Show

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show invites visitors to interact with AI-enabled trees in the Avanade Intelligent Garden.
Technology : Nature : Sustainability
ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

News

ITV launches deaf-led drama with BSL and silent ad break

ITV is pushing the boundaries of inclusive storytelling with the launch of its new prime time drama Code of Silence, starring BAFTA-winning actor a...
Media : Diversity : Inclusion
Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

News

Stat: Boomerang generation return home due to cost of living crisis

The rising cost of living and unaffordable housing are fuelling a surge in adult children returning to the family home.
Family : Home : Youth
Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

News

Manchester City brings grassroots spirit to kit launch

Manchester City Football Club has marked the launch of its 2025/2026 home kit with a short film that playfully blends football fandom, nostalgia an...
Sports : Design : Creative
Vinted tops France’s fashion market as second-hand sales surge

News

Vinted tops France’s fashion market as second-hand sales surge

Second-hand platform Vinted has overtaken Amazon and Kiabi to become France’s top clothing retailer by sales volume, according to new data from the...
Fashion : Sustainability : Retail
Stat: Nearly half of UK shoppers prefer in-store retail – but body image challenges persist

News

Stat: Nearly half of UK shoppers prefer in-store retail – but body image challenges persist

As consumers’ desire for in-person connection increases, nearly half of UK shoppers now prefer to shop in-store, according to new research.
Stats : Stat : Retail
China’s online sports and equipment sales are booming

News

China’s online sports and equipment sales are booming

The sports apparel and equipment sector continues to be one of the highest-growth key consumer sectors in China, according to brand agency Hot Pot ...
China : Sports : HotPot China
Hinge teams up with writers on Substack to tell ‘real love stories’

News

Hinge teams up with writers on Substack to tell ‘real love stories’

Dating app Hinge is expanding its storytelling strategy with the second instalment of its No Ordinary Love campaign.
Dating : Substack : Pop Culture And Media
Stat: US consumers expect brands to lead on climate and DEI

News

Stat: US consumers expect brands to lead on climate and DEI

As some businesses have been quietly rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, new data shows consumers want brands to step up...
Stat : Statistic : Dei
Students win national award with DIY loom tackling fast fashion

News

Students win national award with DIY loom tackling fast fashion

A team of students from Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire has won the Design Museum’s Design Ventura 2025 competition with Loopy Loom, a ...
Design : Sustainability : Circularity
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN