Tired of boring black controllers? Get ready to unleash your inner artist with CANDY CON, GameStop‘s innovative line of customizable controllers! GameStop is no stranger to innovation, and with the launch of CANDY CON, they’re taking the gaming world by storm. This new line of customizable controllers is a game-changer, offering vibrant colors and patterns that promise to make gaming even more fun. Let’s explore more about this latest innovation in gaming gear design.
Customizable Candy-Inspired Controllers
A Delightful Fusion of Fun and Gaming Inspired by the whimsical world of pick ‘n’ mix candy stores, CANDY CON allows gamers to mix and match the parts of their gaming controllers, creating a truly personalized and playful experience. With switchable accessories like face plates, thumbsticks, and directional pads, players can indulge in a kaleidoscope of irresistible hues and styles, simply clicking them together to create their ultimate gaming companion.
The Creative Force Behind CANDY CON
In collaboration with BRANDED, the global branding agency WMH&I has crafted a brand identity that’s as playful as it is strategic. Briefed to create an affordable yet high-quality gaming brand, WMH&I drew inspiration from pick ‘n’ mix candy stores. CANDY CON controllers allow the mixing of colorful face plates, thumbsticks, and buttons for endless expression. The mission was to create a range of gaming accessories beyond the traditional private label. GameStop wanted high-quality, affordable products that resonate with gamers’ desire for customization and self-expression. Working hand-in-hand with GameStop’s buying department, WMH&I tapped into the retailer’s vision, developing early ideas that would eventually crystallize into the CANDY CON brand. With the tagline “CREATE. PLAY. REPEAT.”, they’ve set the stage for a brand that’s all about personalizationa and joy. This strategy allowed them to create a brand that not only met the functional needs of gamers but also resonated emotionally with their desire for fun and playfulness.
Throughout the project, WMH&I gained valuable insights into the importance of cultural relevance and emotional resonance in branding. They meticulously crafted every aspect of CANDY CON’s visual identity, from the vibrant color palette to the playful patterns and customizable options, to evoke a sense of excitement and nostalgia. “Our approach aimed to transcend the conventional boundaries of private label by creating an own-brand experience that felt genuinely authentic and engaging,” shared the team at WMH&I. Through in-depth research, they identified a significant gap in the market for casual “co-op” players who prioritize social and immersive gaming experiences over technical specifications.
For The Fun-Loving Gamers
CANDY CON is designed for gamers who love to play and express themselves. With switchable accessories and a plethora of colors, the brand brings the fun of a candy store to gaming gear. The rebranding was about breaking boundaries and creating an authentic experience. By identifying a gap for casual co-op players, WMH&I crafted a brand identity that’s rooted in joy, nostalgia, and the spirit of play. Their rebranding journey revealed the power of cultural relevance in branding. Facing a market crowded with loud brands, the team focused on what makes CANDY CON stand out: customization, affordability, and a playful identity.
Crafting the Visual Identity
Adobe Creative Suite was the tool of choice for crafting CANDY CON’s visual identity. The team is proud of the swift yet meticulous work that went into the vibrant color palette, playful patterns, and the overall design that evokes excitement and nostalgia. The whimsical spirit of a candy store visit influenced the brand’s design, with a flexible grid system, dynamic patterns, and hidden gaming references that invite discovery and self-expression.
The Hope for CANDY CON
As one of GameStop’s most significant brand launches, CANDY CON aims to solidify the retailer’s position in the gaming market, driving sales and fostering brand loyalty. With CANDY CON, GameStop aims to strengthen its position in the gaming market, drive increased sales and brand loyalty, and attract a broader audience of gamers, including casual co-op players. WMH&I’s creative vision and close collaboration with GameStop have paved the way for a truly sweet revolution in the gaming controller market, where fun, personalization, and quality converge in a delightful gaming experience.
