Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
One of my many dreams is about to come to fruition: The TAGIE Awards will be broadcast on national television! It has been quite a long and winding journey to realize this dream, with many people joining me to celebrate innovation in our wonderful industry every year, and this Saturday on CBS, a national TV audience will get a peek into how wonderful our world is.
Also in today’s Bloom Report, Jeremy Padawer continues to be a force on the ground, and a shining beacon of hope for those devastated by the Los Angeles Wildfires. His linkedin posts illustrate both destruction and resilience, and most importantly, hope. One of our feature articles outlines The Toy Foundation’s Relief Response to the LA Wildfires, and we need your help.
In another of our feature articles, TA’s Greg Ahearn shares his thoughts on the New Year, New Energy, and New Opportunities.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Nuremberg and London Toy Fairs! By the way, congratulations to the UK Toy Inventors' Dinner on their 40th Anniversary!
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.
Mary and the POP Team!
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"I go to work 6 days a week and magic happens! On day 7 I read the Bloom Report." 😁 - Rick Derr, Learning Express
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"I am a long-time reader and champion of the Bloom Report. The quantity of quality articles on so many different aspects of our industry is unmatched and I regularly share and discuss them with my management team as an important business tool." - Jim Engle, President & Founder, Little Kids Inc.
Industry Commentary - Join The Toy Foundation’s Relief Response to LA Wildfires
Multiple wildfires have devastated the greater Los Angeles area, forcing more than 100,000 families to evacuate and destroying thousands of homes and communities. To provide comfort to the children and families affected, The Toy Association’s Toy Foundation (TTF) is hosting an industry-wide collection of product donations and cash contributions from the industry to sustain the critical relief efforts in place.
To make a product donation, send a completed donation form to TTFInfo@ToyFoundation.org. Cash donations are accepted online.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “The road to recovery will be long and we are uniting the industry’s philanthropy to support as many children and families as possible. Whether you’re able to donate $50 or 500 toys, every contribution makes a difference to families who have just lost everything.” Read More...
Industry Commentary - Toy Association's Greg Ahearn
President’s Letter: New Year, New Energy, New Opportunities
As we step into a new year, The Toy Association™ team is excited by the possibilities that lie ahead and energized by the progress we’ve made together as an industry. 2024 was a transformative journey for the Association, filled with milestones and achievements that primed us for an extremely successful year ahead. Through it all, our unwavering commitment remains the same: to be in service to our members — with excellence and purpose.
Here are just a few of the ways The Toy Association continued to evolve in 2024 to better meet the needs of our members and the greater toy community:
Historic Leadership: Industry veterans have strengthened our leadership team, bringing not just expertise but also a profound understanding of the toy industry. We share the challenges and opportunities you navigate daily because we’ve experienced them, too. As we welcomed Sharon Price John, president & CEO of Build-a-Bear Workshop, as the first female chair of our Board of Directors, and Kathrin Belliveau, formerly on Hasbro’s executive leadership team, as our first chief policy officer, each has brought their passion, deep industry roots, and commitment to advancing our mission.
Industry Commentary - Rednight
The networking highlight of the Spielwarenmesse
The Spielwarenmesse in Germany at the end of January is the place to be for the international industry. From January 28 to February 1 in Nuremberg, the event will once again bring established brands and key players as well as creative start-ups together with specialist retailers and buyers from major retail chains. In addition to discovering trends and new products and acquiring toy know-how, personal interaction is becoming increasingly important. The Spielwarenmesse promotes networking with numerous offers. The highlight is RedNight on Thursday, January 30, directly after the fair closes.
Big Party Night
After an eventful day, the exhibition grounds will be transformed into a lively event landscape from 6 pm. At RedNight, exhibitors in various halls of the Spielwarenmesse invite visitors to their stands to round off the third day of the fair with a delicious drink, culinary highlights and good music. In a relaxed atmosphere, industry and trade get to talk to each other and celebrate a great industry together. They cultivate existing business relationships or make new contacts – a key success factor in the dynamic toy industry.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Meme of the Week: Thank you to the anonymous person for the holiday cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: "The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.” – Adam Grant
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 week!
Financial and Legal
Sand Hill Road: A $40 million investment in Exploding Kittens. Exploding Kittens, a kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette, has become a household staple. The company launched on Kickstarter and has never lost its edge. However, despite much success, the company's founding team decided to accept a $40 million investment, which it has yet to use. Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew spoke with Elan Lee...
*** the above posted after tBR posted on January 17th ***
The popular social media platform TikTok in the U.S. is days away from shutting down after the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday allowed the federal law forcing a nationwide ban to take effect. However, there remain questions over whether it could still be reversed. The uncertainty over the app’s future may have ripple effects in Canada, experts say, although Ottawa says what happens in the U.S. won’t impact its ...
JOANN Inc. could be the latest retailer to disappear from the landscape after filing Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. It’s not déjà vu — the company filed Chapter 11 last year and was taken private last spring. While not a massive player in toys and games, JOANN is yet another distribution outlet, particularly for arts, crafts, and activities. This time around, JOANN says...
Diamond Comic Distributors filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. In the toy and game space, Diamond is a major distributor to the specialty market and a manufacturer through Diamond Select Toys.
Penguin Random House is Diamond's largest unsecured creditor. Bandai, NECA the next two. The bankruptcy petition filed by Diamond Comic Distributors lists 30 unsecured creditors owed from $9.2 million to $163,000, with Penguin Random House the largest creditor and Bandai and NECA the next two. Alliance also has major creditors in addition to Bandai and NECA. Wizards of the Coast is owed $914,602...
