Bandits stole the proof.
A recent press release by Catan‘s publisher, Asmodee Games, announces a collaboration with “premium design and footwear sourcing company” Plainview Shoes, but it’s not readily apparent what those shoes may look like.
The release includes no images, mock-ups, or any indication of the footwear’s design: It is ostensibly a licensing announcement and nothing more. While such announcements are sometimes made in business, it’s unusual to see clothing and footwear deals without accompanying visuals, even if they’re only aspirational.
When SEGA and Puma announced their crossover for Sonic the Hedgehog the final product was obscured in the initial announcement video and accompanying press release. There’s an immediate sense of what Puma x Sonic may look like from the video.
The Levi’s x Super Mario Bros collaboration was similarly announced with only a small part of the collection revealed–again via tweet–before the press and consumers were shown the entire collection.
With a “2021” release window, it’s likely much of the work designing the shoes is yet to come, but such an announcement is either too early or otherwise meaningless. Plainview claims, in the announcement, to having a licensing deal with Capcom, but no such announcement is public between Plainview or its affiliated brands and the legendary Mega Man publisher.
Even Plainview’s website is moot on that particular detail; their About Us page lists working with brands such as Walmart, Seychelles, and Lotto, but features no mention of Capcom.
The website is somewhat opaque in its presentation. A heading titled “CATALOG” takes viewers to a password protected page while “OUR PRODUCTS” showcases a smattering of potential designs. It’s likely Plainview’s business is creating products for others to sell under their own umbrella, as their About Us page notes they create shoes “ready for customization based on each partners’ aesthetics”.
We’ve reached out for comment from the companies on when more details about such a collaboration may be publicly available.
-Additional reporting by Evan McIntosh