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INTERVIEW
Mark Kirk
KONAMI CROSS MEDIA
New Content Engagement through FAST Channels LM met Mark Kirk, SVP of Distribution at Konami Cross Media NY, Inc., to learn more about their FAST Channels’ Content strategy. In the meantime, new licensing deals have been announced for the upcoming season. Why is Yu-Gi-Oh! tailored-made for Fast Channels? Yu-Gi-Oh! is a perfect fit for FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) services. Its action-packed duels are easy for anyone to follow, whether they’re a dedicated fan or a casual viewer dropping in on an episode. With over 25 years of history across its series and the popular TRADING CARD GAME, the franchise has unparalleled recognition. Characters like Yugi and his iconic spiky hair evoke powerful nostalgia, while the extensive library of over 1,000 episodes makes it an ideal partner for a platform that thrives on familiar, evergreen content. What do you think the impact of the rise of Fast Channels has on the television industry? For viewers, it offers a free, familiar viewing experience as it mimics a cable offering. This is especially important as many consumers are suffering subscription fatigue.
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s features a card game call Duel Monsters
How do Fast Channels fit into the Yu-GiOh! digital strategy? For a brand like Yu-Gi-Oh!, the FAST model leverages powerful feelings of nostalgia. Viewers can turn on the channel and be instantly transported back to watching the show after school or on Saturday mornings. This familiar,