digital boardgame

Mobile game sees 384% increase in downloads after its major update
Fans’ demands are answered as JUMANJI launches on Nintendo Switch
Play local co-op, private or open online co-op, with cross-platform play

Marmalade Game Studio has announced that its mobile game JUMANJI: The Curse Returns, is now available on the Nintendo America eShop for Nintendo Switch^TM, making it available to millions more gamers. GamesIndustry.biz data shows Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s best-selling console of all time, with over 103.54 million units sold. This exciting launch is predicted to build on the recent 384% mobile growth.

In March, Marmalade Game Studio released a major update to the mobile version of JUMANJI: The Curse Returns, introducing a new level of card and deck building tactics.

This evolution of card gameplay added another dimension to every encounter in the game. Since this landmark update, weekly downloads of the game on iOS and Android have increased by 31% on average, compared to previous weeks.

Drawing from a selection of ever-changing Attack and Assist cards, players must work together and strategize to defeat invading jungle wildlife. Every encounter brings with it fast-paced, card-based gameplay, for which quick thinking, deck management and teamwork are key. What’s more, when players buy the game on Nintendo Switch, they’ll get 2 Maps including Brantford and the Winter Resort.

Michael Willis, Co-CEO of Marmalade Game Studio, said: “Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular game consoles in the world. Making JUMANJI: The Curse Returns available on this platform means millions more people can now enjoy playing our game in the way they want to.”

“We recently unveiled a major upgrade of the game which we consider our best version yet, as proven to be hugely popular with a massive increase in downloads on mobile. We’re happy to be launching on Nintendo Switch at this time, bringing our latest update to a whole new audience and maintaining our momentum of success.”

JUMANJI: The Curse Returns captures fans’ nostalgia for the 1995 classic film.

Players visit iconic locations where they will be rolling the dice, reading riddles and facing dangerous creatures and plants from the mysterious jungle. Playing on their own or within a team, players face multiple threats including giant mosquitos, raging stampedes and monsoons, right through to the hunter, Van Pelt. The gameplay is simple to pick up, fast-paced and comes with tactical and deck building features. This combines to put the team under pressure as they work together to save the town.

All Marmalade Game Studio games support cross-platform multiplayer.

This means that those on Nintendo Switch can join their friends on iOS and Android. There are multiple ways to play JUMANJI: The Curse Returns. Play at home with 2 players in Local Co-Op or tackle the jungle in single player mode with AI characters. Bring friends and family together to vanquish Jumanji in online 4-player co-op.

JUMANJI: The Curse Returns is one of Marmalade Game Studio’s collection of highly successful digital board game adaptations, including MONOPOLY, CLUE/CLUEDO, THE GAME OF LIFE, THE GAME OF LIFE 2 and BATTLESHIP.

JUMANJI: The Curse Returns is available on the Nintendo America eShop for Nintendo Switch, priced $18.99 usd ($24.42 cad) / £14.99 / €17.99.

Fans of JUMANI should also watch out for new downloadable content that is coming soon based on the movies ‘JUMANJI: Welcome to the Jungle’, and ‘JUMANJI: The Next Level.’

About Marmalade Games Studio

London-based Marmalade Game Studio is one of the most successful publishers in the digital board games markets on Steam, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Notable successes include MONOPOLY, THE GAME OF LIFE 2 and CLUE/CLUEDO, all highly polished and innovative games that constantly top the charts on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information about Marmalade Game Studio, please visit the website: https://marmaladegamestudio.com/, and follow us on Twitter (@MarmaladeGames), Facebook (@MarmaladeGameStudio), and Instagram (@MarmaladeGames)

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics.

Nearly six out of 10 adults have suffered mental health problems during the pandemic
Stress and anxiety are the biggest concerns, international research shows

Taking more exercise and online gaming are the two main ways people globally are tackling mental health issues driven by the pandemic, new international research* from the leading digital board game publisher Marmalade Game Studio shows.

Its study across the US, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore found nearly two out of five people (38%) have turned to exercise to address mental health concerns while 30% are using online gaming to relieve stress and anxiety.

Marmalade Game Studio’s research found mental health issues have soared across all countries during the pandemic with nearly six out of 10 (57%) saying they have developed mental health concerns during the pandemic and the same number say they are currently suffering from a range of issues. People in Singapore (65%) and Hong Kong (64%) are the worst affected followed by France (57%), Germany (56%) and the US (52%).

The biggest issues internationally are stress and anxiety with 38% saying they are currently affected by stress while 30% say they are suffering from anxiety.

However more than one in five (22%) say they are depressed and 4% say they have suicidal thoughts.

Marmalade Game Studio has recently introduced a new feature on its games in response to demand from customers for more ways to stay connected with family and friends – its Bubble in-game video chat allows gamers to add friends and family to group chats, start games from these, and video chat whilst playing.

Cristina Mereuta, co-CEO at Marmalade Game Studio, said: “The pandemic has had a huge effect on mental health globally and millions have at points suffered from a range of conditions caused by worries about their own and others physical health as well as financial worries.

“Many people are clearly taking action with increased exercise and online gaming appearing to be the most popular ways of relieving stress and anxiety.

“It is important however that people seek professional help where appropriate and it’s worrying to see that some people are doing nothing.”

The mental health impact has not all been negative – around 7% of French people say their mental health has improved during the pandemic followed by 6% of Americans, 5% of people in Hong Kong, 4% of Germans and 2% of people in Singapore.

The table below shows the ways people across all countries are addressing mental health issues.

ACTION TAKEN?	PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WHO HAVE TAKEN THESE STEPS
Doing more exercise	38%
Playing online games	30%
Trying to see friends and family more	29%
Getting help from my doctor	27%
Talking to loved ones	26%
Getting help from mental health professionals	25%
Talking to close friends	19%
Doing nothing	14%

Digital gaming has proved to be important for mental health – 16%** of European Union gamers say being able to play games online and connect with others particularly families helped during lockdowns and 42% say playing multiplayer games during lockdown made them happier.

* Marmalade Game Studio commissioned independent research company PureProfile to interview 1,000 adults aged 18-plus across the US, France, Germany, Singapore, and Hong Kong in November 2021 using an online methodology.

** https://www.statista.com/topics/8016/covid-19-impact-on-the-gaming-industry-worldwide/#dossierKeyfigures

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JUMANJI GAME LAUNCHES ON NINTENDO SWITCH