Meta cuts 5% of jobs to lose 'lowest performers'. Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, is preparing to cut about 5% of its global workforce, as the co. looks to drop "low performers faster". In a memo to staff, Mark Zuckerberg said he had made the decision to speed up the firm's regular performance-based cuts in anticipation of an "intense year". He said the company would "backfill" the roles later in 2025.
Disney sued for allegedly copying the idea for Moana and its sequel. Animator Buck Woodall has filed a lawsuit against Disney, accusing the entertainment giant of copying his screenplay, "Bucky," for the creation of "Moana" and its sequel. In a lawsuit filed in California federal court on Friday, Woodall alleges that Disney used materials he shared in 2003 with Mandeville Films, which had a first-look deal with Disney at the time.
Ahead of looming ban, TikTok creators ask fans to find them on Instagram or YouTube. Before Jack Nader started posting beauty videos on TikTok in 2023, he was working as a Starbucks barista in Chicago and living at home with his parents. But after Nader, who’s now 21, started taking his videos seriously in April of that year, his TikTok account blew up.
Online safety laws unsatisfactory, UK minister says. Earlier this week, Zuckerberg said Meta would be getting rid of fact checkers, and instead adopt a system, already introduced by X, of allowing users to add "community notes" to social media posts they deemed to be untrue. Asked about the change, Technology Secretary Peter KyleKyle said the announcement was "an American statement for American service users"...
Dockworkers and port operators reach agreement on new six-year master contract. The International Longshoremen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance have reached a tentative agreement, subject to ratification, on a new six-year Master Contract, the union and port operators association announced.
Worst global growth for 6 years forecast due to tariffs. The global economy is set to grow this year at its slowest pace in six years amid fears of US tariffs hitting trade, the World Bank has warned. Growth of 2.7% would be the weakest performance since 2019, aside from the sharp contraction seen at the height of the Covid pandemic.
Trump will save TikTok from ban, top adviser says. US President-elect Donald Trump will find a way to save TikTok before a ban on the app is due to take effect this weekend, his incoming national security adviser has said. Congressman Mike Waltz, a Florida Republican, said Trump would intervene if the Supreme Court upholds a law that bans the platform in the US unless it is sold by 19 January.
Asmodee Canada, Lion Rampant Imports to merge. Asmodee Canada and Lion Rampant Imports will merge their operations after years of operating separately under common ownership. The combined operations, which will operate as Asmodee Canada, will be conducted from a sales office in Brantford, Ontario; and a warehouse in Vaudreuil, Quebec.
NBCUniversal is shutting down Universal Kids. But the company says it’s still committed to family entertainment through DreamWorks Animation and its programming on Peacock. Comcast subsidiary NBCUniversal has confirmed to Kidscreen that it will pull the plug on its Universal Kids channel on March 6.
Indonesia planning minimum age limit for social media users, minister says Communications and Digital Ministry is preparing a regulation to ban social media use for certain ages, minister Meutya Hafid said on Monday. She did not say what the age limit would be. Agencies
This article was published in thejakartapost.com with the title "
JOANN files Chapter 11 less than a year after emerging from bankruptcy. The struggling retailer seeks a way to craft itself out of trouble… again. JOANN Inc. could be the latest retailer to disappear from the landscape after filing Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote as US ban looms. TikTok users in the US are migrating to a Chinese app called RedNote with the threat of a ban just days away. The move by users who call themselves "TikTok refugees" has made RedNote the most downloaded app on Apple's US App Store on Monday.
Google LLC and YouTube LLC must face some claims of a long-running proposed class action alleging they collected information concerning children who watched videos on their channels in violation of state privacy and consumer-protection laws. The plaintiffs sufficiently alleged that Google and YouTube engaged in highly offensive behavior in collecting children’s information without informing parents ...
The Czech Republic has transformed its Czech Film Fund into the Czech Audiovisual Fund, which now provides higher incentives for animated TV series and films in order to attract more production business and bolster the country’s media industry. “Our goal is clear: To support high-quality Czech audiovisual content and Czech filmmakers, and to help our industry [get] noticed abroad,” said Martin Baxa, the...
The BBC has established new editorial policy guidance for generative AI content stressing that the tech must not be used for factual research and news stories. The instructions for staff are set to be published later today while an internal steering group will oversee the corporation’s use of the technology, Broadcast has learned.
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Financial Reporting
Target bumps up holiday sales forecast but margin worries rub off shine.
Toys boosts sales at Very over Christmas.
B&M reports successful Q4 profits and sales.
Cineplex Posts Blockbuster Year-End 2024 on ‘Moana 2,’ ‘Wicked’ Box Office Boost. Despite Thanksgiving holdovers and more year-end releases, the Canadian exhibitor said domestic ticket sales in December, while up from a year-earlier in 2023, were still below pre-pandemic levels.
French animated movies sold 5.9 million tickets worldwide in 2024. According to Unifrance, kids titles The Jungle Bunch 2: World Tour and Autumn and the Black Jaguar were among the country’s top-performing film exports last year.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
The 28 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2025
DECEMBER 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
*** The above posted after January 17th when tBR circulated ***
Jellycat and Squishmallows purchases by millennials, Gen Z are boosting soft toy market.
'Little trinkets' are the latest trend in adults buying children's toys.
Toy World details the latest Hot Properties.
Rolling Stone Ranks Top 50 Video Games of All Time
YouTube trends report reveals 7 significant shifts.
