Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
Sir Torquil Norman passed away this week. I once had the pleasure of sitting next to him at the U.K. Inventor Dinner in the Churchill War Rooms, where he playfully asked me to remove my pearls which he then used to perform an illusion, entertaining and charming all at the table. He was larger than life.
Afterward, he sent me a signed copy of his book, Kick the Tyres, Light the Fires, which I devoured cover to cover. I’ll now read it again, revisiting his thoughts and adventures of renovating a barge for family vacations, flying over the ocean in a small touring plane, and so much more. Among his many remarkable achievements is how he revived London’s historic Roundhouse, where we once hosted a Young Inventor Challenge summer program and brought Polly Pocket to the world.
Since meeting him, I don’t think a week has passed without him crossing my mind at least once. He inspired me to "Kick the Tyres and Light the Fires," in my own life, and I like to think I do — though certainly not with the same grandeur. Our deepest condolences go out to his family—especially to Casey, who is well known and greatly appreciated by so many of us in the inventor community.
Sir Torquil Patrick Alexander Norman is a British businessman, aircraft enthusiast, and arts philanthropist. He studied at Eton College, Harvard University, and Trinity College, Cambridge, served his National Service in the Fleet Air Arm, and worked as an investment banker in the United States for 11 years before returning to the United Kingdom and making his entre into the toy industry. He started out as the chief executive of Berwick Timpo toy company, but in 1980 founded Bluebird Toys, the company that created the Big Yellow Teapot House, the Big Red Fun Bus, and of course, the Polly Pocket line of dolls.
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Mary and the POP Team
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People of the Week: Kathleen Campisano & Michael Keaton
The Toy Foundation™ Appoints New Chair and Welcomes Five New Members to Board of Trustees
The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) Board of Trustees appointed Kathleen Campisano, global chief marketing officer & general manager of Beacon Media Group, as chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, on February 28. Campisano, alongside newly appointed Vice Chair Michael Keaton and TTF’s Executive Director Pam Mastrota, will lead the Foundation in implementing aspects of The Toy Association’s three-year action plan to serve and unite members behind philanthropic initiatives that deliver the comfort of play to children when they need it most.
“We are deeply grateful for Andy Quartin, CEO of Thames & Kosmos, who served as our chair the past two years and implemented a strategic action plan to exponentially grow our collective impact on children in need. His unwavering commitment to our mission has left an indelible mark on The Toy Foundation,” Mastrota said. “As we look to expand our work through The Toy Association’s action plan, Kathleen’s vast skillset and enthusiasm will steer our efforts to become the preeminent philanthropic partner for the entire toy industry as we strive to reach even more children with the power of play.” Read More...
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to the person who wishes to remain anonymous for the cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali, boxer and activist
Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary
Happiest of Birthdays to colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!
Ralph Anspach - RIP
Financial and Legal
The bankruptcy trustee in the Diamond Comic Distributors Chapter 11 bankruptcy case has filed an objection to employee bonus programs requested by the co, and to the request to redact information about the programs from public documents. Diamond’s motion was filed on March 6, and the objection was filed on March 20, one day after initial bids for co. assets were due, and 4 days before the auction.
China’s Government Is Short of Money as Its Leaders Face Trump. The decline means that China’s national government has less money to address the country’s serious economic challenges, including a housing market crash and the near bankruptcy of hundreds of local governments. Weak tax revenue also puts China’s leaders in a box as they square off with President Trump, who has imposed 20% tariffs...
Hornby, the scale model manufacturing company, has announced its plans to go private, with the hope to avoid regulatory hurdles and cut costs. This was under the advisement of Mike Ashley, the British retail entrepreneur and founder of Frasers Group. Hornby shared that it plans to cut its shares off London’s AIM Stock Exchange, a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange. It cited regulatory burdens...
Canadian Devs Are Backing Out of Attending GDC. Amid deteriorating relations between the US and Canada, many Canadian video game developers are opting not to travel to San Francisco for next week’s Game Developers Conference. Every year, several key gaming events take place in the US, including DICE, PAX West and PAX East, Summer Games Fest, and GDC; it was also the home of the now defunct E3.
Beyond sells majority stake in Zulily for $5My. Beyond last month said it’s pursuing multiple paths to achieve profitability. But Zulily no longer appears to be part of that plan. With the sale to Lyons Trading Company, Zulily is now on its fourth owner in less than two years.
New York to Consider Bill to Strengthen Consumer Protection Law. New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a new bill designed to strengthen the state’s consumer protection law, saying the bill is needed at a time when the federal government is rolling back similar protections.
Caution Clouds Walmart and Amazon Outlook as Shoppers Tighten Budgets. Mark your calendar for earnings reports. For Amazon it’s April 29. For Walmart it’s May 15. If you have any stake or interest in the fortunes of the American consumer, those dates will be ones to watch.
Retail Suppliers ‘Completely Under the Gun’ Amid Tariff Pressure. Retailers are seeking discounts from suppliers and raising prices on goods amid America’s tariff efforts. As The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Sunday (March 16), a lot of this activity has thus far centered on products from China.
How Walmart Built the Biggest Threat Amazon Has Faced. Walmart has become a serious competitor to Amazon in e-commerce by leveraging its vast network of stores for quick delivery, particularly for groceries and other everyday essentials.
New tariffs on Chinese goods hit U.S. toy industry. The U.S. toy industry with an annual retail sales of over 28 billion U.S. dollars is scrambling to cope with the extra tariffs imposed on goods imported from China. The new tariffs leave U.S. toy brands like MasterPieces with few choices but to share the burden.
Forever 21 files for bankruptcy in the US. Forever 21 could be a step closer to shutting down operations in the US after the brand's operating company filed for bankruptcy protection. The firm said in a statement that its stores and website in the US will remain open as it begins winding down.
Pepco appoints advisors for Poundland sale. Pepco, the owner of Poundland, has formally appointed advisors at Teneo, a corporate consulting, strategy and advisory firm, to handle the sale of the chain. Last week, Pepco announced that it was looking into the sale of Poundland, due to on-going challenges.
Mattel to lay off 120 workers in latest cost-cutting move. Mattel, the toymaker behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, is laying off 120 workers from its El Segundo headquarters, according to a notice provided to state and local officials.
D&D: WotC Just Laid Off a Major Chunk of Its Virtual Tabletop Team. According to a Linkedin post from a now-former developer, 90% of the team working on D&D’s “Sigil” have been laid off.
