Tamagotchi L.I.F.E, New from Bandai

[Delaney0213]

I'm sorry to everyone that is very disappointed about the release of the lifestyle items, but I'm actually quite excited. I will most deff be buying the products. I like the fact that I can still purchase te Japanese tamagotchis and I think if America did release one it wouldn't be as elaborate as the Japanese ones that we really appreciate. You never know what the future holds and that is also something to look foward to.

 

[Eternal Mametchi Fan]

Well, I am a big fan of Tamagotchi and that is precisely WHY I hate this awful thing they've done - it's NOT Tamagotchi! It's a completely different thing, aimed at a completely different audience. Not everyone cares about clothes and make-up. Excited? The only thing I'm excited about is for Barry Stagg to get punched in the face by all the Tamagotchi fans.

 

[hwd45]

You know, I just LOVE the comments that say "Just be a good fan!"... No. Being a fan does not mean that you should be grateful for everything a company throws at you.

This.

I'm going to use Sonic as an example, too. I'm a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog. We all love the originals... But seriously, Sonic 06? *vomits* that game is virtually unlikable, and if we don't like it it doesn't make us not a Sonic fan.

*****

My reaction to Tamagotchi L.I.F.E.? Copied straight from Tama-Zone:

I can't even describe my disgust.

Bandai have clearly been making lots of money out of the Tamagotchi product line, but have lost lots of money in recent versions. So, what do they do? Release a clothing line? Where the heck did that idea even come from?!

First of all, people who have stuck with Tamagotchi have done so because they like the toys... What gives them the idea that we'd want to buy clothing?!

Secondly, this is just embarrassing. I'm sure we all know that people often see Tamagotchi as girly, childish or uncool, [sarcasm]so walking around with Tamagotchi clothing for everyone to see is clearly something that people want to be doing.[/sarcam]

They've made a good decision by aiming it at older audiences... But what about the children? You want to aim your products at a large age range, not an age range that is even more limited than Previous Tamagotchi products have been. They're better off keeping this stuff aimed at children.

Also... This is supposed to boost the sales of Tamagotchi? lolno.

 

[tamatown123]

This is VERY strange. In my opinion its like Nintendo turning into a Supermarket. Tamagotchi IS NOT: Clothes, make-up, furnishing etc. Its...TAMAGOTCHI!!! Tamagotchi is: Virtual pets, Figurines more Tamagotchis, Anime. They only put A BIT of Tamagotchi into this Tamagotchi L.I.F.E line

 

[DJYellow22]

This.

I'm going to use Sonic as an example, too. I'm a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog. We all love the originals... But seriously, Sonic 06? *vomits* that game is virtually unlikable, and if we don't like it it doesn't make us not a Sonic fan.

Heh, that's the game I was thinking of when I typed that post.. Awful little game.

But sonic Truely is a perfect example of this. Years ago, SEGA was making stupid decision after stupid decision for sonic the hedgehog. There were fans who blindly bought everything, but then there were TRUE FANS who knew that SEGA was half arsing it, and that they don't want this. The games sales dropped, and sega started to make better games(You may disagree with me on this.. But the overall quality now has became better. Look at sonic generations.)

You see, we need to do the same thing the sonic fans did. We need to show bandai and this stupid sync beatz company that THIS IS NOT WHAT WE WANT. How do we do it? We could send mass emails, Or we could even just not buy the products! The main thing that bandai wants is money. And if we don't give them money, they would know that they are making mistakes.

 

[SamJJE101]

Just going to throw in my two cents. Or three cents. Or whatever that means. Basically, this reply is going to be a rebuttal to some of the things posted in this thread.

I'm not at all liking the sound of this. I'm sure some of you have read my posts on Tama-Zone, and I'm sure some of you haven't. Basically, I don't believe that Bandai are moving in the right direction. At all. In saying that, I believe the way that some people are acting (both on TamaTalk and Tama-Zone, and on YouTube as well), is pretty unorthodox. Some people are even swearing at Bandai about their decision to launch this new Lifestyle product line. I can understand your feelings, and as I'm not a fan of what's being released myself, I can relate, but I think some people just need to take it with a grain of salt and keep in mind that they are using a public resource, and such offensive language is not only inappropriate, but a complete overreaction to what has happened. Regardless of what they are going, Bandai are making an effort, and that should be given some consideration.

