MINI will be the main sponsor at this year's gamescom exhibition in Cologne. From 24 to 28 August 2022, gaming enthusiasts from all over the world will gather in a 218,000 square metre exhibition area. MINI is the main sponsor of the commercial section of gamescom "powered by MINI", as well as the official mobility partner of gamescom 2022. With this commitment, MINI is the first automotive sponsor at the world's largest video game exhibition, keeping its promise to enrich the lives of brand fans with joy and variety.
"A fundamental characteristic of MINI is the positive and future-oriented approach to individual mobility, as well as the distinctive design of the vehicles. Gamification will play an increasingly important role in the MINI of the future and offer a unique experience for customers. In collaboration with Pokémon, the common denominator of the franchise brings together two iconic and perfectly matched characters with millions of fans. In this way, we are reaching a brand new target group at gamescom 2022, as this is an event about modern fandom, gaming, and pop culture," comments Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.
Therefore, the role of the main sponsor at the show, which focuses on exclusive collectibles, is the ideal way for MINI to connect with the enthusiastic gaming community. The various limited-edition MINI editions also make the hearts of the brand's loyal fans beat faster, and become sought-after collectibles overnight.
The vehicle philosophy of the MINI Concept Aceman is characterised by a playful approach that seeks innovation in challenges. The brand's authentic fun driving experience is uniquely inspiring and unites a steadily growing community of MINI enthusiasts from around the world - for example at MINI Community Meetings held around the world. Gaming enthusiasts are continually being introduced to new worlds with the same enthusiasm and actively shaping the story of their heroes. At gamescom 2022, that's why MINI is encouraging all fans to keep playing with the "PLAY ON!" campaign. and promotes an open and diverse society with playful enthusiasm. Visitors to gamescom 2022 can relax in numerous seating areas in Hall 5.2 at Stand B10/D19 in the MINI Arena, replenish their energy reserves with water and popcorn, charge their smartphone at 100% at one of the USB charging stations and enjoy DJ sets.
The MINI Concept Aceman is full of surprises
Visitors to the gamescom commercial area, sponsored by MINI, will be introduced to the MINI Concept Aceman, which features an additional exclusive mode. During gamescom, Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon character, takes over the OLED screen as the central theme during the Experience Mode switch. Through advanced projection technology, the animation also extends across the dashboard, front doors and the finish of the protective apron. In the animated loop, the Poké Ball first appears on the OLED screen, moves, then opens into a blue glow that moves dramatically from the OLED screen through the dashboard and door light bar, as well as the finish of the protective apron inside the vehicle. In another loop, Pikachu appears on the screen at startup. The famous electric Pokémon unleashes a glowing yellow lightning attack that penetrates the car through the doors and the end of the protective apron.
On the occasion of gamescom 2022, the team that designed the MINI Concept Aceman has also created an exclusive MINI Art Toy. Like the original vehicle, the MINI Art Toy embodies versatility and a confident presence. The X-O symbols, for example, recall the interior design as well as the playfulness of the MINI Concept Aceman, and fit perfectly with gamescom and the huge gaming scene it will be present on.
In addition to the MINI Concept Aceman, the prototype car will also be presented in an Action Pack version at gamescom 2022. In clear box packaging typical of action figures and with special design features such as a Poké Ball in the centre of the wheel rim, the unique MINI Concept Aceman Action Pack becomes the ultimate collector's item for MINI fans and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Pokémon is one of the most successful entertainment franchises, first launched in 1996 in Japan with the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green. Taking on the role of Pokémon Trainer, the video games capture the wonder of discovering, collecting and training Pokémon. MINI couldn't have chosen a more appropriate Pokémon than Pikachu for the collaboration. After all, the iconic Pokémon is small, unique and has electric abilities. With the 5η With the second generation of the model, MINI is firmly on the road to electrification and will be a fully electric brand by the early 2030s. Sales of the MINI Electric nearly doubled last year, showing that the MINI community is growing and moving more and more in the direction of electrification.
The MINIverse focuses on common fun
Alongside the premiere of the MINI Concept Aceman at gamescom, the company is launching MINIverse and creating an exciting digital world in which the MINI community can playfully discover the new prototype model. Diverse, excitingly designed digital city districts, numerous interactive options and gaming elements invite you to explore the MINI Concept Aceman. The virtual world can be accessed simply via URL, from a smartphone or desktop, with no other installation required. Thanks to a wide range of multiplayer video games, MINI fans have the opportunity to come together on the online platform and enjoy a digital world full of BIG LOVE together.
Together with the MINI Concept Aceman with its exclusive "Pokémon Mode" and the ultimate Action Pack Collectable, MINI is underlining its commitment to gamescom 2022, and promoting a playful view of the world.