What 25 retail leaders are saying about tariffs. From price increase warnings to confidence that vendor relationships will help ride out the storm, retailers have been responding to the recent onslaught of tariff changes by the Trump administration. Here's how the retail C-suite plans to weather tariffs.
Court Approves Increase in Diamond Credit Limit. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Maryland issued an order approving an increase in the amount of money available to Diamond Comic Distributors under its debtor-in-possession financing agreement.
New China tariffs may mean higher toy prices, but Mattel and Hasbro are working to blunt the impact. America’s two biggest publicly owned toymakers may be forced to raise prices if 20% tariffs on imports from China remain in place, but both companies have mitigation strategies to blunt the impact.
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Financial Reporting
Board game crowdfunding major CMON issues profit warning, says losses could exceed $2m for 2024.
The hobby games market stabilized in 2024, after the huge surge in sales during the Covid pandemic and the changes to the market after the pandemic ended. The result was a solid year with sales at a continuing high level, still roughly 70% higher than they were in 2019.
Hobbycraft restructuring may be on the cards. Modella Capital is considering a restructuring of the crafts chain, which it acquired last year. The private equity firm has hired advisors at FRP to explore potential options including a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), according to Sky News.
Fenwick seeks restructuring experts amidst ongoing financial challenges. Fenwick has sought out the help of restructuring experts from AlixPartners as it reports a pre-tax loss of £38.1m for the year to January 2024, following a 5.2% decline in sales.
China’s retail sales strengthen at the start of the year, meeting expectations. Economic data for the first two months of the year showed a modest pickup as Beijing plans to bolster domestic consumption.
Netflix’s best film ROI comes from acquisitions. And kids & family features have more longevity on the platform than other content genres, according to a new study by Ampere Analysis.
U.S. Gamers Hit Pause on Spending as Sales Decline. U.S. video game hardware, content, and accessories sales fell 6% last month compared to a year ago, bringing the February total to $4.5 billion.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Electronic Table Games Boom: The Next Big Play in the Casino Industry.
*** The above posted after tBR ciruclated on March 21st ***
THE TEN MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES 2025
The Best and Biggest Video Games of 2025 So Far, According to NPR Staff and Contributors
Generation Z saw the sharpest increase in the number of people living paycheck to paycheck over the past two years. The share of Gen Z consumers living paycheck to paycheck leapt from 57% in January 2023 to 69% in January 2025.
Chinese animation gains popularity among young audiences. Once overshadowed by Japanese anime and U.S. animation, Chinese animation is now experiencing a surge in popularity.
Are US tariffs bringing manufacturing back to Canada? Canadian firms are having a growing conversation about the need for more homegrown production.
Talking Toys and Tariffs on CGTN Global Business. Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined CGTN to discuss how new tariffs will affect the toy industry.
How Influential Are the Influencers? It’s Complicated. The influence of influencers when it comes to commerce may be a bit overstated, according to a new intelligence report by PYMNTS
Ethical Supply Chain Program publishes 2024 Worker Well-Being Impact Report. The Worker Well-Being Impact Report showcases the progress made in improving the lives of workers.
Blind boxes may hold pleasant surprise for non-toy retailers. Mystery collectibles continue to capture the imagination of both serious and casual buyers worldwide.
FULL YEAR 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN – TOP 20 MANGA GRAPHIC NOVELS
Full Year 2024 Circana Bookscan – Top 20 Author and Superhero Graphic Novels. There’s an intriguing variety of titles on the lists of the Top 20 best-selling Author and Superhero graphic novels.
Full Year 2024 Circana Bookscan – Top 20 Adult And Kids Graphic Novels. There are a lot of similarities among the books that made the lists of the Top 20 best-selling Adult and Kids graphic novels.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Why Does Big Bird Look So Sad? Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind “Sesame Street,” is confronting what executives have described as a “perfect storm” of problems. Times are tough on Sesame Street. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit responsible for Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and the rest of the stars of “Sesame Street,” is confronting what executives have described as a “perfect storm” of problems.
Richard Wilkinson’s Star Wars Bugs. Brighton-based illustrator Richard Wilkinson blends our love of collecting with the richness of the natural world in a whimsical series of imaginary, Star Wars-inspired insects. Some of the visual analogies are subtle, like an all-black Darth Vader fly. But others, like a Yoda beetle, are charmingly familiar.
From the ToyBook Editor: Trump, Tariffs, Layoffs, & Price Hikes. Price increases and layoffs begin as consumer confidence slumps and uncertainty looms… While those within the toy industry and its adjacent realms know this well, the majority on the outside, including consumers, politicians, and legislators, are not aware of the nuances of the business. “You’d be hard-pressed to find another segment of the consumer...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated March 21st ***
John Baulch, Toy World - When the going gets tough … it’s the Friday Blog! As those of you who subscribe to Circana data will know, the year has got off to a highly respectable start – the headline news is that the UK toy market has seen sales increase by +7% in value and +3% in units for the months of January and February, and hopefully March has continued that trend. Obviously this performance is most welcome, as...
The Playground Podcast: From the Floor at Toy Fair: In this episode James Zahn of Toy Book and Toy Insider, John Baulch of Toy World UK, and Chris talk about the show, the products, the toy biz, and the year ahead. It’s the 7th time these three industry experts have sat down to have a conversation about the toys and the times.
The tops of Toy Fair 2025, according to Rubber Ninja: an opinion piece in Global Toy News. After a multi-year hiatus and one cross-country move, Rubber Ninja Vadim Govorov – commercial diver/maritime expert/underwater construction worker/clay sculptor/plaything maker/sketch artist/graphic novelist/raconteur/mentee of iconic GLOBAL TOY NEWS founder Richard Gottlieb – returned to his amusing NYC...
The life lessons and strategies kids learned from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” stick with them as teens, according to a study from UCLA Center for Scholars & Storytellers. Key takeaways from the report on the Fred Rogers Productions preschool show include: · Nearly 12 years since its debut, teens remember “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” as a show that taught them social-emotional and life skills.
NYC parents are pushing to level the playing field — between chess kids and student athletes. The Citywide Council on High Schools on Wednesday called on the Public School Athletic League to recognize chess as a sport. The PSAL currently oversees 25 sports in city high schools, from football, basketball and baseball to soccer, table tennis and double Dutch.