December 2024 Circana Bookscan - Top 20 Adult Graphic Novels. Anime keeps bringing the sales.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
THE FTC PEPSI LAWSUIT: A POTENTIAL SHAKEUP FOR THE INDUSTRY, In the game industry, there are several publishers who have gotten their products on the shelves of mass marketers. What deals or promotional pricing they may offer to the big box store are generally kept quiet as a trade secret. The FTC could see this as a violation of Robinson-Patman since, under the law, any promotions made to one retailer...
*** The above posted after January 17th when tBR circulated ***
John Baulch, ToyWorld - The floodgates are open … it’s the Friday Blog! 2025 got off to a fairly sedate start. I won’t lie, I was sitting here on Tuesday afternoon wondering how on earth I was going to fill today’s Blog without an awful lot of waffling. And then, bam – the floodgates opened. For the past couple of days, news stories have been coming thick and fast – and big / good ones too.
What happens if TikTok is banned? TikTok will be banned in the US on 19 January - unless the Supreme Court accepts a last ditch legal bid from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, that to do so would be unconstitutional. But even if the country's highest judicial authority agrees with the lower courts - and Congress - that the platform is a threat to national security will that actually stop Americans using it?
A few thoughts on the Diamond bankruptcy. Color me shocked but not surprised at the news Tuesday that Diamond Comics Distribution is entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The writing was on the wall in big neon letters for quite some time. Then we got the news of BOOM! Studios moving to PRH, followed by the Plattsburgh distribution center closure, and it seemed like it was only a matter of time.
29 STEAM & MESH toys straight from The Learning Lab. This showcase features everything educational. Learning and play are both integral parts of kids’ childhoods. While each has its own time and place, sometimes, kids like to combine the two into one fun experience. This roundup of toys focuses on things kids of all ages can learn, from science and math to music, their own emotions, and more.
Bricking It: How Lego built a toy shop behemoth. In 2023, The Lego Group made a net profit of more than 13 billion Danish krone - which was equivalent to around €1.76 billion. And that was actually down on the money it made in 2022 - because it was one of the big beneficiaries of pandemic, as people bought lots of sets online in order to keep their kids - or themselves - entertained during lockdowns.
10 sustainable & eco-friendly toys & games to stock in 2025. An assortment of new products that retailers should have on their radar this year. This season’s toys combine sustainability with creative and educational play. Hasbro’s Life in Reterra ($29.99) invites players ages 10 and up to rebuild society through collaborative design.
30 new toys & games to stock in 2025. A new year marks an updated collection of toys, games, gifts, and products. In 2025, retailers and consumers can anticipate shelves with new playsets, plush, collectibles, craft kits, and more. Upcoming releases include Playmobil’s Haunted Ruins set, Sunny Days Entertainment’s Tiki Torch Bubbler, and Fun in Motion Toys’ Hello Kitty Shashibo Series.
Next stop: 2025 – Is your Digital Product Passport ready? Halfway through 2024, the European Commission introduced legislation that set new transparency requirements for consumer goods. The framework legislation, titled “Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation” (ESPR), required significant improvements to the circularity, performance, and makeup of products placed on the EU market.
‘Generation Barney’ looks into how toys drive children's television. Back in the 90s, Barney the purple dinosaur was everywhere, including in our living rooms. If you were a kid or a parent back then, chances are good that you had a stuffed Barney lying around your home. This hour, we listen to “Purple Capitalism," an episode of Connecticut Public’s new podcast, "Generation Barney."
Giraffe Insights on authenticity in youth marketing. Maxine Fox of Giraffe Insights explores how kids and young people seek authenticity, more than eye-catching visuals and catchy slogans, from the brands they love. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, we need to put people at the heart of our strategies, moving beyond traditional marketing techniques to truly understand their beliefs, values and passions.
Asha Bhalsod on the problem with your Amazon strategy. Asha Bhalsod, the founder of Etopia Consultancy, tells Toy World readers which key focus areas brands should prioritize to future-proof their Amazon business in the year ahead. Heading into 2025, those selling on Amazon face an increasingly challenging landscape.
Gen Media on adapting to audience demands in 2025. In the January issue of Toy World, Jonathan Chambers looks at how, for those willing to adapt to the demands of 2025’s audiences, the rewards could be game-changing. 2024 marked the final year in which Generation Alpha were born.
Roblox’s paid-access model gives creators more earning power. Here's what you need to know about this new option, which pays out up to 70% of the revenue a game generates in real currency, rather than Robux. Roblox quietly ushered in a major change to how creators can earn money on the platform last fall. And we think it’s worth a closer look for any partners looking for better ROI.
ToyPal on bringing soft toys to life. Toy World spoke to Sami Samiee to discover how ToyPal’s innovative, patented device can add a personalised story telling feature to any soft toy. ToyPal believes the company is leading the way in what we proudly call the “Toy-volution”, by transforming soft toys into dynamic companions that engage children’s imagination and emotions,” says Sami, when asked to explain...
Let’s get phygital: 10 new toys from The Digital Playground. These products feature a digital element. The Digital Playground is where technology and play converge! From vintage arcade games to outdoor movement-inducing machines and everything in between, here are 10 of the latest and coolest toys that retailers and consumers can look forward to this year.
History and Nostalgia
The model of nostalgia. One of collector Thomas Vaccina’s completed model kits from Aurora. Recalling the days of miniature kits andWest Hempstead’s Aurora factory. You bought them at Korvette’s or Modell’s — boxed model kits of glue-it-yourself planes, trains and automo-
biles, monsters, spaceships and superheroes. And while many companies made model kits, the stand- outs came from Long Island...
Tiddlywinks competition inventors mark anniversary. Three friends who turned the Victorian parlour game of tiddlywinks into a competitive sport so they could represent their university have marked the 70th anniversary of their club. Bill Steen, 91, said the group had been mostly "hopeless as athletes" and had seen the game as a chance of obtaining a prestigious blue - the highest honour earned by a Cambridge...
