Luna Blast fuses mobile gaming and wellness to create immersive entertainment experiences

In a world where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common among children, the surge in obesity at an earlier age and its complications is a serious concern. Working alongside the industry’s leading game developers and publishers, mobile entertainment company, Luna Blast, combines the power of sport with the rising wellness wave to create mobile games that inspire, educate, and entertain. The company aims to redefine the landscape of traditional sports by immersing players in dynamic, highly interactive narrative worlds with strong characters and inspiring stories. In doing so, its game titles promote healthy habits and positive lifestyle choices by integrating smart technology into its games, while fostering a vibrant sense of community through social and multiplayer features. 

Industry overview and challenges 

Between 2019 and 2020, an estimated 23% of children aged four to five in England were overweight or living with obesity, showing a 21.9% increase from five years prior [1]. Research also indicates that almost one in four children in the UK aged 10 and 11 are obese [1]. Parallel trends are evident in the US, where approximately one-third of children grapple with the challenges of being overweight or obese [2]. In the UK, the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns further exacerbated these concerns as obesity rates increased by 45% in four-to-five-year-olds and by 21% in 10-to-11-year-olds. In addition, the proportion of children leaving primary school overweight, obese or severely obese remains much higher than before the pandemic [3]. The gravity of this issue is compounded by the fact that children are not only experiencing obesity at an earlier age but are also struggling with its implications for more extended periods. This is a problem that is increasingly prevalent across the world [4].  

While the gaming industry has historically been considered synonymous with a lethargic, unhealthy lifestyle, Luna Blast believes that the sector possesses untapped potential to influence active lifestyles and positive lifestyle choices. Interactive video games, often called exergames, offer gamers an exciting alternative to traditional exercise [5]. One of the best-known examples is Pokémon Go. The Pokémon Go phenomenon demonstrated the positive impact that gaming could have on both physical activity levels and social and psychological wellbeing [6]. For at-home exercise in a gamified setting, the tremendous success of the Just Dance series is also worth noting. The first edition was released in 2009, and a new version has been released every year since [7]. Studies have indicated that using digital devices with exercise-related games may increase a user’s physical activity [6]. Other positive side-effects include a lower level of psychological distress, increased life satisfaction, and improved social interactions with friends and family [6].  

Despite such successes, the fusion of gaming with health and wellness remains largely unexplored. Luna Blast has identified this unique market opportunity, and its games are focused on closing the gap between the stereotypical gaming lifestyle with health and wellness by harnessing the full potential of smart technology, including step counts and fitness trackers that are already integrated into smart phones. According to Skyquest, the gaming market was valued at $118.3bn in 2023 and is projected to grow to value of $138.6bn by 2031, increasing at a CAGR of 17.1% in the forecast period 2024 to 2031 [8]. The mobile gaming industry is highly lucrative and fast-growing, and increased government support has accelerated advancements in the local gaming sector. According to Luna Blast, the number of active gamers is set to reach 3.6bn by 2025 as a result of new technology, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, further elevating the market offering.  

Introducing Luna Blast 

Luna Blast, which is the trading name of Planet Entertainment Limited, believes that its games possess the transformative power to educate young audiences about the profound positive effects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle on performance, as well as mental and physical well-being.  

According to the company, Luna Blast achieves this by blending highly immersive narrative worlds and compelling characters with smart technology that tracks and rewards real-life fitness, promoting healthy habits and positive lifestyle choices for young gamers, while creating a sense of community and belonging.  

The company has received interim certification from the British Film Institute for promoting British culture and values, which allows it to apply for Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR). VGTR is a valuable incentive that allows game studios to claim a cash repayment or tax relief from the government after they have spent money on game development [9].  

How does Luna Blast work? 

Luna Blast’s inaugural mobile game, Planet of Champions Soccer, is a free-to-play online multiplayer series that challenges users from around the world to go head-to-head in dynamic, fun and addictive soccer matches. Currently available on Google Play in limited markets, the game integrates with smart technology and offers a story-rich environment where players can create and manage their own soccer team. The abilities of their team will depend on both in-game mechanics and real-life fitness that will keep players engaged in the game while rewarding them for making positive lifestyle choices. 

 Luna Blast reports it has created unique features such as the Training Trail, which acts as a source and measure of energy that mirrors the real-world benefits of embracing healthy lifestyles. Player progression along the Training Trail directly correlates with the enhanced competitiveness of their in-game experience.  

To bring the Training Trail to life, the company reports that Luna Blast’s games can monitor real-world fitness metrics, including step counts and exercise movements, to encourage players to actively engage in physical activities and, in turn, unlock valuable in-game bonuses. Planet of Champions Soccer includes other features, such as daily targets and dietary and training goals that look to instil a sense of consistency and discipline among its players. 

What’s next for Luna Blast? 

The company has chosen to use Floww’s innovative infrastructure to facilitate its funding efforts as it pursues its future goals.  

Luna Blast plans to launch further game titles over the next three years. According to the company, these titles will share a cutting-edge architecture that will streamline both the development process and the in-game experience. 

 Luna Blast aims to create a world of sport-based games where users can take their customised avatars from one world to the next. The company reports that its inaugural release, Game of Champions Soccer, is the result of a collaborative effort with Playerthree, a renowned BAFTA award-winning gaming studio [10], as well as strategic partnerships with leading experts in the industry. Luna Blast claims that its partners include character design and game economy experts such as Ravegan and Naavik. 

*Floww Markets Limited is a company authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Firm reference number 980098.

The information and imagery contained within this article does not represent the opinions of Floww. Floww does not have a view on opinions provided by Planet Entertainment Limited in this article and elsewhere where they may be expressed, and is not responsible or liable for the information within this article.