Sending Children's Art to the Moon + Book Publication. Historic Moon Mission. Your child's artwork will be permanently etched and sent to the lunar surface on LifeShip's historic Lunar Pyramid Capsule mission! This isn't just art class - it's a chance to be part of human history preserved on the Moon for generations to come. Children join our guided virtual workshop where they'll explore space concepts, create visionary...
How Alabama students went from last place to rising stars in math. "We wanted to bring math alive," says Julie West, who was hired during the tumult of the pandemic to lead a districtwide math makeover. A new roadmap for teachers, along with some toys. "Instead of working out problems and models on the page," West says, "let's get 'em out and let the kids touch them. Hold them. Manipulate them."
Tariffs trigger ‘horrific’ plunge in consumer sentiment. Federal Reserve officials will likely zero in on the rise in expectations for five- to 10-year inflation from 3.5% in February to 3.9% this month, as measured in the university survey.
Are wooden toys better than plastic? Some babies play exclusively with wooden toys. Others engage with a mix of plastic and wooden. Some parents may not think much about the materials used, while others meticulously curate a play area of strictly wooden toys.
YouTube plans to limit kids’ access to low-quality content. WildBrain, Moonbug and Pinkfong are part of a brand-new Youth Digital Wellbeing Initiative to help the platform promote content that supports childhood development.
The Puppet Company teams up with The Brain Tumour Charity. The partnership will welcome Hope, a brand-new character to The Puppet Company’s Eco Sockette collection, designed to bring courage and smiles, while supporting a vital cause.
Anime's Viz-sionary. Anime started as a popular form of entertainment in Japan and has become a global phenomenon. Anime’s impact on popular culture cannot be understated, and passion from fans worldwide underscores this.
What YouTube's reign means for the way we consume culture. It's been 20 years since YouTube first launched. Culture writer Kyle Chayka explains how YouTube got so big — and how it's changing our viewing habits
24 of the cutest and cuddliest toys to hug and cherish. New toys that are as cute as they are cuddly. There is no limit to cuteness and cuddliness in the toy box. These toys provide comfort to kids throughout their childhood and continue to hold a special place in their hearts for years.
20 top toys to embrace building and exploring. Building and exploring are an essential part of childhood. Whether digging in the dirt in the backyard or building a fort on a snow day, kids love to embrace this part of childhood.
As YouTube turns 20, here are the numbers you need to know. Over the past 20 years, YouTube has cemented itself as one of the most dominant platforms in the digital landscape. Launched in 2005, the same year as Reddit, it emerged at a time when social media was still a novelty.
These 32 creative toys and kits are just around corner. One of the six major benefits of play is creativity, and for good reason. Creativity allows kids to explore their imaginations, build a sense of curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and foster empathy for others.
15 role-play toys to ignite kids’ imagination. This showcase features playsets, costume sets, more. The best pretend games always start with a bit of imagination. Imaginative play is great for encouraging social skills, problem-solving, and self-expression.
History and Nostalgia
Stuff Yer Face from Milton Bradley (1982). Stuff Yer Face used two clown puppets as the central characters in a battle to see who could consume the most marbles. Two puppets — one with green sleeves and one with yellow sleeves — were fixed to either side of the game base.
The Power of Imagination: My Fascination with Ray Guns. As a 10-year-old growing up in the 1950s, while other kids were playing cowboys and Indians or soldiers, my brain was in outer space. After school and weekend hours were filled with the adventures of Captain Video and His Video Rangers.
Licensing and Entertainment
Grammy award-winning rapper and producer Theron Thomas is working with Republic Records: Kids & Family to launch an album with his 12-year-old son, Sumo. Sumo’s World features educational lessons about handwashing, counting, the alphabet, and more with beats produced by Thomas, who has also worked with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Doja Cat, Lizzo, and more.
The J.M. Smucker Co. announced a licensing partnership with Pets + People (formerly Fetch for Pets) to create a new line of pet toys inspired by several of its leading brands, which includes Milk-Bone, Jif, Smucker’s and Meow Mix. This strategic partnership, facilitated by the company’s licensing agency Brand Central, marks an exciting expansion of these trusted brands into the pet toy category.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated March 21st ***
The Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets has announced its brand-new educational program, Licensing Unlocked. In partnership with Licensing International, Licensing Unlocked is the first program of its kind to offer online educational sessions live and on-demand to bridge the knowledge gap for industry newcomers and provide ongoing education and accreditations for seasoned professionals.
‘Leprechaun whisperer’ teams with Barbie maker for children’s series. Kevin Woods has teamed with Mattel in securing €8 million in funding for a children’s TV series. Those involved include a former Disney exec, the creator of Bob the Builder, a one-time Ireland ambassador to the US, and Woods himself, with their series tapping into a worldwide recognition of Irish legends that is reinforced every St Patrick’s Day.
Hasbro’s longstanding partner Takara Tomy is rolling out a new Transformers anime short series and tie-in toy line that’s been developed exclusively for the Japanese market. Transformers: Wild King will debut on Takara’s YouTube channel on March 26, featuring a CG-animated style. This is the first CG Transformers anime concept the Japanese toyco has produced for the franchise, although it takes...
The Lego Group and The Pokémon Company International announced a new multi-year partnership that will bring Lego Pokémon to fans for the first time from 2026. Since the debut of the Pokémon franchise, fans have dreamed of becoming Pokémon trainers, and now they can take that experience even further, one brick at a time. This new partnership will bring the world of Pokémon to life in entirely new ways...
Sony Pictures Debuts Licensing Rollout for Season 2 of ‘The Last of Us’. In line with the global trailer release, and ahead of the HBO Original series premiere date on April 13, Sony Pictures Consumer Products reveals the first product lineup inspired by the second season of “The Last of Us.” The comprehensive collection captures key themes from the storyline, such as love and loss, and incorporates unique...
"Ne Zha 2" storms into global box office top 5, cementing it as a cultural phenomenon. Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has soared past Disney's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to claim the fifth spot on the all-time global box office charts, further solidifying its status as both a cultural and commercial phenomenon.
Ted Lasso returns to TV for fourth series. Emmy Award-winning Ted Lasso is returning to TV for a fourth series, Apple TV+ has revealed. Its US star Jason Sudeikis is back in the role of Ted, who coaches fictional English Premier League football club AFC Richmond, having returned to the US in series three.
Umbreon, Ditto, And Pikachu Are The Stars Of A New Italian Leather Pokemon Collection. Despite having been around for almost 30 years, The Pokemon Company has an impressive ability to keep creating truly unique merch. The latest example of that is a newly revealed range of official Pokemon products made of genuine Italian leather,
District 9 director will bring Starship Troopers back to the big screen. The 30th anniversary of director Paul Verhoeven‘s Starship Troopers will arrive in 2027, but now there’s a chance that a new take on the franchise could arrive that year or soon after.
