LBC Studios Develops Bob Marley Game Without Cannabis References

Solon Bucholtz, co-founder of LBC Studios, aimed to create games that authentically represented the cannabis culture when he started the company in 2015. The studio's first game, Hempire, launched in 2017 and gained over 24 million players, prompting the studio to expand and set up a physical office in Vancouver. This growth led to collaborations with the Marley family, resulting in a new mobile rhythm game called Bob Marley's World Tour. Despite LBC's focus on cannabis-themed games, the new title will not include any cannabis references to ensure accessibility to a wider audience, particularly younger players. The game will feature original songs and remixes, with the option to expand the song list to include artists influenced by Marley's music. LBC Studios is also supporting the Marley family's preferred charity, One Tree Planted, which works towards global reforestation. According to Bucholtz, the industry's acceptance of cannabis-themed games has grown, but there are still challenges, particularly with advertising. The studio's approach to presenting cannabis in a positive and community-driven light has helped mitigate these risks, as seen with their earlier game, Hempire. While there are still limitations, such as the lack of feature spots on main store pages, Bucholtz believes that the perception of cannabis is changing, and he aims to make a meaningful impact on generations through his work in game development.