Legend Story Studios has been recognised for its “unexpected but extremely effective” brand building strategy at the 2023 New Zealand International Business Awards (NZIBAs).
The Auckland-based game and multimedia design company was launched by founder and CEO James White to change the global Trading Card Game (TCG) industry.
In 2019, after seven years of development, it officially launched its first game Flesh and Blood, which has catapulted the organisation’s success and cemented its reputation in the industry.
This led to an unprecedented 6416% revenue growth over the next three years, which saw the organisation take out the number one spot on the 2022 Deloitte Fast 50 index.
A key aspect to the organisation’s growth has been Legend Story Studio’s brand strategy, which won the Excellence in Brand Storytelling category at the NZIBA awards on Thursday 23 November.
The category, sponsored by New Zealand Story, recognises international storytelling and marketing strategies that have raised global awareness of Aotearoa New Zealand and strengthened offshore perceptions.
Judges were particularly impressed with how Legend Story Studios has developed a brand and product that is “completely unexpected” and achieved outstanding market penetration.
James White says the win is a tremendous honour, and a success for the entire industry.
“Legend Story Studios winning the award is a huge boost for the gaming industry in New Zealand, raising the profile of gaming studios as a force of nature in New Zealand as the sector continues to rise. I want to thank the players of our game, the stores who stock us, our entire community and the team which has helped us win this prestigious award,” White says.
Legend Story Studios was a finalist amongst five other businesses from a range of industries and sectors including period underwear company AWWA, mountain bike product manufacturer Kids Ride Shotgun, New Zealand's largest dedicated single malt distillery The Pōkeno Whisky Company, and honey pioneers TranzAlpine Honey and Egmont Honey.
David Downs, Chief Executive of New Zealand Story and convenor of judges for the Awards says he was delighted with the calibre and variety of entries this year.
“We have an incredible range of businesses which are showcasing the best of New Zealand innovation and excellence on an international stage,” he says.
“Congratulations to the team at Legend Story Studios who have executed an innovative brand strategy, that has successfully driven awareness and support from a niche audience and the broader public.”
To find out more about Legend Story Studios, visit https://legendstory.com/.