Millimages extends Molang agreement with Heathside. The deal – negotiated by Molang’s UK agent, Brand-Ward – significantly expands the companies’ existing agreement signed in February 2024 for Toys, Gifts and Health & Beauty in EMEA and North America.
Posh Paws launches a host of plush ranges inspired by Universal’s upcoming releases. Posh Paws is the official UK plush partner for Universal and will be releasing high-quality, soft and cuddly new plush collections for an array of unmissable movies coming out later this year.
Skybound Entertainment Expands Licensing Agreements for ‘Invincible’. With the conclusion of Invincible Season 3, Skybound Entertainment enters new and renewed licensing deals for the hit franchise. The company will establish and announce upcoming games and toys throughout the year.
Elmo Drops the Mic: New Sesame Workshop Rap Series Premieres in Japan. Elmo is entering the rap game — in Japan. Having composed, danced, and interviewed babies, the Sesame Street resident is headed to Asia to explore the power of hip-hop.
Hasbro Pulse Reveals New Figures for Its G.I. JOE Line. During the Hasbro Pulse Fanstream, the toy company revealed several new toys inspired by G.I. Joe. With a new wave of merchandise hitting the markets, consumers can expect to see new action figure sets inspired by the classic ’80s franchise.
Scholastic Partners with Invisible Narratives for ‘Skibidi Toilet’ Books. Scholastic and Invisible Narratives are teaming up to publish books based on the online sensation Skibidi Toilet. The collaboration will include books across formats, including print books, ebooks and audiobooks.
BBC Studios has big YouTube plans for Bluey. Elmo is entering the rap game — in Japan. Having composed, danced, and interviewed babies, the Sesame Street resident is headed to Asia to explore the power of hip-hop.
University Games’ Briarpatch Serves Up New ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar Bake Shop’ Matching Game. A new themed game from University Games matches the World of Eric Carle with a new children’s game, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bake Shop: A Matching Game.”
'Marvel Heroclix' heads back to 'X-Men '97'. New collectible miniatures booster set. WizKids will release X-Men '97, a new booster set for Marvel HeroClix, into retail in September 2025. WizKids taps into the nostalgic power of The X-Men Animated Series and the recent X-Men '97 series for their fall set.
Atomic Mass unveils three 'Star Wars: Legion' unit expansions heading to retail soon. Atomic Mass Games unveiled three Star Wars: Legion Unit Expansions, which will hit retail of May 16, 2025. The first two Unit Expansions reintroduce base units into the game.
Marvel 'Super Hero Trainer' heads to retail. New game by Ultra PRO. Ultra PRO will release Marvel Super Hero Trainer, a game, into retail in summer 2025. This product is created in collaboration with Paris-based Zanzoon.
Step into the octagon: UFC Challenge Game hits Dave & Buster’s. The UFC Challenge Game will hit the arcade later this month. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is taking its partnership with Dave & Buster’s to the next level.
Free League will release two new 'LOTR' starters sets for 'The One Ring' and 'Lord of the Rings Roleplaying 5E'. Free League Publishing will release two new starter sets, for Lord of the Rings RPGs, into retail in July 2025.
Steamforged Games announces 'Helldivers 2 Board Game' based on the Sci-Fi shooter video game. Steamforged Games announced Helldivers 2 Board Game, which will head to crowdfunding. This game is the official tabletop adaptation of Helldivers 2.
Yoto introduces interactive storytelling with Dungeons & Dragons: Forge Your Quest audio card. Yoto, the interactive audio platform for kids, has expanded its content library to include Dungeons & Dragons: Forge Your Quest, Yoto’s first choice-driven adventure audio card.
Aniplex and Crunchyroll form a new production joint-venture. Hayate will leverage Aniplex's existing studios to make high-quality anime for the streamer's 15 million subscribers, while Crunchyroll takes the lead on marketing and distribution.
Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum spotlights animation for the first time. Select producers will get a chance to pitch their early-development animated feature film concepts at the event, which runs alongside FilmArt.
Power Rangers reboot series is coming to Disney+. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are going to get a comeback. Disney+ has reportedly ordered a new Power Rangers series that will “reinvent the franchise for a whole new generation of fans.”
Warner Bros.’ canceled Coyote vs. Acme movie may get a second chance. After the Coyote vs. Acme movie was shelved to give Warner Bros. Discovery a tax break, a new buyer may step in to scoop up the rights for the unreleased film.
Cloudco Entertainment, Simba Toys Release Care Bears Plush Worldwide. Care Bears is making a colorful comeback with a new plush collection from Simba Toys, in partnership with Cloudco Entertainment, the brand owner of Care Bears.
CandyRific Announces Easter 2025 Offerings. CandyRific has partnered with Haribo and “PAW Patrol” for the Easter holiday. Each fan, light-up bracelet and sticker stamper is topped with the Haribo Goldbear character and the pups from the Nickelodeon and Spin Master Entertainment animated series.
Hape Toys and The Met: A Closer Look. License Global caught up with Josh Romm, head, global licensing and partnerships, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, to learn more about the upcoming collaboration.
DC x Sonic the Hedgehog crossover kicks off with apparel and comic book series. The five-issue DC x Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series comes from writer Ian Flynn and artist Adam Bryce Thomas, and sees the Justice League and Team Sonic unite to save their worlds from a major threat.
Warner Bros. Discovery pulled the original Looney Tunes shorts off Max. Warner Bros. Discovery removed them from the streaming service as part of its ongoing shift away from children's shows and towards adult and family programming.
McDonald’s Builds Minecraft Partnership with New Meal Deal. Minecraft has had an incredible start to the year. Building on the momentum from its 15th anniversary, Mojang Studios’ video game spawned a new retail toy line from Mattel and the star-studded A Minecraft Movie, premiering in April.
Global Licensing Group Launches A Revolutionary Tool for Licensing Industry. Global Licensing Group announces the launch of Licensing Unlocked, an educational platform designed for newcomers and seasoned professionals.
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People of Play
Azhelle Wade's podcast: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to run a business with your spouse? Is it all fun and games, or does every dinner conversation turn into a boardroom meeting? Do you get to celebrate the wins together, or do you find yourself debating packaging details at 10 PM on a Friday? I was so curious about this dynamic that I sat down with Alex and Whitney Kimerling, the husband-and-wife team behin...
