Autism Speaks and Activision have joined forces to raise awareness for autism through production of four special edition Skylanders toys. Trigger Happy and Splat, as well as the Splatter Splasher and Gold Rusher vehicles, have been redesigned in blue and white paint with a Light it Up Blue packaging sticker. Like other recolored figures, these toys will play identically to the normal characters in-game.
Light it Up Blue is an international awareness campaign by Autism Speaks honoring and acknowledging those who have the condition. It is observed annually on April 2 around the globe, both by individuals and businesses alike. As part of their collaboration, Activision will also be donating to autism charities.
The four Skylanders toys, called Power Blue versions, became available yesterday from certain online and retail outlets, such as Target and Toys “R” Us. Gamestop also has them in stock, and Best Buy has three of the four, excluding the Gold Rusher vehicle. In addition, Gamestop’s next Skylanders Day is Saturday, March 5, where individual vehicles and characters will be buy-one-get-one-free.
The Skylanders franchise paved the way for toys-to-life games in 2011 with Spyro’s Adventure. Since then, the toys have practically leaped off the shelves along with Disney Infinity and Lego Dimensions. Appealing to children and parents alike, Activision’s joint campaign with Autism Speaks will bring the issue front and center and bring an element of personal meaning to both the game and the charity.
Interested in taking the wheel and donating to another good cause? The Nerd Stash is partnered with the Kentucky Children’s Hospital to bring you Extra Life, a charity fundraiser dedicated to helping the Children’s Miracle Network cause. Click here to find out more.
