For many people who grew up on the internet,Neopetswas practically unavoidable andit seems the franchise is making a big push to return to the spotlight. The iconic browser game that allows players to raise and train adorable fantasy creatures may not have the brand recognition it once had in the early 2000s but it’s still widely recognized asa core part of many childhoodsthat’s still entertaining people to this day. In that regard, old and new fans alike will be excited to know thatNeopetsis making some big merchandising moves.
Neopets announced it will be launching some major licensing partnerships beginning in 2024’s fourth quarterthat will dovetail into several new projects and products in 2025. These include a new range of eight-inchNeopetsplushies featuring six of the games' most popular characters including Aisha, Shoyru, Kacheek, Kougra, Faellie, and Doglefox. Produced in collaboration with PhatMojo, these collectibles will be available in Hot Topic stores across the United States; Fans can also look forward to a “mystery plush format” that will be revealed in the coming months.
Neopets Is All In On Brand Expansion
Making Neopets A Household Name Once Again
Aside from the new line of plushies,Neopetsis continuing its partnership with Upper Deck to further grow the Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game. The 25th Anniversary Celebration set is around the corner and it will feature all foiled cards, new mechanics, and some familiar characters. The gaming doesn’t end there though:Monopolyis also releasing aNeopets-inspired take on the classic board game and Geekify is working to launch an officialNeopetsroleplaying game in the summer of 2025.
Plushies aren’t the only product fans can look forward to asNeopetsalso announced that it’s releasing a graphic novel titledNeopets: The Omelette Faeriewritten byNew York Timesbestseller Rebecca Mix, which is available now. That’s not all though as a second graphic novel,Neopets: The Discarded Magical Blue Grundo Plushie of Prosperity, is already planned for August 2025; This will be preceded byNeopets: The Official Coloring Bookin March 2025. Little is known about these releases butNeopetspromises the stories willappeal to young and old fans.
Nothing Can Kill Neopets (Not Even the Death Of Adobe Flash)
The Neopets team provides an update on the website’s plans for 2021, proving that not even the death of Adobe Flash can stop the long-running site.
It’s About Time Neopets Made A Grand Return
The Fans Have Missed Their Adorable Friends
While I may not have been a majorNeopetsplayer back in the day, I have many friends who still enjoy the franchise. One may question whether there’s still an audience that warrants such a massive brand expansion butNeopetsnever really went away; Over time, thefans just became more insular and dedicated to the series. I’m glad to see it returning to the mainstream given thatthe community has only grown more passionateabout the games over the last 25 years.