‘Don’t Think, Just Solve’. Max Park is a longtime speedcubing world record holder — for the 3x3x3 cube, his best official time is 3.13 seconds. Let's show you how he does it. Max solves the cube using a method developed by Jessica Fridrich in 1982. This method is now widely known as CFOP for its four stages...
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on March 21st ***
Relatable, the company behind What Do You Meme?, Emotional Support Pals, and Buzzed has hired Casey Collins as its Chief Commercial Officer. Collins has an extensive background in entertainment, licensing, and gaming; he will steer the company toward new opportunities in digital experiences, global expansion, and strategic partnerships.
Learning Resources bolsters senior management team. Learning Resources is pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Hayhurst as its new head of Marketing, a key addition to its senior management team. This latest appointment reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation.
Azhelle Wade's Exclusive Interview with Thin Air Brands. Inspired by a thought-provoking LinkedIn post from Mike Searls, founder of Thin Air Brands, we sat down for a post-Toy Fair deep dive into how these tariffs will shake up the toy industry. Mike brings over 30 years of experience to the conversation, and he’s seen the industry survive some major shake-ups before.
Azhelle Wade's The Toy Coasch podcast: In this episode, Jayson Esterow, President of License 2 Play Toys, shares how he turned a viral trend into a major licensing deal with Jeep.
Also - Gavin Lawler, Creator of Deddy Bears, fresh off his TOTY win for Collectible of the Year, opens up about the challenges of breaking into the toy industry and how he used his F.B.O. (First, Best, Only) formula to develop a product that stands out.
Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield on designing Vanguard Exiles so you could play with dice if your computer died. "It's definitely an art as much as a science". What can we learn about games by comparing the thrill of a nailgun kill in Quake to the elation of triple word score in online Scrabble? For Richard Garfield, creator of Magic: The Gathering and KeyForge, it's actually quite a bit.
'I skipped college to make games - now I'm Roblox's top developer'. When Osian Taubman-Edwards came across an ad for Roblox on YouTube, it sparked his interest. A decade later, the 32-year-old is Roblox's top developer with over 11 billion visits to his profile and five million new people playing his games every month.
Warframe: Techrot Encore Interview With Megan Everett. Over the years, the Warframe Community team has always communicated straightforwardly and transparently, which has earned it well-deserved praise from the player base.
Toy Universe Speaks to Kristeen Tibbits from Cloudco Entertainment. Cloudco Entertainment is an entertainment studio with a wide range of properties including Care Bears™ and Madballs™. The Toy Universe recently had the opportunity to speak to Kristeen Tibbits (VP, Marketing at Cloudco Entertainment) about these brands and what is on the horizon!
Curious Universe welcomes Claire Hampshire as managing director UK. Claire will lead the day-to-day operations of the UK arm of the business, continuing to innovate and strengthen the company’s presence in the home market.
Generation Media appoints new head of Gaming Partnership. Generation Media, already a trusted name in gaming media strategy, is expanding its specialist services with the appointment of Greg Weller as head of Gaming Partnerships.
Martyn Green continues Fence Club support with 100 mile trek. This is the latest in a series of fundraising endeavours held in memory of Martyn’s late parents; Phil and Rosemary Green. Phil became a Fence Club member in 1997 and was chairman in 2013/14.
Brian McLaughlin seeks new opportunity. Brian McLaughlin, whom many within the industry will know, is now looking for his next challenge and is keen to discuss roles that Toy World readers feel he would be suitable for.
Andrew Lelchuk Joins UFC As Director of Licensing. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, announced Andrew Lelchuk as its Director of Licensing. Lelchuk’s past experience includes Universal Music Group, Warner Bros., Disney, and Bandai Namco.
Disney Consumer Products Names Bobby Kim as VP of Creative for the Americas. Disney Consumer Products announces Bobby Kim, aka Bobby Hundreds, is officially the VP of Creative for the Americas and, with this role, will expand on the ideals and initiatives of the company.
Macmillan Children’s inks a wide-ranging deal with Aaron Blabey. Film franchise plans are already brewing for Game of Pets, the next book series coming out from the bestselling author behind The Bad Guys.
Hear what Horizon Zero Dawn actor Ashly Burch thinks about Sony AI taking her job. The award-winning voice and performance actor has some news and some very strong thoughts about the leaked Sony experiment that saw her character voiced and performed by AI technology instead of her.
The Toy Foundation’s Board of Trustees Appoints Kathleen Campisano as Chair, Elects New Members. Alongside Vice Chair Michael Keaton and Executive Director Pam Mastrota, Campisano plans to expand TTF’s philanthropy, bringing the magic of play to children in need around the world.
Luca Milano is leaving RAI after 30-plus years. RAI Kids executive director Luca Milano is leaving Italy’s public broadcaster in April. After more than 30 years working for the same organization, Milano has no immediate plans for his next chapter, but says he intends to stay in the media industry.
Companies and Brands
Move Over, Kids. Hasbro Wants Adults to Play. Already, roughly 60% of Hasbro’s revenue comes from people who are 13 and over. Now, in the midst of a yearslong turnaround effort that has involved cutting $600 million in costs and over two-thirds of its individual products, Hasbro is pinning growth on adults and teens interested in Star Wars fighter vehicles, Spider-Man action figures and other toys and collectibles...
Luki Lab applied the technology from its award-winning Flat 2 Fast Card Racers and applied them to Pets 2 Love, introducing a pop-out toy that can be launched from its cozy home in the shape of a purse. These flat-pack toys introduce kids to friendly cat characters like Luna and Olive, as well as dogs like Louie and Milo, each of which is housed in a heart-shaped purse with a handle that doubles as a leash.
California-based MGA Entertainment, which makes its Bratz and L.O.L. Surprise! dolls and other toys primarily in China, is taking steps to move 40% of its manufacturing to India, Vietnam and Indonesia within six or so months, up from around 10% to 15% currently, CEO Isaac Larian said in an interview.
Not Your Average Plush: Deddy Bears Deliver What Others Can’t. In the dynamic world of collectible toys, few brands have made an impact as quickly or as distinctively as Deddy Bears. Created by the inventive minds at Innov8 Academy Ltd, the brand has carved out a unique niche, combining creepiness, cuteness, and humour to create a truly memorable lineup.