*** the above posted after tBR circulated January 17th ***
The Surprising Origins of the ‘Guess Who?’ Game. For over 45 years, Guess Who? has been a fun diversion for millions of people. But despite the game’s popularity, relatively few players know about its inventors—a married couple from Israel who endured hardship to cultivate one of the most successful toy design firms in modern history. Theo Coster was born in 1928, and though he may not have felt it at the time, his...
Channel Surfing from Milton Bradley (1994). Released by Milton Bradley in 1994, the Channel Surfing game from Milton Bradley swapped a game board for a series of cards and a television set with remote to complete challenges and earn points. The object of the game was to match objects, characters, and scenarios on a series of cards with those found on television.
Ringa-Majigs from Molenaar Inc. (1960s). In the 1960s, Willmar, Minnesota-based Molenaar Inc., released Ringa-Majigs, a construction toy for children ages 3 and up. Touted in the company’s advertising as a “new dimension in building blocks,” Each Ringa-Majig was approximately 2½-inches in diameter and made of heavy-duty plastic in one of several vibrant colors.
Viceroy Manufacturing Company. Rubber and vinyl dolls and toys were the name of the game for Viceroy Manufacturing Company of Toronto, Ontario. The company began producing molded rubber toys in 1930, creating an array of balls, bath toys, sand and beach toys, and small cars and trucks.
The best ’80s Happy Meal toys. For 45 years, it has been a cornerstone of most children’s culinary demands. The concept’s creation is credited to a man named Bob Bernstein, who took an idea hatched by a McDonald’s franchiser in Guatemala for a packaged meal targeted at families with small kids, and streamlined it for mass production in the United States.
Licensing and Entertainment
Boat Rocker Media has signed a deal to distribute three seasons of OAK9 Entertainment’s upcoming animated series Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! The Lithuanian studio is currently polishing season one (13 x seven minutes) and in production on season two, with both should be ready for delivery this year, says producer Mindaugas Jokubaitis. A third season is also in early production.
The massive YouTube reach of Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson seems to have translated some to Prime Video. The Amazon-owned streamer says some 50 million viewers worldwide have watched Beast Games, a competition series co-created and hosted by Donaldson, in its first 25 days of release (which includes the first half of a 10-episode season). Prime Video says the show is its second largest new series debut of 2024...
In what has been the worst kept secret since Woody Allen played Michael’s Pub in NYC, Greta Gerwig’s streaming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia is getting an exclusive two-week Imax global run in 90 countries across 1,000 auditoriums in advance of the pic’s drop on Netflix. Narnia will release in Imax on Thanksgiving Day 2026 (Nov. 26) and debut on Netflix on Christmas Day 2026.
*** the above posted after tBR circulated January 17th ***
Micronauts Returns in New Collaboration Between Hasbro and Super7. Five decades later, a classic toy line returns. Hard as it is to believe, it's been almost 50 years si8nce the original Micronauts toy line hit store shelves. The franchise has been dormant for quite some time, but that's about to change as Hasbro and Super7 join forces for a new series of Micronauts action figures.
Hasbro announces Transformers One: New Adventures – 14-episode series. Hasbro Inc. announced the new toy stop-motion 14-episode series, Transformers One: New Adventures, will premiere on the official Transformers YouTube Channel beginning January 17 at 7am ET. This bi-weekly stop-motion series will capture the trendiness of gaming and POV-style content, infused with bursts of action-based comedy...
Peanuts and OOLY get crafty with new collection. The line kicks the football this April. The arts, crafts, and school supply brand OOLY has partnered with Peanuts for a limited-edition collection. The line of markers, pens, pencils, art kids, and temporary tattoos celebrates OOLY’s 20th and Peanuts’ 75th anniversaries.
YouTuber and educator Rachel Accurso, aka Ms. Rachel, is set to make her Netflix debut in January. Four 30- to 60-minute episodes of “Ms. Rachel” will be available to stream on Jan. 27, with more episodes launching later this year. The four-episode season consists of compilations of existing videos by Ms. Rachel, featuring interactive lessons that teach letters, numbers, shapes, colors and much more. The episodes will be available in English with subtitles in 33 languages.
New TV series based on Magicbox Superthings characters coming to ITVX. Magicbox has announced a collaboration with ITVX for the first 3D animated TV series of the brand Superthings, called Superthings Kazoom Power. Superthings Kazoom Power is a TV series based on the Magicbox characters; produced by Tandem Films, Filmax, Turanga and 3Cat; with the participation of...
Carlin West Agency to rep Momiji. The agency will help Momiji expand to new categories. Carlin West Agency (CWA) will represent Momiji, one of the gift industry's most beloved collectible brands, in all categories worldwide. Momiji is the iconic U.K.-based collectible gift brand known for its dolls celebrating friendship, individuality, and storytelling.
Thames & Kosmos releases Exit: The Game – Adventures on Catan. Earlier this month, Kosmos, Catan GmbH and Catan Studio announced plans to release a new edition of Klaus Teuber’s award-winning board game, Catan, in March 2025, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the game’s first publication.
Addo Play signs multi-year global licensing agreement for Meccano. Addo Play has announced a multi-year global licensing agreement with Spin Master to carry forward the iconic construction toy brand Meccano, inspiring a new generation of builders and innovators worldwide. Originally created in 1898 by Frank Hornby in England, Meccano is one of the oldest and most enduring model construction systems.
