Amazon announced that customers could now use 3D printing to create and customise action figures from video games.
Since it launched its 3D printing services last year, Amazon said the number of personalised options have increased 150% in the last year. According to The Street, 3D printing is still at an embryonic stage as far as revenue is concerned, but the industry is expected to quadruple in size in four years as per Wohlers Associates forecast.
3D printing extends to gaming industry
The news to extend 3D printed products to the video game industry comes just ahead of the 46-year-old ‘Comic-Con’ convention in San Diego.
According to Steve Johnson, director for the Amazon Marketplace, the company sees great potential in gamers’ creativity. Studies have found that globally more than half a billion people play video games on different devices at least an hour a day. The number is jaw dropping in the U.S. where over 183 million people are faithful to the gaming industry.
“There is a lot of passion and excitement in the culture of gaming, as well as 3D printing, and by combining these two worlds and allowing customers to design and personalise their favourite video game characters we can bring enthusiasts even closer to the games they love,” he said.
If you are a passionate gamer and want to create a unique product to add to your collection this is the opportunity to grab.
How do you personalise 3D printed products?
Amazon joined forces with 3D printing company Sandboxr to produce customised figurines for video games Smite, Primal Carnage and Infinity Blade.
The company said it is eager to offer customers the ability to be designers and create unique items. Customers can use Amazon’s “Personalize Now” widget to choose from thousands of customised set framed poses and character options.
The future of manufacturing
The 3D printed figurines are currently available on Amazon’s Web site. They range in price from $29.99 to $89.99 and are delivered to your doorstep in one-to-three weeks.
If you though that 3D printing was popular to print small objects, oil-rich United Arab Emirates has announced plans to 3D print buildings.
