Usain Bolt sprints for Temple Run 2

The world’s fastest man is taking on a whole new kind of running challenge as the first-ever branded character in Imangi Studios’ hit game app, Temple Run. The crossover was brokered by Imangi’s global licensing agency, Dimensional Branding Group and the six-time Olympic Gold Medalist is now available as a premium character via an in-app purchase in Temple Run 2 for iOS or Android. The limited time character cameo features Usain Bolt outfitted in his signature yellow and green jersey. The character comes with unique abilities inspired by Bolt’s real-life prowess that allow him to boost ahead at a record-breaking pace while activating the coin magnet in-game function at the same time. “This was just a natural fit for us,” says John Leonhardt, President, DBG. “I mean ‘Temple Run’ is an endless runner and Usain Bolt is the fastest man on Earth.” The collaboration came after Imangi and DBG became aware of Bolt’s passion for their game, which he frequently talks about on social media. This isn’t the first character collaboration for Temple Run. Imangi has already released two Disney-themed versions of its game, Temple Run: Brave and Temple Run: Oz. The game app is also extending its global licensing and plans a host of new merchandise. Lisle International, DBG’s European sub-agency has unveiled a raft of licensed partners for the property with merchandise already available for apparel. Core merchandise categories including, accessories, bags, magazines and annuals are drafted to arrive in market soon. A new worldwide deal will see National Geographic launch a series of non-fiction Temple Run books in the UK. Scheduled for a 2014 release, the books will explore mysterious and symbolic across the globe that could make for ideal backdrops to the Temple Run Series. In addition, Forbidden Planet will launch a Temple Run merchandise range covering apparel, bags, gifts and novelty in September.