MS Brands began its journey as a modest wholesaler in Australia, specializing in the sale of promotional and remainder books as well as toys. However, the company experienced a significant transformation over time, shifting its focus towards the development and distribution of various product lines, including toys, crafts, stationery, science kits, and puzzles. This strategic shift was driven by BMS Brands’ commitment...
Inside ‘Bluey’s World’: How a Cute Aussie Puppy Became an Estimated $2B Juggernaut. The brand has spawned immersive experiences, books, podcasts, toys, albums, clothing, homeware, themed hotel rooms, Facebook groups and a mobile game and has made fans out of adults and kids alike.
From Dream to Reality: Wonderland Amusements’ Kickstarter Hits $515K Milestone. This week, Wonderland Amusements launched a Kickstarter campaign with a funding goal of $100,000. With nearly a month left to go, 505 enthusiastic supporters have already pledged an impressive total of $515,950.
Pinkfong opens a new office in Tokyo. Based in South Korea, The Pinkfong Company has opened its fifth global office in Tokyo to accelerate the growth of its core content and licensing business across the APAC market.
Small World Toys appoints Robbie Toys as UK distributor. With Robbie Toys’ extensive experience and strong market presence, Small World Toys has full confidence that the partnership will bring great success and further strengthen its brand’s reach in the region.
Ravensburger unveils Disney Lorcana play initiatives to support indies. Ravensburger is putting in place a raft of events across the UK and Ireland in order to recruit and engage players and support new set launches in stores.
Disney teams up with NVIDIA and Google on robot innovation. The Mouse House will leverage a new AI-powered physics engine called Newton to make robotic characters that can free-range around its theme parks and engage directly with guests.
LEGO Canada Unveils 41,000-Brick Hockey Mural to Celebrate NHL Spirit. LEGO Canada and Prime Monday Night Hockey are partnering to display an interactive hockey mural dubbed the “Hockey Wall” to highlight the spirit of Canadian Hockey.
Walmart Develops AI Assistant That Helps Merchants Source Products. Dubbed “Wally,” the AI assistant generates insights from complex datasets, diagnoses why products are under- or overperforming, answers operational questions, and automates complex formulas and predictions.
Lego Store in Arndale, Manchester to relocate this summer. The Lego Group has announced that the Lego Store Arndale in Manchester will relocate to a bigger store this summer. The Lego Store Arndale has been delighting shoppers in the city for almost 15 years and has a strong following of fans of all ages.
Square Enix Manga to Roll Out Retailer Support Program in April 2025. Square Enix Manga & Books will launch a new retailer support program in April 2025, Comic Partner, that will offer in-store promotional materials, one-on-one calls with retailers, and advance galleys of upcoming series.
Exploding Kittens Unveils Summer 2025 Lineup with New Games. Exploding Kittens has announced a slate of summer games. Destined for the toy aisle in July, the acclaimed company is launching five new tabletop board games, one of which is an adaption of its namesake.
Rainbow High takes the spotlight: Dazzling new Creative Crystals collection & epic Roblox integration make it the must-have doll of the year! Rainbow High will premiere season six of its popular animated series directly within the virtual high school world in Livetopia on Roblox.
Smart Toys and Games introduces new Counting Sheep game. This spring marks the arrival of Smart Toys and Games‘ brand-new one player puzzle game, Counting Sheep. Already an award winner, Counting Sheep is set to be a hit when it arrives on shelves this March.
Next-generation virtual pet toys Ferro Pets head to Kickstarter. Adam Blake today announced the launch of his Kickstarter campaign for Ferro Pets, an innovative line of interactive toy pets that physically grow when fed and shrink as they shed.
Wizards of the Coast previews cards for 'Magic: The Gathering - Tarkir: Dragonstorm'. Powerful Ugin card, Dragonscale foils, special guest Fetch Lands, and more. Wizards of the Coast previewed some new cards for Tarkir: Dragonstorm, a new standard set for Magic: The Gathering.
New FLGS 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Secret Lair' drop features Marvel character. Drop set now on preorder via authorized distributors. Wizards of the Coast announced that a new FLGS Secret Lair drop, for Magic: The Gathering, is available for preorder via distribution.
New 'Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG' core booster set incoming: 'Duelist's Advance'. Konami Digital Entertainment will release Duelist's Advance, a new core booster set for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, into retail on July 4, 2025. Details about this set are limited at this time.
New 'Nucleum' expansion heads to retail: 'Energy Research Institute'. Board & Dice will release Energy Research Institute, a new expansion for Nucleum, into retail in August 2025. The new expansion adds 8 new Experiments to the game.
Stonemaier reveals new edition of 'Tokaido': Adds solo mode and accessibility options. Stonemaier Games revealed their new edition of Tokaido, which will be available for order on April 2. Stonemaier Games acquired the rights to the Tokaido brand and games from FunForge back in October 2024.
Return to 'Yokohama' with new edition 'Yokohama Duel' standalone game. Synapses Games will release Yokohama Duel, a new edition of the board game, into retail on August 1, 2025. This game is a standalone game in the Yokohama series of board games.
RoseArt’s Crystal Gem Creations Bloom at Retail. New DIY Crystal Floral Kits from Cra-Z-Art will be available this spring as part of the RoseArt 3D Crystal Gem Creations line. This new collection features three floral styles: Blossoming Bonsai, Blooming Lotus, and Jewel Succulents.
New game versions from The Op for 'Telestrations,' '25 Words or Less,' 'Glyphix,' more. The Op Games showed new versions of a number of games it had previously released, or previously released by others, at Toy Fair, including Telestrations, 25 Words or Less, Glyphix, and several other titles.
Gale Force Nine's 'Adventures of Conan' heads to retail: A dice game set in the Hyborian Age. Gale Force Nine will release Adventures of Conan, a new dice game, into retail on April 12, 2025. Adventures of Conan was first announced in February 2024 as one of three projects heading to market over two years.
Games Workshop reveals new 'Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team' expansion, 'Blood and Zeal'. Games Workshop revealed Blood and Zeal, a new expansion for Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team, which will hit preorder on March 22. Kill Team: Blood and Zeal adds two brand-new kill teams to the game.
Bandai will release 'Rurouni Kenshin' booster set for 'Union Arena TCG'. Bandai will release Rurouni Kenshin booster set, for Union Arena TCG, into retail on September 26, 2025. The new booster set features characters from the popular TV series, such as Himura Kenshin, Saito Hajime, and others.
Hachette Boardgames will release 'Cyclades' miniatures add-on 'Heroes & Creatures'. Hachette Boardgames will release Heroes & Creatures, a Cyclades add-on, which will hit retail on April 16, 2025. This expansion upgrades Cyclades: Legendary Edition by adding new miniatures.
