Future+ Fridays | Issue56

1. NYX professional makeup launches Minecraft movie-inspired beauty collection

What's Happening

NYX Cosmetics has teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures to launch a limited-edition makeup collection inspired by the upcoming Minecraft movie, set to hit theatres on April 4, 2025. The collection, which features blushes, highlighters, lip products, and more, embraces the game’s signature pixelated aesthetic with stackable packaging. It will be available online starting March 19, 2025, with a global release following on March 24, just in time for the highly anticipated film starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Meyers, and Jennifer Coolidge.

TLDR:

• NYX collaborates with Warner Bros. Pictures for a "Minecraft" movie-themed makeup line.​

• The collection includes blushes, highlighters, lip products, and more.​

• Products feature unique, stackable packaging reflecting the game's aesthetic.​

• Available online at NYXCosmetics.com starting March 19, 2025.​

• Global availability begins on March 24, 2025.​

• The "Minecraft" movie stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Meyers, and Jennifer Coolidge.​

Why It Matters

This collaboration merges the worlds of beauty and gaming, offering fans a unique way to celebrate the "Minecraft" universe. By integrating game-inspired elements into makeup products, NYX appeals to both beauty enthusiasts and gamers, highlighting the growing intersection of these communities. The collection's launch aligns with the movie's release, providing fans with themed products to enhance their viewing experience.

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2. Marina Abramović unveils new NFT drop to connect with a younger generation

What’s Happening

Renowned performance artist Marina Abramović is launching Marina Abramović Element (MAE), an NFT project in collaboration with digital art platform TAEX. Set to debut in May 2025, the collection explores themes of Art, Life, and the Marina Abramović Method, with NFTs available in three rarity levels: still images (Ordinary), looped animations (Rare), and interactive, moon-synced animations (Epic). A gamified element lets collectors earn "Transformation Crystals" to unlock exclusive 5D MAE NFTs. The project will conclude in November 2025 with The Great Mint, a final release of rare NFTs. A preview event is scheduled at London’s Moco Museum on April 8, 2025.

TLDR:

• Marina Abramović is releasing Marina Abramović Element (MAE), an NFT series in partnership with TAEX.

• The collection consists of three themed NFT drops—Art, Life, and Marina Abramović Method.

• NFTs come in three rarity levels: still images (Ordinary), looped animations (Rare), and moon-synced animations (Epic).

• A gamified element allows users to collect "Transformation Crystals" to unlock exclusive 5D MAE NFTs.

• The project concludes in November 2025 with The Great Mint, a final opportunity to acquire rare 5D NFTs.

• A preview event will take place on April 8, 2025, at London’s Moco Museum.

Why It Matters

This project represents a bold move by Abramović into the digital art space, merging performance art with blockchain technology to create interactive, evolving works. By integrating elements of gaming and lunar cycles, the project pushes the boundaries of how digital art can function beyond static collectibles. It also signals a growing trend of major contemporary artists embracing NFTs to reach younger, tech-savvy audiences. With this project, Abramović is not just digitizing her work but reimagining how performance art can be experienced and owned in a decentralized digital world.

3. Estée Lauder partners with Adobe to enhance digital marketing with AI

What’s Happening

The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) is integrating Adobe’s generative AI tool, Firefly, into its Adobe Creative Cloud workflows to enhance digital marketing efficiency and accelerate content creation. This initiative is part of ELC’s Beauty Reimagined strategy, which focuses on digital transformation and consumer-centric marketing. MAC Cosmetics, one of ELC’s flagship brands, was the first to adopt Firefly, using AI-powered tools to streamline creative production. Now, ELC is expanding this technology across its portfolio, allowing brands to create high-quality visuals and campaigns faster while maintaining brand consistency.

TLDR:

• ELC is integrating Adobe Firefly’s generative AI into its marketing workflows.

• MAC Cosmetics was the first ELC brand to adopt Firefly, paving the way for company-wide expansion.

• The goal is to speed up content creation, enhance efficiency, and maintain brand consistency.

• This initiative supports ELC’s Beauty Reimagined strategy for digital innovation.

• AI-powered tools will allow teams to focus on creativity while automating repetitive tasks.

Why It Matters

Major beauty brands are increasingly turning to AI to keep up with the growing demand for digital content. With competitors like L'Oréal and Coty also investing in AI-driven marketing, ELC’s adoption of Firefly ensures it remains at the forefront of digital transformation. By automating aspects of content creation, ELC can produce campaigns faster, personalize marketing at scale, and respond more dynamically to trends. As AI becomes a standard tool in beauty marketing, companies that embrace it early will have a competitive edge in engaging consumers more effectively.

4. Cartoon Network enhances Roblox experience with theme park expansion

What’s Happening

Cartoon Network has expanded its Cartoon Network Game On! experience on Roblox with a new theme park update. Players can now design and manage custom parks featuring attractions based on shows like The Amazing World of Gumball, We Bare Bears, and Ben 10. The update introduces over 30 attractions, with new additions planned weekly. Players can personalize their parks with decorations, handle maintenance tasks like cleaning up litter, and soon, welcome virtual VIP visitors and customize in-game music.

TLDR:

• Cartoon Network Game On! now includes a tycoon-style theme park mode.

• Players can create attractions based on popular Cartoon Network shows.

• The update launches with 30 attractions, with more added weekly.

• Customization options include decorations, park maintenance, and upcoming VIP visitors.

Why It Matters

Cartoon Network joins other major brands like SpongeBob SquarePants, Barbie, and Sonic the Hedgehog in expanding its presence on Roblox. These companies recognize the platform as a key way to engage younger audiences through interactive experiences. By blending creativity, gaming, and brand storytelling, Cartoon Network strengthens fan connections and stays relevant in a digital-first entertainment landscape where brands are increasingly using metaverse-style experiences to build loyalty.

5. Walmart launches AI-powered merchant assistant 'Wally'

What’s Happening

Walmart has launched Wally, a generative AI-powered assistant designed to help merchants source products, analyze performance, and streamline operations. Wally processes complex data, diagnoses product issues, and simplifies forecasting, allowing merchants to make informed decisions quickly. The AI tool enables users to ask natural-language questions, making data-driven insights more accessible without technical expertise.

TLDR:

• Walmart introduces Wally, an AI assistant for merchants.

• It helps with product sourcing, performance analysis, and operational efficiency.

• Wally can diagnose issues, provide insights, and simplify complex forecasts.

• Merchants can interact with Wally using simple, conversational queries.

Why It Matters

Retailers like Amazon and Target are also integrating AI to optimize operations, making Walmart’s move essential for staying competitive. By automating data analysis, Wally allows merchants to focus on strategic decisions, improving product availability and customer experience. As AI adoption accelerates in retail, tools like Wally will play a key role in driving efficiency and innovation.