NextMe Powers Peacock’s Twisted Metal Activation with IHEARTCOMIX at San Diego Comic Con
At San Diego Comic Con 2025, Peacock and IHEARTCOMIX launched the Twisted Metal series with an immersive brand activation that pulled fans straight into the chaos of the show. The highlight was the Bumper Battle where attendees got behind the wheel of remote controlled bumper cars styled after the iconic vehicles from the series. Guests battled it out in a custom designed arena while surrounded by high energy staging, music, and brand moments that recreated the gritty spirit of Twisted Metal. Using NextMe, Peacock was able to offer Fast Lane RSVPs alongside a digital queue for walk ups. The result was one of the most immersive and popular activations at Comic Con.
Photos courtesy of IHC.
The Challenge
Drawing over 15,000 fans, Peacock needed a way to manage the massive crowds, comply with San Diego’s strict safety regulations around sidewalks, capture digital waivers, and deliver a top-notch digital waiting experience that would leave fans with an amazing impression of Peacock and the Twisted Metal series.
Crowd control
With such high demand, staff needed a way to stay within venue capacity and manage fan expectations while they waited.
Waiver collection
Since the activation involved a ride, collecting liability waivers threatened to slow down the check-in process.
Brand experience
Peacock wanted to ensure that fans had an immersive and premium brand experience from start to finish. Long, chaotic lines would detract from these goals.
Photos courtesy of IHC.
The Solution
NextMe worked with Peacock and IHEARTCOMIX to implement a digital check-in flow that would meet their brand goals and prevent overcrowding:
Fast Lane and walk up queues
NextMe set up a dual guest flow system. Fans with RSVPs for preferred time windows (limited supply each day) accessed the Fast Lane while walk ups joined a digital standby queue. This eliminated the need for long physical lines and allowed more fans to participate.
Digital waiver collection
Peacock added their waiver directly into the Self Check-in form instead of trying to collect waivers physically. This sped up registration immensely and ensured compliance without slowing down throughput.
Compliance with city regulations
NextMe helped the activation team comply with San Diego’s regulations on clearing crowds from public walkways and train track areas. By shifting fans into a virtual queue, sidewalks stayed clear and safety rules were fully met.
Virtual waiting room
Fans waiting virtually were able to access a branded Virtual Waiting Room where they found FAQs, information on what to expect inside, real time updates on their spot in line, and entertainment for downtime. This kept fans comfortable and engaged while reducing congestion around the activation site.
The Results
NextMe helped give Twisted Metal the Comic Con debut it deserved by creating a chaos free, high energy experience:
Maximized throughput
15,000+ fans got a chance to experience the activation, a number that wouldn’t have been possible without the efficiencies of NextMe’s digital registration system.
Reduced wait times
By offering a Fast Lane and convenient time slots, fans were able to experience the activation with minimal wait times.
Retained 97.4% of fans
A simple and intuitive check-in process meant more fans were retained and fewer left out of confusion or frustration.
Delivered a delightful fan experience
Attendees raved about the convenience of digital queues and the Disney-style Fast Lane experience which contributed to the overall success of the activation.
NextMe literally saved our activation. Between the digital waivers and helping us stay compliant with the city of San Diego on crowd control, they made everything seamless. Couldn’t have pulled it off without them.
Bianca P., Senior Producer @ IHC