The Op announces ‘Hutan: Life in the Rainforest’: Rainforest-building game from Sidekick Games. The Op Games is poised to release Hutan: Life in the Rainforest, a game about building rainforests from Sidekick Games’ Daniel Skjold Pedersen and Asger Harding Granerud.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Every ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Game, Ranked. From the slinking through the streets Renaissance-era Italy to sailing the high seas in the Golden Age of Piracy, Assassin's Creed has done it all — but some are better than others. For a series that’s ostensibly just about sneaking around and stabbing bad guys, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed has undergone more reinventions than most long-running franchises — from beloved innovations to...
7 cool indie games from GDC 2025. Some strange and fun things to look forward to. The Game Developers Conference, an annual gathering that brings thousands of game developers to San Francisco, has just wrapped up. While most of the event is about networking and interesting talks about game design and technology, there were also a bunch of unreleased indie games that we got to check out.
15 Awesome Trailers For Games That Never Came Out. When a trailer is released for a movie or a show, that usually means it’s coming out soon, but video games are another story, sometimes getting trailers years before they’re released. In some cases, though, they get cancelled after a trailer has already been made public. So, we pulled together some trailers for games that never came out, whether due to cancellation...
*** The above posted after tBR ciruculated March 21st ***
8 Video Games That Recreate Famous Movie Moments. Video games and cinema have always had a strong connection. With the rise of video game adaptations, these two mediums influence each other more than ever. But long before this trend, many games were already paying homage to iconic films, sometimes recreating legendary scenes shot for shot, other times just making clear references to their inspirations.
Opinion: The Best Anime Games You Can Play Right Now. Anime is great. So are video games. Why not enjoy them together? There are thousands of anime games out there, some good and some bad, but anime fans flock to them anyway and sink hundreds of hours into games that remind them of the anime they love.
It's not a competition! The collaborative video game genre loved by players. Some of the most popular titles in the world, such as Fortnite, are focused on outgunning, outrunning or outclassing opponents. As Josef Fares and his studio Hazelight have shown, that's not the only thing gamers want.
Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move maker lays off majority of staff. Zombies, Run! maker Six to Start has laid off nearly its entire staff. Six to Start, the company behind Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move, has laid off all but two of its staff.
Assassin's Creed maker Ubisoft could create new IP unit to court major investors. The French publisher is contemplating selling a minority stake in the new entity to investors in France and overseas—including Chinese conglomerate Tencent.
‘We just tried to make what we thought was cool’: the story of Monolith Productions. As the 30-year-old studio behind many innovative and beloved video games shuts down, its founders, fans and designers discuss what made it so special.
The Next Star Wars Game Has Been Given An April Reveal. If there weren't already enough reasons to pay attention to April's Star Wars Celebration in Japan, then things just got more interesting, as a new Star Wars game will be revealed on April 19.
"There's Actually No Change": Final Fantasy 14 Director Responds To Rumours That He's Been Removed From Square Enix's Board. Final Fantasy 14's beloved director and producer, Naoki Yoshida, has debunked the recent rumours that he's no longer on Square Enix's board during a FF14 live letter.
The Playdate is about to get a price increase. The Playdate, Panic’s cranky little console that could, is going to get $30 more expensive next week. Panic announced the increase in an email to customers, bringing the bright yellow handheld’s price from $199 to $229.
Razer launches new Wyvrn game dev platform with automated AI bug tester. Wyvern encompasses dev-focused automation tools like the Razer AI QA Copilot to assist with quality assurance / game testing and the AI Gamer Copilot (formerly called Project Ava) for real-time tips and guides via voice assistant.
Former Game Informer staff tease a possible revival. Last year, GameStop shut down Game Informer, laying off all its staff and putting an end to one of the last remaining video game magazines still published in the United States. But now, cryptic posts on social media hint that the publication may make a return.
Netflix Games is getting its first MMO. Netflix announced Spirit Crossing during a press event at GDC 2025. Spirit Crossing represents a first for Netflix, becoming the service’s first MMO offering. It was developed by Spry Fox, one of Netflix’s in-house game studios, and will launch sometime later this year.
Game workers in the U.S. and Canada launch industry-wide union to fight for 'dignity and respect'. Game workers across the United States and Canada have launched an industry-wide union with assistance from the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Monster Hunter Wilds No.1 game for February 2025 and Switch No.3 hardware. The best-selling software and hardware charts have come through from the United States for February 2025 courtesy of sales tracker, Circana. The best-selling game turned out to be the new game, Monster Hunter Wilds.
Unity prioritizing AI workflows, enhanced performance, and expanded platform support in 2025. Unity has announced plans to expand its game engine with AI-powered workflows, increased platform support, and enhanced performance and stability.
'I'm worried about the death of art:' What will generative AI cost us in the end? How will generative AI change the video game industry? If you speak to those on the corporate ladder, they'd maybe tell you it's going to birth experiences your wobbly organic mind couldn't possibly imagine.
EA offering players more money to appear in College Football 26. College football players who agree to appear in the upcoming EA College Football 26 will reportedly receive more than double the $600 EA paid players last year. And they will also get a free copy of the upcoming sports sim, too.
Netflix Games boss says the streamer must strive to cause 'disruption'. We're in a fourth floor suite in the Metreon building opposite the Moscone in San Francisco. This is the location Netflix Games has chosen to outline its vision for its video game business.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is about to have some competition. Some rivalries you just can’t let go, even if one side has clearly outpaced the other. There’s Nintendo vs. Sega, Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake, and of course, Pokémon vs. Digimon.
Highlighted Press Releases
($100/week/press release)
PAUSE WITH PANDA RECEIVES OFFICIAL MESH ACCREDITATION. The Soft and Self-Soothing Bear Plush Passed with Top Scoring in Key Categories. Bernardsville, NJ (March 17, 2025) – Very big news from the manufacturer of the bamboo-loving toy bear: Pause with Panda is proud to announce its official MESH accredited status via meshhelps.org! The exciting new self-soothing and emotional regulation toy making waves in the toy space was just recognized highly by official reviewers through MESH Helps, awarding Pause with Panda top scores in the categories of Adaptation and Self-Regulation. Pause with Panda also scored strongly in the Perseverance and Self Advocacy categories.
