Escape the Dark: The Last of Us
Licensed Merchandise and IP & Franchise Management
Challenge: Partner with a board game developer to create an authentic The Last of Us experience, and bring it to tabletop. While experience something authentic, the game must adhere to brand lore and guidelines to make sure to not infringe on already told stories, explore new narratives or new characters.
My Role: Creative partnership lead—primary point-of-contact between Sony Interactive Entertainment and Themeborne, directing art for character likeness and environmental storytelling, managing all legal approvals and brand compliance.
Delivered: Kickstarter campaign hit full funding within one month, raising over $1 million total, allowing the final product to have a standard and colelctor's edition; including full base game, modelled figures, cardstock backed boards, and soft touch playmat. Game received 2025 UK Games Expo Award nomination for Player's Choice Award, validating the quality of IP translation and partnership execution.
Year
2021-2023
Client
Themeborne
PlayStation
Scope
Creative Direction / Licensing and Merchandise Development / IP and Franchise Management
Website
www.themeborne.com
Awards and Nominations
UK Games Expo Award Nominee: Player's Choice
Escape the Dark Created by: Thomas Pike, Alex Crispin, James Shelton
Game Developers: Thomas Pike, Alex Crispin, James Shelton, Jean-Duval Du Toit
Art & Creative Director (Naughty Dog & SIE): Joshua Bradley
3D Models and Texture Files: Naughty Dog Character Team & Themeborne
Artist & Graphic Designer: Alex Crispin
Writer: Thomas Pike
Editor: Pedro Latro
©2022 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Created and developed by Naughty Dog LLC. “The Last of Us” is a registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC and related companies in the U.S. and other countries. “PlayStation Family Mark” is a registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
©2022 Themeborne LLC