SANRIO, Inc. Partners with Hyper Hippo on Digital Project

hello sanrio initiative to be introduced at Game Developers Conference

Sanrio and Hyper Hippo Games, a leading independent and innovative games studio, have partnered to develop a suite of lifestyle apps themed to the new hello sanrio brand that celebrates Sanrio's core foundation of social communication. The digital initiative supporting hello sanrio will explore the world of Sanrio through Hello Kitty and multiple characters from Sanrio's design legacy including Keroppi, Chococat, Badtz-Maru, My Melody, Pompompurin, Gudetama, and more. The hello sanrio suite of apps will be announced tomorrow at Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, with first previews appearing at the Facebook booth, on Thursday afternoon, March 17.

"The hello sanrio app family will combine social communication and our legendary breadth of characters to offer fans a new touch point to experience the brand," said Jill Koch, Sr. Vice President of Brand Management and Marketing of Sanrio, Inc. "This marks the first time Sanrio, Inc. will launch a new brand with digital content and merge the worlds of our characters so they can interact with one another. Our goal is to provide a platform for fans to connect and engage with each other and Sanrio's expansive family of characters."

The hello sanrio suite of lifestyle apps will officially launch to consumers in Summer 2016. The apps will offer fans an immersive social experience on mobile devices and PC while bringing fans together, giving them a place to connect, discover, express themselves and experience the world of Sanrio in a new way. This is the first platform of its kind for Sanrio, utilizing a broad range of applications simultaneously while connecting fans with friends, family members and other Sanrio fans, all through the uniquely supercute world of Sanrio. Fans can get an early glimpse of hello sanrio development, engage and give input through the hello sanrio social media channels.

"We love how Sanrio's founding principles of social communication and the sharing of small gifts is a perfect fit with today's digital world," says Lance Priebe, CEO of Hyper Hippo. "Hyper Hippo is thrilled to be creating a new and unique suite of lifestyle apps for fans of Hello Kitty and her many friends."

For more information, visit www.sanrio.com/hellosanrio and follow hello sanrio on Facebook (@hellosanrioapp) and Twitter (@hellosanrioapp) to be among the first to get sneak peeks, play game demos and share feedback.

About Hyper Hippo
Hyper Hippo creates virtual worlds and video games that are played by millions of fans around the world. Founded in 2012 by the creator of Club Penguin, Hyper Hippo builds games that are available on mobile, Steam and soon on major consoles. Based in beautiful British Columbia, Hyper Hippo brings together an exceptional team that is constantly innovating and exploring new ideas in game design. Major titles for Hyper Hippo include Adventure Capitalist - the world’s greatest capitalism simulator, and the upcoming hello sanrio - featuring Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters.

About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who is celebrating her 40th Anniversary this year. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru and Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile' philosophy - that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 70 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

Media requests: Orsi Public Relations
Dyann Hawkins/Racine Diaz (323)874-4073
dyann@orsipr.com/racine@orsipr.com