Retailer Build-A-Bear partners with Gamefam for Roblox experience

Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. is letting customers develop their own virtual worlds on a popular immersive gaming platform.

The specialty retailer is working with content creators Gamefam to launch a metaverse experience called “Build-A-Bear Tycoon” within the Roblox virtual gaming environment.
Build-A-Bear Tycoon is not the first step into gaming and virtual play for the Build-A-Bear brand, as the company previously offered an interactive game called “Bearville” (which was shut down in 2015), but does mark the retailer’s initial entry into the metaverse and Roblox.  
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 14, customers will be able to join Build-A-Bear Tycoon on Roblox across Android, iOS, Mac, Windows PC, and Xbox One devices. In Build-A-Bear Tycoon, users can select, stuff, and personalize a virtual bear, build their own digital workshop, and explore an immersive metaverse environment.

As users progress through the game, they will be able to unlock digital collectable bears which they can then obtain in real-life versions. Build-A-Bear will offer special codes for in-experience redemption through its various channels. Build-A-Bear Tycoon participants can earn digital currency, called “Bear Bucks.” During the month of December, two special holiday bears will also be available to purchase from the Roblox catalog. 

"Fabulous experiences are at the heart of our brand with its rich history of creativity, empowerment, and personalization,” said Sharon Price John, Build-A-Bear Workshop president and CEO. “This anticipated entry into the metaverse with Build-A-Bear Tycoon on Roblox provides a fantastical venue for users and fans across ages to create their own Build-A-Bear virtual world including our beloved 'workshop' and other amazing – and sometimes unexpected - locations along with furry friend companions to join in the fun!"
"We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the beloved Build-A-Bear brand to the Metaverse for the first time on Roblox," said Joe Ferencz, CEO and founder of Gamefam. "With our proven track record in creating experiences that draw in scaled audiences with high player ratings in the community, we're taking the 'build-your-own' retail concept onto a virtual platform in Build-A-Bear Tycoon. The game allows fans to extend the magical retail experience of Build-A-Bear home and into their imaginations where the possibilities are endless."

Build-A-Bear plans updates to the experience, with additional locations, unlocks, and interactions, for future release.

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A new Build-A-Bear experience is available on Roblox.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. is letting customers develop their own virtual worlds on a popular immersive gaming platform.
The specialty retailer is working with content creators Gamefam to launch a metaverse experience called “Build-A-Bear Tycoon” within the Roblox virtual gaming environment.
Build-A-Bear Tycoon is not the first step into gaming and virtual play for the Build-A-Bear brand, as the company previously offered an interactive game called “Bearville” (which was shut down in 2015), but does mark the retailer’s initial entry into the metaverse and Roblox.  
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 14, customers will be able to join Build-A-Bear Tycoon on Roblox across Android, iOS, Mac, Windows PC, and Xbox One devices. In Build-A-Bear Tycoon, users can select, stuff, and personalize a virtual bear, build their own digital workshop, and explore an immersive metaverse environment.
As users progress through the game, they will be able to unlock digital collectable bears which they can then obtain in real-life versions. Build-A-Bear will offer special codes for in-experience redemption through its various channels. Build-A-Bear Tycoon participants can earn digital currency, called “Bear Bucks.” During the month of December, two special holiday bears will also be available to purchase from the Roblox catalog. 
"Fabulous experiences are at the heart of our brand with its rich history of creativity, empowerment, and personalization,” said Sharon Price John, Build-A-Bear Workshop president and CEO. “This anticipated entry into the metaverse with Build-A-Bear Tycoon on Roblox provides a fantastical venue for users and fans across ages to create their own Build-A-Bear virtual world including our beloved 'workshop' and other amazing – and sometimes unexpected - locations along with furry friend companions to join in the fun!"
"We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the beloved Build-A-Bear brand to the Metaverse for the first time on Roblox," said Joe Ferencz, CEO and founder of Gamefam. "With our proven track record in creating experiences that draw in scaled audiences with high player ratings in the community, we're taking the 'build-your-own' retail concept onto a virtual platform in Build-A-Bear Tycoon. The game allows fans to extend the magical retail experience of Build-A-Bear home and into their imaginations where the possibilities are endless."
Build-A-Bear plans updates to the experience, with additional locations, unlocks, and interactions, for future release.