Safety and Counterfeiting
Toymakers Worry About Safety as Tariffs Roil Business. The industry is asking Trump for relief. President Donald Trump’s trade war with China could have unintended consequences for the littlest Americans, such as increased choking hazards, lead paint contamination and other risks, if there’s a sudden global shakeup of the toy supply chain. At least that’s what the industry is warning.
Creating a safe haven. The digital playgrounds of today are vast and bustling, with platforms like Roblox offering kids endless opportunities to play, create and explore. While I am a huge fan, I approach Roblox with great care and caution.
Consumer Reports: TikTok challenge involving gel-filled toys is landing kids in the hospital with chemical burns. We would like to bring to the CPSC’s attention a sensory gel toy known as the NeeDoh Nice Cube, manufactured by Schylling, which caused children chemical burns due to a leak of the gel.
Parents and children warned against buying Roblox-Inspired Toy containing toxic chemicals. Toxics watchdog BAN Toxics has issued a warning to parents and children against buying toys inspired by the popular online game “Roblox” due to the presence of toxic lead and other harmful chemicals.
BIS raids Amazon, Flipkart warehouses, seizes substandard 'toys, bottles, diapers, water heaters'. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) raided warehouses of e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart at multiple locations on Wednesday.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
BEYBLADE X Universe Expands on BEYBLADE Day to Announce World Championship and Exciting Products. 3, 2, 1, let it rip! Today's BEYBLADE Day recognizes the global phenomenon that is BEYBLADE X. To celebrate, ADK Emotions NY Inc. and T-Licensing Inc. announced the BEYBLADE X World Championship 2025 will be kicking off worldwide in April and culminating at the final championship tournament in Tokyo...
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on March 21st ***
Kids India set to bring together key players in the sector. Regional events promoting the Indian toy industry will be bolstered by support from the Indian government, as Kids India returns to Mumbai from 6th to 8th October. Offering expertise and contacts in the Indian toy market, the eleventh Kids India takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from 6th to 8th October.
HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show & Asian Licensing Conference to return for 2025. Driving innovation and expanding opportunities in licensing, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show & Asian Licensing Conference takes place 28th to 30th April.
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) is back from 28th to 30th April 2025, turning Hong Kong into a buzzing...
Exhibitor applications are now open for British Toy & Hobby Association’s Toy Fair 2026. Applications for exhibition space at Toy Fair 2026 are now open on the Toy Fair website. Toy Fair, organised by the British Toy & Hobby Association, is set to return to Olympia, London, from the 20th – 22nd January 2026, and will span the Grand, National and Upper West Halls.
Why Crayola’s ‘The Most Colourful Reunion Ever’ is a Creative Playground You Can’t Miss. If you think crayons are just for kids, Crayola is about to prove you wrong in the most spectacular way. This International Colour Day, the legendary brand is pulling off something truly magical—reuniting eight retired crayon colors in a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. The Most Colourful Reunion Ever isn’t just an event...
The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design's Hall of Fame inducts three. The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design inducted three new members into their Hall of Fame. The Academy enshrined two game designers and a writer: Susan McKinley-Ross, Stefan Feld, and Ryo Mizuno.
Disney dominates this year’s Children’s & Family Emmy Awards. It was a particularly good night for Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which took home a total of eight trophies, including Outstanding Young Teen Series.
GDC Awards 2025 winners. The annual Game Developer’s Conference awards took place and as always the most important award of the night is the coveted Game of The Year. The committee decided the award would go to the incredibly successful Balatro.
Spring Collector Con will be live on #Walmart.com Starting March 13th. Collector Con will be live on Walmart.com, celebrating two days of the season’s hottest collectibles. Fans will have access to some of the most exclusive and sought-after collector items from top brands.
On the Road Again: Hot Wheels Legends Tour Returns for 2025. The eighth annual traveling car show will hit the road next month, giving car enthusiasts an opportunity to showcase their custom builds and compete for the ultimate crown: to immortalize their design as a 1:64-scale Hot Wheels vehicle.
RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed
If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers. Archives can be found HERE
Sir Torquil Norman CBE, founder of Bluebird Toys, which first brought the Polly Pocket brand and other iconic lines such as The Big Yellow Teapot to the toy market, has died aged 91.
Thomas Lee, EA alum and strategic advisor, a business development director and executive producer at several studios, recently passed away from cancer. He was 59.
Dave Mallow, a longtime voice actor across games and animation, has died at 76. For many, Mallow was best known as the voice of Baboo on Power Rangers and Angemon in the first two seasons of Digimon.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
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Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
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Ethical Supply Chain Program publishes 2024 Worker Well-Being Impact Report
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Fenwick seeks restructuring experts amidst ongoing financial challenges
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Ravensburger unveils Disney Lorcana play initiatives to support indies
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Posh Paws launches a host of plush ranges inspired by Universal’s upcoming releases
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Hasbro and Kiddopia partner to bring PJ Masks to the Kiddopia app platform
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Revell invites Stranger Things fans to enter the Upside Down
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Nerd Agency becomes official agent of Tara Duncan brand in Ukraine
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HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show & Asian Licensing Conference to return for 2025
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Surge Brands continues to expand in the Food & Beverage category
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Free League Will Release Two New 'LotR' Starters Sets
- New FLGS 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Secret Lair' Drop Features Marvel Character
- 'Marvel HeroClix' Heads Back to 'X-Men '97'
- Stonemaier Reveals New Edition of 'Tokaido'
- NYC Toy Fair 2025 News: Hobby Game Highlights from the Ravensburger Booth
- Rolling for Initiative -- The Tariff Impact Isn't Pretty
- Steamforged Games Announces 'Helldivers 2 Board Game'
- Atomic Mass Unveils Three 'Star Wars: Legion' Unit Expansions
- Toy Fair 2025: Upcoming Diamond Select Releases
- 2024 Was a Year of Stabilization in Hobby Games Market
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Video of the Week!
Pixar's Elio | Official Trailer
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Thank you for being a reader of the Bloom Report. — Mary and Graeme
Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
We are honored to carry on Phil's 22 year legacy and continue the Bloom Report. Phil has been a mensch
and we've loved working with him. Here is a fun and interesting interview with Phil.
If you would like to reach Phil: philip.bloom100@verizon.net
Publisher: Mary Couzin, Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.
Managing Editor: Graeme Thomson
Assistant Editor: Evan Kale
Not only does the Bloom Report give you all the news you need to know...
we give you all the news you didn't know you needed to know!" -Phil Bloom
Do you have news to share? Send us a note! mary@chitag.com