Now, onto my second point. Just because we're Tamagotchi fans does not mean that we have to like this. I consider myself a Tamagotchi fan, and I don't like this new line at all. On the flipside, if you do like the new line, that doesn't mean that you aren't a "true" Tamagotchi fan. There is no such thing as a "true" Tamagotchi fan; sure, some people may like it than others, but a fan is a fan, and everyone has their own opinions.

Thirdly, and in my opinion the thing that I would like to address the most, the app. Please, everyone, keep in mind that the only information that we've received on this is that an app might be coming out. We don't even know if it will be a virtual pet raising app; it might be something directly related to the Lifestyle brand, such as an e-store or a news feed. Another thing is that people are saying that this is a "smart move" and it's practical. I understand that apps are a cheap, modern way to do this, but it's not a practical way to promote the Tamagotchi brand at all. First of all, to access the app, you need a smartphone. And for those that are lucky enough to already have these, not everyone has a smartphone (myself included). I personally would rather pay $60 for a physical Tamagotchi toy rather than pay $200+ for a smartphone and then however much the app costs just to get a Tamagotchi-like game. As a member on Tama-Zone said, the Japanese word "Tamago" means egg. A smartphone app is not the Virtual Pet egg that we've all grown to love.

 

[SailorRosette]

Well, I am a big fan of Tamagotchi and that is precisely WHY I hate this awful thing they've done - it's NOT Tamagotchi! It's a completely different thing, aimed at a completely different audience. Not everyone cares about clothes and make-up. Excited? The only thing I'm excited about is for Barry Stagg to get punched in the face by all the Tamagotchi fans.

Reel it in....

They are aiming it the original fans. Bring them in, bring the current lovers/fans in... will bring in more money for what they are trying to keep secret.

The Jewel of the Tamagotchi Life will probably be a tamagotchi. Even if its just an App, Look at all the people with an phone now... I see TONS of kids on my chunk of the world with a Iphone/Itouch... and apps can make more money then you realize. (The kids being as young as 6 or 7... well, my 2 year old niece plays with her parent's smartphones.....)

Look at something on/like Facebook... Like Farmville, get farm cash for special items.... Hence, They might be doing this in the App. People DO buy the special cash... Parents are probably more likely to let them get a game.... It is probably WAY cheaper to use a device already made.... Which isn't out of Bandai America's pocket, but more like... Apple or Whomever.

I'm one of those "Older Fans" so.... I'm glad they haven't forgotten us. We are the people who originally made these famous. The Original people who made the name what is is today. Today tamagotchi is what it is because many of the original fans came back or showed the younger people a tamagotchi. With fans of all ages wanting something from Bandai America... I think they are trying. Give them Time, You might be surprised on what really comes out.

 

[dazzilitchigirl]

Any true Tamagotchi fan would hope more for vintage to be honest............................ Also the T-Shirts will probably have Tamagotchis on them...

----------------------------

I love the idea of Tamagotchi Life to be honest. I'm probably alone though.

I love that it's targeted at the original fan base, the ones that "deserve Tamagotchi" even though it sounds cheesey. They're the ones that will get nostalgia when they see someone they know wearing a Mametchi shirt or something, haha. I think apparel and home deco is great and just because it's not what you all expected doesn't mean its not good! Bandai America is turned American Tamagotchi into it's own thing, rather then just re-releasing the Japanese ones in different ways in English. Even though I'm not the audience, let's face it, the true, young at heart biggest fans seem to be in the age of young adults.

For those fans who want the toy, (who generally are new to Tamagotchi in comparison to Young Adults who like it,) they can keep on buying Japanese ones.

These things I typed might be messy btw, I'm tired.

Not necessarily...BanDai just believes only young adults can be dedicated fans and kids just have a short attention span and are like the random 5-year-olds who come on TT, randomly view my profile then leave again. I'm tired too - of always being dismissed as a little kid when I'm NOT one at heart. There are a lot of kids on TT who actually are into Tamas, collect them, do projects and stuff on them, learn to draw them and everything. But everyone thinks kids are there to be made money out of, not to live a life, and they make good stuff for adults and only for adults. I'm fed up of it too, but there's really nothing we can do about it.

I don't think it's very respectful to younger fans saying that only nostalgic people deserve Tamagotchi. I've worked hard, along with other people much older than me, made these 1,649 posts on TamaTalk, spent $500 on Tamagotchi, made good friends and generally achieved things I never thought I could do - all for Tamagotchi. I thought BanDai might care to read my posts and everyone else's, and give legitimate answers to our emails, but no. What is Tamagotchi LIFE - something to test who's a nostalgic fan and throw away all the other fans who can't help being born a few years later on? That seems to me to be ruthless and thoughtless.

