Licensing Month: The Science Museum

Eager to learn more CasualGaming.biz spoke with the Science Museum’s brand licensing executive, Ben Jackson.

CG. biz: How did the Launchball game come about? Why did the Science Museum create a game like this in the first place?

Launchball started life as a Flash based Web Game developed by Pre-Loaded. The game was designed to support the re-invention of our Launchpad gallery. In its first six months Launchball attracted 1.5 million players and has since gone on to win numerous awards.

CG. biz: Why did the Science Museum want to take the Launchball game from your website to the App Store? What do you perceive as the advantages?

Having met with Bright AI it became obvious that there was huge potential for Launchball as an App. The game works brilliantly with touch screen controls and the level editor function means it is great to share levels with friends. For the Science Museum sales of the App. will generate royalties which go straight back to the Museum and the game will also help to inspire a fascination with physics.

CG.biz: What have been the challenges with realising a Science Museum branded game on the iPhone?

Because of the brand we represent we have to make sure that all our licensed content reflects our brand values. This means that we have very high expectations of all our products. Bright AI have done a fantastic job developing a game that we can be proud of. The web version of Launchball has a loyal fan base so we have had to be very careful to get it right so we don’t let them down.

CG.biz: How do you plan to market and publicise the iPhone version of Launchball?

There will be various promotions through our website and we will be featuring the App at one of our late night opening events in the near future.

CG.biz: Have you decided to charge for the App or not, and if you did decide one way or the other, why?

Because of the work that has gone into the App we have decided to charge for it. Licensing the Museum’s IP is a vital way of raising money to help conserve our collections so royalties will be going directly back to the Museum.

CG.biz: What advantages do casual games of this ilk offer a licence-holder like the Science Museum?

Working with the right developer, casual games are an excellent way of sharing our IP with a wide-ranging audience. Because purchase prices are low, the public can enjoy a quality gaming experience that they may not have been able to afford had it been offered through a traditional gaming platform.

CG.biz: If you had to offer a fellow licence holder a piece of advice on commissioning a game, what would it be?

Make sure you work with a developer who shares your vision and enthusiasm.

CG.biz: Does the Science Museum have any other gaming projects underway, or any previous titles you are particularly proud of?

Our trading company NMSI Trading also represents the National Railway Museum and Flying Scotsman brands. We have some exciting projects based around these brands starting at the moment which should hopefully be coming to fruition next year.