9GAG launches 'Potatoz' IP character to celebrate Christmas

Meme platform 9GAG has introduced its first original intellectual property (IP) character, “Potatoz”, alongside a citywide treasure hunt in collaboration with local restaurants inviting residents to participate this Christmas.

The inspiration for “Potatoz” comes from a 9GAG community tradition where users often conclude lengthy posts with the phrase, “Sorry for the long post, here’s a Potato,” as a humorous reward for those who read to the end. This inside joke has been transformed by the 9GAG creative team into an endearing pixel art character.

To bring the character from the digital realm to life, 9GAG is launching a collection of “Potatoz” merchandise, including plushies, cushions, pins, and stickers. The collection features two blind box plushie series: the Potatoz Buttdy blind box series, with five designs (Santa Potatoz, Star Potatoz, Punk Potatoz, Robber Potatoz, and Cloak Potatoz), and the mini Potatoz blind box series, which includes Potatoz in fluffy plant pots, available in six colour variations and one hidden edition. All merchandise is available on the official 9GAG online shop.

To further engage with the audience, 9GAG will feature “Potatoz” in person at the Amazing Toy Show, a major annual event in Hong Kong for designer toys, art toys, and pop culture collectibles. The event will take place from 12 to 14 December in the grand ballroom at Hopewell Hotel, Wan Chai.

As part of its official offline debut, 9GAG will use a custom-designed farm truck to transport “Potatoz”, offering a unique Hong Kong-style photo opportunity. Fans are invited to come and “dig up” some “Potatoz” while experiencing the charm of this new IP firsthand.

9GAG is also launching a themed city hunt called “Golden P”, collaborating with over 20 food and beverage brands across nearly 40 restaurants to give away “golden potatoes”. The first 2,000 people who join the “Potatoz Club” and spend HK$200 or more at the official 9GAG shop will be eligible to participate.

From 24 to 31 December, members can visit any partner restaurant, present their membership QR code, and redeem a complimentary portion of french fries or other fried potato snacks. Additionally, 150 “Golden P” participation slots will be reserved daily at the Amazing Toy Show.

In a special collaboration, 9GAG has also partnered with Ocean Park Hong Kong. In addition to the Golden Fried Chicken restaurant participating in the “Golden P” campaign, visitors can head to the Giant Panda Adventure to see a limited-time seasonal theme featuring the giant panda cubs – elder sister Jia Jia and little brother De De, and “Potatoz.” 

This campaign not only lets you “dig” for “Potatoz” but also supports local businesses and celebrates Christmas with the Hong Kong dining scene. Most importantly, the unique and tempting flavour of “Potatoz” is an experience not to be missed!

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to 9GAG for more information.

Don't miss: MemeStrategy acquires trading card brand Grade10

Back in November, 9GAG's virtual asset ecosystem venture, MemeStrategy, entered the rapidly growing trading card market with its acquisition of the Asian brand Grade10.

MemeStrategy will leverage Grade10’s brand equity to establish a strong presence in the trading card space, with plans to host trading card shows across key Asian markets and provide the vault — a professional trading card storage service, fostering a community of high-end collectors. In parallel, the company will develop an AI-powered card information platform, dedicated to providing high-quality tools for the trading card community.

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