Kids
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 unveils ‘Viva Pi?ata’ in US
MUMBAI: Microsoft Corp. will celebrate the launch of Viva Pi?ata on Xbox 360, with a multi-city tour in the US, by presenting children‘s activities and video game demonstrations at six launch events in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. It will also provide parents with information about online safety and Viva Pi?ata-related educational programs for children.
The Xbox 360 video game follows the debut of the Viva Pi?ata Saturday morning animated television series on 4Kids TV Fox, states an official release.
“The Xbox 360 game Viva Pi?ata inspired us to take the spirit of the game and expand the concept to create learning tools to help kids experience more about their Hispanic heritage in a fun and engaging way,” said Microsoft director of Xbox marketing Chris Di Cesare. “One example is a Viva Pi?ata digital desktop pet pi?ata that people can download to their computer. Every day the pi?ata will share new information about Hispanic culture from key holidays to Spanish vocabulary.”
Children attending the events can enjoy pi?ata-making workshops, interactive video game demonstrations and the opportunity to be photographed with the characters from the Viva Pi?ata animated TV series. A traditional pi?ata breaking game will also give children an opportunity to win an Xbox 360 and Viva Pi?ata game.
Viva Pi?ata, which translates to “long live the pi?ata,” invites gamers of all ages and skill levels to create an immersive world where living pi?atas inhabit an ever-changing environment. Beginning with a few basic tools, players build and take control of this environment, using their creativity and imagination to attract, protect, nurture and manage more than 60 pi?ata species that can visit their world and make it their home.
With the launch of Viva Pi?ata, Microsoft extends the Xbox 360 brand to younger gamers and more diverse audiences. The tour is one of several Microsoft marketing efforts aimed at attracting more U.S. Hispanic consumers, and acknowledgement of the growing influence of Hispanic culture.
According to a report published by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia‘s Terry College of Business, U.S. Hispanics will control more disposable personal income than any other U.S. minority group by 2007. Hispanic consumer spending power is expected to top $863 billion, a 300 percent increase in disposable spending power from 1990, adds the release.
“The video game is one of several initiatives that Microsoft has created in an effort to promote diversity through innovative products,” said Microsoft director of Multi-Cultural Marketing José Pi?ero. “Microsoft‘s initiative around Viva Pi?ata is a clear indication of the company‘s support and interest in the Hispanic community.”
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
