The SmurfsOcean Cleanup is the first game to be released as part of Azerion’s licensing partnership with IMPS

Amsterdam – October 19, 2021: Azerion, the digital media platform, proudly announces the launch of The Smurfs: Ocean Cleanup today. Developed by Azerion and IMPS/Lafig, the game’s release coincides with the start of Azerion’s joint campaign with NL Cares and the Surfrider Foundation the Netherlands to raise awareness about and take action against marine pollution. 

 Gamifying ocean cleanup with The Smurfs

In The Smurfs: Ocean Cleanup, players of all ages experience rewards based on the amount of garbage they clear from the ocean.

Since 2019, to protect marine life, the Smurfs are teaming up with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) to inspire everyone to take action to clean beaches or riverbanks across the blue planet through the #EUBeachCleanup campaign.

“It’s really an honor to have developed a game starring the Smurfs,” says Erol Erturk, Executive VP Games & Strategic Partnerships at Azerion. “It’s well known that the Smurfs are caring creatures. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what age you are, everybody grew up with the Smurfs and knows how much they care about nature. That’s why the Smurfs are ambassadors for the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the characters in a game that raises awareness about this immense, global problem.”
“Since the series started, the Smurfs have stood for solidarity, courage, friendship, and respect for nature. These values are universal. It is natural, then, that the Smurfs would be the stars in a game about keeping our oceans clean,” says Véronique Culliford, President and founder of IMPS, and daughter of “Peyo”, the Smurfs’ creator.

Let’s dive into The Smurfs: Ocean Cleanup…

Gargamel and Azrael were just spotted off the coast of this gorgeous tropical island, throwing tons of trash into the water. Team up with one of the Smurfs while they use their rowboat and fishing rod to clean up the big mess Gargamel and Azrael have made.  

Earn coins for each item you bring back up to the boat. Trade these in for upgrades that will make your Smurf stronger or give him a longer fishing line to grab more garbage. Look out for valuable treasures floating around down there along with collectable stickers!

Join Azerion, NL Cares, and the Surfrider Foundation for coastal cleanup events

Kicking off with the launch of The Smurfs: Ocean Cleanup is Azerion’s work with NL Cares and the Surfrider Foundation to raise awareness about environmental challenges.

 ”Together with the Smurfs we are making a positive impact on people and the planet. By addressing the importance of clean oceans in this game, Azerion continues to use its creativity and global reach to encourage a sense of shared responsibility for the health of our world. This is a Smurfy opportunity not to be missed!” says Kyra Steegs, CSR Director at Azerion.

Coastal cleanup events and other eco-friendly activities are set to take place throughout the rest of the year and continue on into 2022. To get involved, click or tap here 

The Smurfs: Ocean Cleanup is available now on all Azerion gaming platforms.

About the Smurfs, “Peyo”, and IMPS/Lafig 

IMPS is the official licensor of the Smurfs. Since 1984, IMPS has worked in close collaboration with their agents worldwide to develop licensed merchandising programs, retail and co-branded promotions, publishing activities, broadcasting deals, theme parks, live shows, video and online games, and other pop culture featuring the Smurfs, all of which have ensured the continuing success of the characters. 

IMPS is run by Véronique Culliford, the daughter of Pierre “Peyo” Culliford, the creator of the Smurfs.

About Azerion

Azerion is the fast-growing, leading pan-European digital media platform. We develop and operate our own content for people of all ages to enjoy. Our integrated platform provides technology solutions to automate the purchase and sale of digital advertising for media buyers and sellers. Content creators, publishers, and advertisers work with us to reach the billions of people across the globe who play our games and use our approach to entertainment to build engagement and loyalty and to drive e-commerce. Founded in 2014 by two Dutch entrepreneurs, Azerion has experienced rapid expansion thanks to organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Azerion is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

About NL Cares

Committed to building a better world through direct action against systemic problems ranging from the climate crisis and inequality to homelessness and loneliness among the elderly, NL Cares assists volunteers in providing care and sharing their knowledge and expertise with the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. 

About the Surfrider Foundation the Netherlands

Surfrider Foundation the Netherlands is a foundation that fights for clean beaches and healthy seas. Surfrider runs three different campaigns in the Netherlands focused on beach clean ups, water quality measurement and ocean friendly restaurants. With these campaigns they fight pollution and create movement for a healthy ecosystem. 

Surfrider Foundation the Netherlands is part of Surfrider Foundation Europe.

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