JOYTOY launches Warhammer ‘Age of Sigmar’ action figures. Warhammer has announced that JOYTOY has created an extensive collection of Warhammer action figures, from the towering Primarchs of the Horus Heresy to a vast array of troops from the 41st Millennium. In Addition, for the first time JOYTOY is setting foot into the wild and fantastical world of “Warhammer Age of Sigmar,” with five new action figures...
Rocket Licensing to manage U.K. licensing program for ‘Bing’. U.K. licensing agent Rocket Licensing has announced that it has been appointed by brand owner Acamar Films as U.K. agent for “Bing.” “Bing’s” appeal has driven a successful licensing campaign, inspiring products ranging from games and apparel to toys, confectionery and homeware.
L.O.L. Surprise! announces new Hello Kitty & Friends collection. L.O.L. Surprise!, from MGA Entertainment (MGA) has announced its new L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Hello Kitty and Friends Tots. The brand, known for surprise unboxing and DIY features and fashions, has once again partnered with Sanrio, to bring fans eight limited-edition, Tots.
Party/starter edition of 'DC Deck-Building Game'. Cryptozoic Entertainment will release a new Party/Starter Edition of their DC Deck-Building Game in March. The Party/Starter Edition branding denotes a classic game packaged as a smaller, lower-priced package of the classic game originally launched in 2012.
Spin Master launches 30th Anniversary Batman Forever toys. Turn back the clock 30 years and gear up for action-packed Caped Crusader adventures with the DC Comics Retro Collection from leading global children’s entertainment company Spin Master! this collection celebrates 30 years of Batman Forever starring Val Kilmer, with authentic movie styling plus retro designs & packaging...
Domo Returns: Striker Entertainment to revive beloved icon in North America. Striker Entertainment inked a deal with NHK Enterprises, a related company of NHK, Japan Broadcasting Corporation, to lead the return of Domo in North America. Nearly 25 years after the fuzzy brown character first connected with fans, Striker will zero in on crafting a full licensing program spanning toys, apparel, collectibles, and digital products.
Atlas Games will release 'CatStronauts: The Board Game', a new game based on popular YA book series. Atlas Games will release CatStronauts: The Board Game, a new game based on the popular YA book series, into retail in February 2025. Drew Brockington's cat space pioneers, from the six-book 2017-2020 YA novel series of the same name, launch into the tabletop space with their first board game.
Incredible Group, The ICEE Company blend together for sweet treat nostalgia. Incredible Group is partnering with The ICEE Company to introduce new Squishi collectibles. The toys will resemble the iconic ICEE look, color, and fruity scent. As a part of Incredible Group’s growing Squishi line, it has official licensing with The ICEE Company by Design Plus.
‘Demon Slayer,’ POP MART launch collaborative blind box series. POP MART has launched the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Birth Flower Series Figures, a blind box collection made up of 12 different characters from the series with flowers that represent each month of the year.
'The Last of Us' S2 Trailer; 'Ahsoka' S2 cast change; New Sanrio series. Showbiz Round-up. Max has released the trailer for the second season of its videogame adaptation The Last of Us. As is typical for prestige series in the era of pandemics and Hollywood strikes, the second season will premiere over two years since the first season ran, in April.
Cobi steams ahead with Flying Scotsman license. A new licensing agreement signed by Cobi and the National Railway Museum, part of the Science Museum Group, will see the iconic steam locomotive immortalized in brick form. Cobi has announced that it has signed a deal with the National Railway Museum for the Flying Scotsman License on a worldwide basis.
Toys Go Manga in 2026: Mattel, TOKYOPOP team up for Hot Wheels, Barbie graphic novels. The toy titan and manga giant form a new storytelling alliance. Mattel and TOKYOPOP inked a deal to develop original manga-style graphic novels for kids ages 8–12, featuring the globally beloved Barbie and Hot Wheels brands.
Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery call off plans to launch Venu sports streaming service. Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery have called off plans to launch their sports streaming service, Venu, the companies said in a joint statement. “After careful consideration, we have collectively agreed to discontinue the Venu Sports joint venture and not launch the streaming service,” they said in the statement.
Bluey, The LEGO Group weld global popularity for new products. A significant partnership is forming between The LEGO Group and BBC Studios’ Bluey. These two global brands are joining forces to release the first-ever Bluey LEGO sets. Six new LEGO Bluey products will release within the LEGO 4+ and LEGO DUPLO lines later this year.
WizKids plans new 'DC HeroClix Green Lantern' booster set and retail chase booster for organized play. WizKids will release a new DC HeroClix Green Lantern booster set, DC HeroClix: Lantern Legacy Booster Brick, along with a retail chase booster for organized play, in July. The booster packs will include chase figures, items, and surprises for added collectability.
People of Play
The Faber-Castell Supervisory Board appoints Countess Sarah von Faber-Castell and farewells Mary von Faber-Castell, Hanspeter Muerle succeeded Gerhard Bruckmeier. he Countess completed her MBA at the renowned London Business School after graduating from Georgetown University with a B.A. in Political Science and Government. She has worked for several years in marketing roles...
Israel "Lev" Levarek Celebrated for Dedication to the Toy Industry. Well-regarded for more than four decades of excellence in the retail toy industry, Mr. Levarek has distinguished himself as the owner and chief executive officer of Toy Tokyo - a toy emporium whose flagship location in Manhattan features a wide selection of toys, collectibles and art pieces, from high-profile brands like Medicom Toy, Bandai, MEZCO, Funko...
*** The above posted after January 17th when tBR circulated ***
Sharon John Price, Build-A-Bear’s CEO, spends her Fridays penning old-fashioned ‘thank-you’ notes to bolster her $560 million toy empire. Don’t be surprised if the CEO of Build-A-Bear sends you a series of heart and clapping emojis the next time you do business. Sharon Price John led a million-dollar turnaround when she took the helm in 2013.