Also, being new to Tamagotchi is no big deal, and a lot of us aren't actually new to it. Those who are can be as dedicated as young adults. I know you said the majority of fans are young adults - but by saying that, you may not know it but when you read on here that I like Tamas, unless you have the proof that I've been an active member of TaamaTalk since 2009, you're unlikely to believe I'm a true fan of Tamas. Anyway, some people are true fans and they aren't allowed PayPal or online buying and can't afford the Japan stuff.

The fact that those who "want the toy" can keep on buying Japanese ones is irrelevant; it's not the fact this new stuff is a disappointment for kids that's getting EMF and I angry, it's the fact that Tamagotchi IS a toy and it shouldn't revert from what it is. It is a toy and that's it. It's like turning a car into a device to entertain 2-year-olds - a car is a car and that's that.

 

[CherubHorse]

Tamagotchi virtual toys will be the ORIGINALS, my FAVORITE, now and forever.

I don't like where Tamagotchi L.I.F.E. is headed.

Do you honestly expect a room full of 50-year-olds who don't take the advice from kids to be able to develop a new child's toy? Children's views are changing a lot and they need to keep that in focus....Tamagotchi LIFE will be one big flop, I can tell you that for sure.

 

[chrispilot2293]

From Barry Stagg:

On behalf of Bandai Co., Ltd., Sync Beatz Entertainment plans on implementing a comprehensive marketing program for an extensive line of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. products in key categories including Apparel, Domestics, Furnishings, Gifts & Novelties, Health & Beauty and Publishing in the United States. Among the key drivers supporting the brand launch will be a range of digital media, including apps and Webisodes, providing a whole new level of interactivity and social media connection for Tamagotchi fans all over the world. The agency is reviewing several prospective apps including role-playing, strategy puzzle and other genres of casual games based on the characters of the original Tamagotchi property. It is also looking at multiple genres for its Webisodes, including live action and animation, which will provide a unique focus on fashion, lifestyle and cultural trends relevant to consumers.

 

[kuromametchifan123]

From Barry Stagg:

On behalf of Bandai Co., Ltd., Sync Beatz Entertainment plans on implementing a comprehensive marketing program for an extensive line of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. products in key categories including Apparel, Domestics, Furnishings, Gifts & Novelties, Health & Beauty and Publishing in the United States. Among the key drivers supporting the brand launch will be a range of digital media, including apps and Webisodes, providing a whole new level of interactivity and social media connection for Tamagotchi fans all over the world. The agency is reviewing several prospective apps including role-playing, strategy puzzle and other genres of casual games based on the characters of the original Tamagotchi property. It is also looking at multiple genres for its Webisodes, including live action and animation, which will provide a unique focus on fashion, lifestyle and cultural trends relevant to consumers.

Okay, cool, I can see it now, 21-29 year old women, walking around wearing t-shirts that say "L.i.f.e." on them, carrying their smartphones playing Bejeweled: Tamagotchi edition from the AppStore, their nails painted "Mametchi Yellow", and their hands just washed with Cherry L.i.f.e. handsoap. Yay.

I'm kind of disappointed about this, they're just assuming that their old target audience, as successful as the v6 and below were, wasn't working. So they came up with clothes, for 21-29 year old women. Yay.

Sure, if this is successful, it could lead to a new Tamagotchi, not in the form of an app, but, what do colorful t-shirts, lamps, toothpaste and sheet sets say about Tamagotchi here in the US? Sure, it works in Japan, but that's alongside an actual Tamagotchi toy line, and the anime.

Live action webisodes? About fashion, lifestyle, and cultural trends? If I wanted that, I'd watch a talk show.

I really shouldn't judge the brand right away, as it hasn't come out yet and I might end up liking it, but I don't know about the L.i.f.e. line. I'd like to see a new Tamagotchi first.

 

[booboo1]

Not much to say here just dropping in to say if you're a fan of tamagotchi, it's fine to dislike something but you don't go as far to say that you would punch someone in the face. Just because you may not like the idea you shouldn't say something like that, as Bandai seems to be working very hard on this new product.

That's just a terribly rude thing to say, just be thankful that bandai hasn't forgotten about you and they're actually trying something. I don't much care for the idea, but who knows, maybe it'll actually turn out well?

We barely have any information released, don't go judging it saying that it's completely horrible.

