Jasman Toys with Halo

Thursday, February 22, 2007
By: Ryan Ball

Jasman Toys has pacted with Microsoft Corp. and Bungie Studios to produce a line of laser tag-style products based on the upcoming third installment in the hugely successful Halo video-game franchise. Tailor-made for core Master Chief fans, the Halo 3 Laser Command line will include an infrared-light laser gun and sensors when it rolls out later this year.

Halo weapons to be reproduced in Jasman's Laser Command offerings include the Covenant's Plasma Rifle, Plasma Pistol and Energy Sword. These alien laser weapons emit a harmless infrared beam that activates sensors worn by players to register hits.

Developed exclusively for Xbox, the original Halo has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide and spawned a legion of devotees who waited in line for hours to make Halo 2 the fastest-selling video game in history. Dispite this success and the involvement of Lord of the Rings filmmaker Peter Jackson, the film took a major tumble on its way to the big screen when financiers Universal and 20th Century Fox bailed out in October of last year. Microsoft, which has been very protective of the property, still plans on making the film with Jackson’s Wingnut Films but has temporarily shelved the project while new financing avenues are being explored.

With toy categories that range from remote controlled helicopters and electronic dinosaurs to shooting toys, Jasman is fully entrenched in the boy's toys market. In addition to Laser Command, the company’s product lines include Command Force, Flight Factory, Mighty Megasaur, and Wild West Gunslinger. More information can be found at http://www.jasmantoys.com.

Reader Comments

• Dennis Woodyard : Creative Director : Dragonfly Entertainment

  Friday, February 23, 2007

  Well, how\'s this for being ahead of the curve. In a post on my blog http://dragonflyent.blogspot.com/ last week, I proposed game base laser tag toys for Halo, Killzone and other FPS (First Person Shooters games). I even added a mock toy ad. Seems I had the right idea, but different toy company.
  
  I still think the Hasbro LazerTag line are better designed, but I can only hope Bungie has a lot of input into the final toy design, and demand top quality.

• Bob : Programmer :

  Tuesday, May 15, 2007

  I wouldnt count on anything good coming from Jasman Toys. Everything from their product design to their packaging sucks ass.