Industry Veteran Hiu Lee Launches Amplify Collaborative to Help Organizations Across the Globe Drive Scalable Growth. With two decades of experience in product development, global marketing and distribution across gifts, collectibles, seasonal, education and toys, Hiu Lee has launched Amplify Collaborative, a refreshing creative consultancy dedicated to scaling and future-proofing organizations poised for growth.
A designer is auctioning off a collection reflecting his decades of work creating and managing "iconic" toys. Bob Brechin was chief designer at Palitoy between the 1960s and 1980s and played a pivotal role in the creation of its Action Man and Action Force toys. Now 80, he says the time has come for him to pass on his rare collection to others that will appreciate their value.
At just 12 years old, Ava N. Simmons, known as “Ava The STEM Princess®,” is making her mark as the youngest Dyslexic CEO of a STEM Toy Company focused on children who learn differently. From being featured on The Drew Barrymore Show to having a business strategy meeting with Daymond John, also known as “The People’s Shark,” Ava is making significant strides for the neurodivergent population.
Ravensburger appoints new head of Sales for Disney Lorcana. Enrico Tassinari has been appointed head of Sales TCG & Hobby Store Channel for Disney Lorcana TCG at Ravensburger, working outside the UK in a global role which will see him drive the brand forward in key territories for this year. Having started his career in the TCG industry with Wizards of the Coast, publisher of Magic the Gathering...
The Entertainer announces changes to executive leadership team. Teal Group, the parent company of The Entertainer, has announced the appointment of former John Lewis Partnership Group Supply Chain director, Mark Robinson, as chief operating officer, taking over the responsibilities for Supply Chain, IT and Transformation currently held by deputy chief executive, Jeremy Cobbold, who has decided...
Funko announces Jenn Reeves as Senior Vice President of Brand. Funko, Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Jenn Reeves as Senior Vice President of Brand. Jenn will report directly to Cynthia Williams, CEO of Funko, and serve as a key member of the executive team, responsible for driving the 26-year-old company’s brand positioning, voice, persona, and growth strategies globally.
Zuru appoints Dave Wright as national account manager. With a wealth of experience in both buying and sales, Dave Wright brings valuable expertise from his previous role at A.B.Gee, where he delivered impressive results and built strong relationships with major retail partners. Zuru says his deep knowledge of the toy industry and understanding of Zuru’s product portfolio make him an excellent addition...
Asmodee UK makes leadership changes for a successful start to 2025. Anil Boodhoo, Roger Martin and Greg Stanton will help drive Asmodee’s business in three key areas – retail channels, market activations and purchasing, respectively. Asmodee UK, home to major titles such as Dobble, Catan, Bananagrams, Star Wars: Unlimited and The Pokémon Trading Card Game, has announced these changes...
New Year brings new opportunities for Jeremy Robinson. Industry stalwart Jeremy Robinson will be working with both Liscianigiochi and Topbright Toys in 2025, and is inviting buyers to connect in Nuremberg. As 2025 kicks off, Jeremy Robinson is pleased to confirm his ongoing representation of Liscianigiochi, as well as now also working with Topbright Toys GmbH.
Click welcomes Tony White as new Sales director. Click, a leading toy and collectibles distributor in the UK, is proud to announce the appointment of Tony White as its new Sales director. With over 20 years of experience in driving revenue growth, managing high-performance teams, and fostering strategic client relationships, Tony will play a pivotal role in accelerating Click’s growth and market presence.
ITV Studios’ Boom Group has hired veteran producer and commissioner Elen Rhys as its new head of Boom Kids. She’ll take over from Angharad Garlick, who’s stepping down in February after 20 years in the role. Joining the team later this month, Rhys is coming off a nine-year stint at Welsh pubcaster S4C, where she served as head of entertainment and factual entertainment (2022 to 2024) and content commissioner for...
Vainglory developer Super Evil Megacorp appoints new CEO. Ian Fielding has been named CEO of indie studio Super Evil Megacorp. The news comes with long-serving chief executive Kristian Segerstrale moving into the role of executive chair. Super Evil was formed in 2012 and has worked on notable titles including Vainglory and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate.
Companies and Brands
Nigel Cook – vice president, Brand Commercialisation & Retail at Disney Consumer Products EMEA, tells Toy World readers all about Disney’s licensing presence in Nuremberg and what 2025 has in store. NigelWill Disney have a presence at Spielwarenmesse 2025 and what will you be doing to support your exhibiting licensees? Spielwarenmesse is a crucial place for us to connect with licensees, retailers and other...
Mattel introduces 2-in-1 fashion experiences to its American Girl doll brand. The American Girl Truly Me Style Flips offer two looks in one outfit. Mattel expands its popular doll brand, American Girl, by introducing reversible outfit accessory sets for the Truly Me line. American Girl Truly Me Style Flips are now available, offering six sets featuring a 2-in-1 fashion experience.
Airfix reveals 2025 product range. The Airfix team will be bringing hobbyists the latest range of model kits which will include something for every modelling taste. Airfix will be going into 2025 with a range of kits intended to delight and inspire, with scale representations of some of the most exciting machines ever produced by man.
Miniso unveils Thailand flagship store. The opening continues Miniso’s trend of opening superstores in Southeast Asia. Miniso opened the doors to its new Thailand flagship in Bangkok Jan. 11. The flagship store features more than 20 IP collections to shop, including Harry Potter, Disney, and more.
