Global Eagle Entertainment will collaborate with Mattel, the children’s entertainment company, to bring the UNO card game to airline passengers.
The game was named the number-one games property in the US exclusive of collector card games, according to latest NPD Group U.S. Retail Tracking Report, and UNO will debut on airline seatback systems during 2019.
Global Eagle has global aviation distribution rights for UNO, and expects to bring the game to other markets in the future.
“Mattel is a world-class, global learning, development and play company. We are proud partner with Mattel to expand the breadth of entertainment portfolio for children on board flights worldwide,” said Per Norén, Global Eagle president.
The company says the move strengthens its onboard games position, with 120 games flying on more than 100 airlines. This follows recently signed agreements with the Japanese game-maker Sanrio and Monopoly owner Hasbro.
Global Eagle has created a centre of excellence for Digital Media and Games in Montreal where the company design, innovate and adapt popular games for the travel market. “Our 120 games are played more than 150 million times by passengers annually,” said Norén. “We are driving passenger engagement for all ages and tapping into a growing $108 billion worldwide market for games.”
