CustomUSB Creates Unique Game of Thrones Inspired Flash Drives for Retailers Looking to Take Advantage of the Viral Trend

Case Study

These Game of Thrones inspired flash drives were created for retailers looking to provide an HBO licensed tech product for fans wishing to commemorate Game of Thrones.

Project Objective

The objective of this project was to create custom USB drives inspired by the award-winning cultural phenomenon Game of Thrones (an HBO original series based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling books ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’). We aimed to utilize our creative product solutioning skills and high quality materials in order to provide retailers and consumers with beautiful flash drives that appeal to fans of the television show.

How We Did It

The Process

This project necessitated the coordination of multiple teams working together in order to take the promotional concept from idea to reality. The process began with brainstorming sessions about the quintessential elements from the show. These ideas were eventually narrowed down to solutions that would be most compatible with a USB flash drive design. Since these devices are officially licensed by HBO, the team pitched their ideas, and HBO provided feedback on ideas they were most interested in pursuing.

After the concepts were finalized, the creative design team developed renderings in preparation of bringing the designs to life. HBO then reviewed the rendering and requested revisions, ensuring that the designs were perfectly in line with the TV show symbols. After the final design was approved, the tooling process began and pre-production samples were given to HBO for final approval. The final step in development was mass production by CustomUSB.

The People

At CustomUSB, we understood how culturally significant Game of Thrones has become, and wanted to make sure that the products produced were of high quality, which exceeded expectations of all GOT fans. In this aim, we were meticulous about the process, and getting the designs just right.

We leveraged our creative design capabilities and networking skills to obtain the rights to create these products that are now in high demand. The team overlooked no detail, and went through several artwork revisions before we settled on a packaging solution. The team utilized members who had creative vision, design skills, and those we were experts in collaboration to create a product that was aesthetically similar to the elements that appeared on Game of Thrones, while maintaining the utility of a high quality flash drive.

The Product

The CustomUSB team has created these unique Game of Thrones flash drives in a wide range of memory sizes starting at 8GB and going up to 64GB. These custom designed flash drives are made from die cast metal alloy construction, allowing for highly detailed formation and improved durability.

Using high quality memory chips, drives are waterproof, shock proof, and dust proof (and snow proof). They each have an attachment mechanism (pin, necklace, key-ring) allowing them to be both easily portable while providing a style statement. The shapes consist of iconic Game of Thrones elements such as the Stark Direwolf House sigil, the Hand of the King Pin, and the Targaryen Dragon Egg. An instant fan favorite, these products are both useful and collectible.

Final Specs

-8GB to 64GB memory capacities

-Full metal construction

-Necklace, key-ring, and functional pin attachments

-Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof

-Official HBO licensed product

Results

Our work on this project led to several large orders, including Loot Crate, a monthly subscription box that provides people with specialized merchandise. The demand for this product is a result of the time and effort that went into the exceptional production. The subsequent positive customer reactions signaled to our team that this project was a major success.

Client Feedback

“It was a cool device to take around on jobs and have people either recognize the emblem and start conversations about the show or for people to chuckle and ask about what it was from. It was a good conversation starter especially with new clients. It was one of my favorite USB drives so I purchased two to be able to use at home and on the job. If you love game of thrones you will love these flash drives.” -Curtis (Amazon Review)

Team Feedback

“Everyone at CustomUSB loves the Game of Thrones USB Drives. I have personally bought and gifted them to numerous family and friends. We also use it as a showcase piece to potential clients, as it is an immediate conversation piece that gets the ball rolling. It shows not only our creativity and attention to detail, but also shows the type of clientele we work with.”

Product Gallery

The Game of Thrones Market

Game of Thrones merchandise has skyrocketed. The popularity of the show, and the recent Game of Thrones series finale have left fans wanting to commemorate their love of the program. There has been a rise in products looking to take advantage of this sentiment, with brands selling everything from themed makeup to thermoses. We are proud to offer this niche market a product that not only accurately represents important aspects of the show, but does so with a quality product that can be used everyday, and for many years. We could not be happier with the final product, or the overwhelmingly positive reviews from retailers and customers.

Results and Impact

-Collaboration across design and logistics teams

-Licensing partnership with HBO Global Licensing

-Three unique and accurate Game of Thrones USB designs

-500,000 units sold to Lootcrate

-Positive online and video reviews from customers