Topbright GmbH expands its sales activities in the UK. After successfully establishing the educational brands, Topbright and Science Can, in the German market over the past few years, Topbright GmbH has announced the next step: expanding its distribution into the United Kingdom. Jeremy Robinson joined the team as country manager UK at the beginning of the new year.
BTL Diffusion to launch four product lines at Toy Fair. BTL Diffusion will be returning to London Toy Fair for the second year in a row. As a premium distributor of children’s brands, the company will present a diverse selection of innovative and carefully curated products. After its first year at Toy Fair with successful brands like Little Big Friends and Cloud B, BTL Diffusion returns with four...
LittleConcepts partners with Danish brand, Crateit. UK based toy and gift distributor, LittleConcepts, and Danish imaginative kids brand, Crateit, have announced a new and exclusive distribution partnership from 1st January 2025. Crateit’s innovative approach transforms traditional toys into creative outlets that spark children’s imagination and creativity.
Character Options to distribute WereBears in UK and Eire. Leading US plush supplier The Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company (BHTB) has confirmed Character Options as the distributor of the nostalgic and gritty WereBears brand, which is due to relaunch this autumn in the UK and Eire. The WereBears series of teddy bears was originally released in the United Kingdom in 1983.
Mattel supports LA wildfires relief efforts. The entire Mattel, Inc. organization grieves with the greater LA community and those who have been impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Mattel Children’s Foundation is supporting relief efforts led by many of our longstanding nonprofit partners including the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region...
Soft and Sustainable: Teddy Mountain LLC launches eco plush line. Teddy Mountain, the global leader in wholesale DIY plush products, is launching ECO Origins. The new line features products made with certified sustainable materials, including all fabrics, stitching, fiber, packaging, and other necessities to make the animal plush collection.
'The Crew' goes on a 'Family Adventure'. 'Marooned in Paradise' features easier-to-learn rules. Thames & Kosmos will release The Crew: Family Adventure - Marooned in Paradise, a cooperative trick-taking game, into retail in fall 2025. The award-winning The Crew series returns but this time as a family friendly game with easier-to-learn rules and a brand-new story.
Yoonique adds sweet treats to its plush collection. The Candy Bears line features various colors and sizes. Yoonique, a Los Angeles-based toy company, announces a sweet new product line in time for Valentine’s Day. Inspired by the founder Jeanne Yoon’s favorite treat, Candy Bears are colorful and collectible plush bears that are the perfect companion for consumers of all ages.
How Walmart’s latest brand refresh reinforces bigger digital ambitions. The last time Walmart refreshed its brand, the Great Recession loomed large, the iPhone was only a year old and a hyphen still split the retailer’s legal name. On Monday (Jan. 13), the big-box store unveiled the latest update to its visual identity, one meant to embrace the growing role that digital and cross-channel capabilities play...
New Scalextric cars and race sets zoom into 2025. World-renowned slot racing brand, Scalextric from Hornby, has announced its latest range of race sets and iconic vehicles. My First Scalextric Let’s Play! has been designed for younger racers and continues to ignite the passion for racing in the next generation. The set is available as either a battery or a mains powered option.
LEGO Education expands with hands-on science kits. LEGO Education Science aims to boost kids’ engagement through hands-on learning. LEGO Education Science is a collection of educational kits featuring more than 120 engaging, science-based lessons and presentations for different levels of education, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade.
'Monopoly' evolves for its 90th Anniversary. Adds new product type for the classic game line; base game gets makeover. Hasbro has announced new product types for Monopoly, coming in 2025 for the game's 90th anniversary. The game line will now feature expansion packs, which will breathe new life into this classic game. Each expansion pack adds new cards, rules that speed up the game, and other twists and turns.
Thames & Kosmos unveils new edition of 'Caesar & Cleopatra' card game by Wolfgang Ludtke. Thames & Kosmos unveiled a new edition of Caesar & Cleopatra, a classic strategy card game, which will hit retail in fall of 2025. Caesar & Cleopatra, designed by Wolfgang Ludtke, was originally released in 1997 and has since sold over 350,000 copies.
Brainstorm rolls out Freak Marbles. Freak Marbles, from World Alive, is the new spin on one of the world’s oldest toys and will have a full trade launch at London Toy Fair. The range will then be distributed exclusively by Brainstorm in the UK and Ireland. The collectible marbles have characterized 360º decoration, trading points, epic gameplay and skins that convert them into...
Cony Toys to introduce its brands to the global market in Nuremberg. Cony Toy is a South Korean toy company that was originally set up in 1998 by Manjong Moon. Manjong’s son Sungjoo Mun subsequently took over the running of the business as co-CEO in 2016. Having established the business as a leader in the South Korean Infant and Pre-school market...
Brighter together: Glo Pals and Jellystone Designs expand partnership to U.S. market. Retailers in the U.S. now have access to products from Australia’s Jellystone Designs. Glo Pals and Jellystone Designs expanded their distribution pact following a successful partnership that began in 2023 when Jellystone picked up Glo Pals’s distribution in Oz. Jellystone’s silicone products are now available in the U.S.
Renegade announces 'Heroscape' Store Championship program. Renegade Game Studios has announced its 2025 Heroscape Store Championships program, for events to be held between May 2 and June 29, 2025 at Heroscape Battle Network stores. Kits will include 24 sets of Aquilla-themed Order Markers for Participation Prizes; 7 Silver Base Ewashia minis with foil Army Card for top players...
The Petting Zoo releases its 2025 collection Out of its Cage. Wearable plush with a sustainable purpose is the focus of this year’s new products. The Petting Zoo has released its new collection. Built with eco-conscious materials and sustainably focused, wearable plush and cuddly critters are the focus of new products for kids and are available for purchase by specialty retailers.