 

[dazzilitchigirl]

Reel it in....

They are aiming it the original fans. Bring them in, bring the current lovers/fans in... will bring in more money for what they are trying to keep secret.

The Jewel of the Tamagotchi Life will probably be a tamagotchi. Even if its just an App, Look at all the people with an phone now... I see TONS of kids on my chunk of the world with a Iphone/Itouch... and apps can make more money then you realize. (The kids being as young as 6 or 7... well, my 2 year old niece plays with her parent's smartphones.....)

Look at something on/like Facebook... Like Farmville, get farm cash for special items.... Hence, They might be doing this in the App. People DO buy the special cash... Parents are probably more likely to let them get a game.... It is probably WAY cheaper to use a device already made.... Which isn't out of Bandai America's pocket, but more like... Apple or Whomever.

I'm one of those "Older Fans" so.... I'm glad they haven't forgotten us. We are the people who originally made these famous. The Original people who made the name what is is today. Today tamagotchi is what it is because many of the original fans came back or showed the younger people a tamagotchi. With fans of all ages wanting something from Bandai America... I think they are trying. Give them Time, You might be surprised on what really comes out.

I really can't help being born in 2001. I would have been a kid in 1996 if I could, but I wasn't.

 

Most of us younger fans did not get into Tamas due to older fans. Younger fans shaped Tamagotchi from a simple 90's fashion craze to the later Connections and iD series. I and my friends here have all played a part in the creation of the iD Ls we now own - and now we're having all our hard work to make Tamagotchi what it is destroyed. Yes, the older fans played a part too, but a few of you (not naming names) are a bit...exclusive of young Tamagotchi fans. There is somewhere a sense of contempt in all those nostalgic posts, a sense of contempt at people like me, who are young but dedicated fans. BanDai, and a few older fans, don't believe we young kids can be true Tama fans - so they release nostalgic stuff for adults.

 

[DJYellow22]

From Barry Stagg:

On behalf of Bandai Co., Ltd., Sync Beatz Entertainment plans on implementing a comprehensive marketing program for an extensive line of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. products in key categories including Apparel, Domestics, Furnishings, Gifts & Novelties, Health & Beauty and Publishing in the United States. Among the key drivers supporting the brand launch will be a range of digital media, including apps and Webisodes, providing a whole new level of interactivity and social media connection for Tamagotchi fans all over the world. The agency is reviewing several prospective apps including role-playing, strategy puzzle and other genres of casual games based on the characters of the original Tamagotchi property. It is also looking at multiple genres for its Webisodes, including live action and animation, which will provide a unique focus on fashion, lifestyle and cultural trends relevant to consumers.

Sounds familiar to this: https://www.licensing.biz/news/9081/Bandai-signs-Sync-for-Tamagotchis-US-return

 

[SailorRosette]

Ya, I get what you are saying Dazz.

I just believe this is to pull in the older fans as well as put Something out for everybody. (Or what they were hoping) I can be pulled both ways though... I'm glad they put something though...

When we were younger, we helped it become a famous name. With the younger people too, you guys helped shape what is now. We together will continue to love our tamas, even if the current release (Or what might come) will be at a down side....

To put... I was 8 when it came out... I don't recall them ever putting out stuff like this... They might have had a shirt or two... but maybe they are filling a gap..... I could just be not remembering the items... I only remember the pet and the plush. (and all the other digital pets out there....)

 

[Nazotchi25]

okay, to be honest i laughed quite alot reading your reactions. don't you people see that this is a way to surprise all of you with the new Vpet that may be coming in the future

 

[DJYellow22]

okay, to be honest i laughed quite alot reading your reactions. don't you people see that this is a way to surprise all of you with the new Vpet that may be coming in the future

Why would they release a new V-Pet if the target audience is apparently not children anymore, and rather 21-29 year old women?

 

[Orandatchi]

Bandai America has really forgotten that Tamagotchi was a neutral thing, not for just girls. I'm really disappointed. Bandai Japan has items for both boys and girls, which I'm more happy about.

 

[SailorRosette]

The girl vs boy thing... Totally agree... They need to remember boys and girls enjoyed that tamagotchi.... If they are going girl for tamagotchi... they need to consider bringing back the digimon tamagotchi.... (Which they still make in Japan) Oh wait that's color too... fail. Or at least a neutral boy electronic pet.... But that is a whole new topic...........

 

[Ringotchi123]

Yeah I want my brother to be able to play tamagotchi SOON!