At this year’s PAX Aus, a new phenomenon caught the attention of attendees: small, cube-like toys known as ÆRTHLINGS. These colorful cubes were seen dangling from bags, keys, and costumes, sparking curiosity among the crowd. As it turns out, these toys are part of a groundbreaking experiment by Modern Games, aimed at blending physical toys with digital gaming experiences. Australia was chosen as the launchpad for this innovative venture, marking a significant milestone in the toy industry.
The launch of ÆRTHLINGS at PAX Aus was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Moose Toys, a Melbourne-based company, partnered with Modern Games to introduce these voxel creatures to the world. The event saw crowds gathering even before the doors opened, with attendees eager to get their hands on the limited edition cubes. According to Justin Kifer, Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Games, the response exceeded expectations, with stock selling out twice over the weekend.
The Birthplace of a Frenzy: Why Australia?
The decision to debut ÆRTHLINGS at PAX Aus was strategic. As Kifer explained, launching at PAX was a long-held dream for the team, and the partnership with Moose Toys made Melbourne the ideal location. The event not only highlighted the popularity of the toys but also demonstrated the potential for a new kind of interactive play that combines physical and digital elements.
During the launch, attendees were introduced to the Seed Series I ÆRTHLINGS, a set of limited edition cubes available exclusively at PAX Aus. These cubes were free to claim, with additional figures available in the Genesis series, which launched shortly after the event. The excitement surrounding these toys was palpable, with fans eager to collect and trade the cubes.
From Concept to Reality: The Making of ÆRTHLINGS
The concept for ÆRTHLINGS was inspired by a desire to create a portable and affordable gaming experience. Drawing from the success of previous titles like Beasts of Balance, Modern Games sought to capture the whimsy and tactile magic of physical toys while integrating them into a digital world. The result was a series of voxel art cubes, each equipped with an NFC tag that unlocks digital content in the accompanying mobile game.
Each ÆRTHLING figure is more than just a toy; it is a gateway to a digital universe. When scanned with the ÆRTHLINGS app, the cube “hatches” into its digital form, allowing players to engage in a shared gaming experience. This innovative approach encourages players to trade their cubes, enhancing the gameplay and fostering a sense of community.
The Heart of the Game: Trading and Community
Trading is central to the ÆRTHLINGS experience. Unlike traditional NFC toy games, ÆRTHLINGS emphasizes the importance of trading by rewarding players with evolution boosts and lineage rewards. The original scanner of a cube remains the permanent digital owner, ensuring that no one loses out in the exchange. This unique approach has resonated with players, who eagerly swap cubes to enhance their gaming experience.
The community aspect of ÆRTHLINGS has been further bolstered by collaborations with influencers like Laserbeam, whose involvement added an extra layer of excitement to the launch. The trading philosophy has created a vibrant community of players who are not only collecting cubes but also sharing stories and strategies.
A Bright Future: Expanding the ÆRTHLINGS Universe
While ÆRTHLINGS has already made a significant impact, the journey is just beginning. Modern Games has plans to expand the universe with new Seed Series, Genesis figures, and game zones. An animated series featuring Lenny the Lennisaur has already garnered over a million views, and additional content is in the works.
The free-to-play game offers a cozy, exploration-driven experience that appeals to players of all ages. With its soft-edged, colorful world and gentle soundtrack, ÆRTHLINGS provides a relaxing escape that encourages creativity and collaboration. The physical toys enhance this experience, offering a tangible connection to the digital world.
As the holiday season approaches, ÆRTHLINGS are poised to become popular stocking stuffers. Priced at $10, they offer an affordable and engaging gift option that combines the charm of a physical toy with the excitement of digital gameplay. Available at major retailers like EB Games, Big W, Toymate, and Target, these cubes are quickly becoming a must-have item.
ÆRTHLINGS represents a new frontier in the toy industry, blending technology, storytelling, and social interaction in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative. As the community continues to grow, so too does the potential for this unique toy-tech fusion. For those who missed the launch at PAX Aus, the opportunity to join the ÆRTHLINGS adventure is just a cube away.