Renegade reveals two 'Axis & Allies' games, one new, one reprint. Renegade Game Studios has revealed plans for two new Axis & Allies games, one new and one back in print. The new game, Axis & Allies: Stalingrad, is Renegade’s second new game since taking over the license; Renegade released Axis & Allies: North Africa last year.
'Gundam Card Game' and 'Gundam Assemble' combine forces for 'Gundam Card Game: Gundam Assemble Starter Set' crossover product. Bandai will release Gundam Card Game: Gundam Assemble Starter Set, a new hybrid miniatures and TCG product, into retail on July 11. Bandai was clearly thinking out-of-the-box with this new starter deck configuration, as it is crossover product between two...
Plum Play announces new partnership with Nikko Toys. Plum Play has announced a brand-new partnership with Nikko Toys as the official UK and Ireland distributor. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of Plum Play’s product offerings, now including Nikko Toys’ renowned range of radio-controlled vehicles for 2025 and beyond.
'Pukeapocalypse' spews forth punk kitbash-driven RPG. Exalted Funeral will release Pukeapocalypse, a punk, kitbash-driven roleplaying game, this week. It’s designed by Glenn Ford, lead developer on Osprey Games’ Gaslands. The art by Lukasz Kowalczuk, along with pieces by Aleksander Kostic and Tiger Wizard, is in 90s neon gore style.
Travel the East Australian Current in 'Australis': New board game by Thames & Kosmos. Thames & Kosmos will release Australis, a new board game, into retail in Fall 2025. In this game, designed by Alessandro Zucchini and Leo Colovini, players use sea turtles to manage the ecosystem surrounding the underwater superhighway of the East Australian Current (EAC).
Demonic Samurai invade 'Conquest'. Para Bellum announces next faction for the game and new two-player starter set. Para Bellum Wargames announced their ninth faction for Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings and Conquest: First Blood, which will hit stores in 2025. The new faction invading Conquest are the Yoroni, a cohort of demonic samurai.
Bandai reveals first 'Gundam Card Game' booster set: 'Newtype Rising' follows up on the Beta Edition release. Bandai revealed Newtype Rising, a new booster set for the Gundam Card Game, which will hit stores on July 25, 2025. This set follows up the Beta Edition release of the brand-new TCG with the first widely available set through distribution (GD01).
Exploding Kittens introduces preschool-friendly card game ‘Roly Poly Goalie’. Exploding Kittens is expanding its game collection with Roly Poly Goalie, a preschool card game. Exclusive to Target, the game will be available on Jan. 12. Roly Poly Goalie is inspired by Throw Throw Burrito. The game promotes screen-free fun and the development of fine motor skills. Players race to flip cards.
Trip Jones’ adds New York to its award-winning city guides. The New York guide features popular locations, attractions, and more. Trip Jones, a company specializing in kid-friendly city guides, has added another adventure kit to its collection. With Trip Jones’ The Kids’ Guide to New York, kids can help their parents plan the next big family road trip. Kids often don’t get a say on travel plans for big family trips.
Pokémon trading card game is now available in Spanish, following latest expansion. The Pokémon Company International announced its upcoming expansion, Scarlet & Violet - Journey Together, will be the first Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) pack to be fully translated into Latin American Spanish.
'UniVersus CCG: Street Fighter 6' Challenger Series decks hit preorder. ‘Ryu and Luke' and 'Chun Li and Jamie'. UVS Games placed two new UniVersus CCG: Street Fighter 6 Challenger Series decks onto preorder. One of the big announcements in 2024 for UVS Games was the return of Street Fighter to the UniVersus CCG roster of IPs.
Head-to-head mosaic building in 'Azul Duel'. Two-player version of Kiesling classic. Next Move Games and Asmodee are bringing Azul Duel, a two-player version of the award-winning Michael Kiesling game, to market with release slated for February 21. Based on the Spiel des Jahres-winning 2017 game, Azul Duel pits two players in a head-to-head match to see who is the most clever mosaic master.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Switch 2 officially revealed by Nintendo. The Mario maker breaks its silence on its most anticipated console ever. After months of fan speculation and an outpouring of alleged leaks, we got to gaze upon the actual Switch 2. Nintendo announced the new gaming console with a short YouTube video showcasing the new hardware, which includes magnetic Joy-Con controllers, a bigger screen, and backwards compatibility...
Sony patents new tech focused on behavior tracking and reducing input lag. Several patents filed by Sony (spotted by outlets like GameSpot and 80LV), and offer some potential insight into PlayStation's technological future. One application filed in June 2024 concerns a machine learning-based model that appears to address "input lag," the time passed between a pressed controller and the action occurring onscreen.
Meta Quest 3S failed to boost holiday demand for VR in 2024. Omdia analysis of Sensor Tower data reveals that the Meta Quest mobile companion app downloads fell on Christmas Day 2024 by 27% compared to 2023, despite the launch of the Meta Quest 3S in October. Priced from $300, the Quest 3S is a follow-up to the highly successful Quest 2.
VR studio Soul Assembly has laid off 15 percent of its workforce. VR studio Soul Assembly has laid off 15 percent of its workforce. Studio CEO David Solari confirmed the news in a statement to UploadVR. "We can confirm a reduction in our team by 15 percent. This decision was taken to ensure the studio is aligned with the requirements of our upcoming projects," he wrote.
Critically acclaimed Steam shooter indefinitely on hold after dev reveals she's going to prison. Fortune’s Run is a sci-fi immersive sim about surviving the industrial wreckage of Earth after humanity has escaped to the stars. The shooter RPG blew some critics away when they tried the demo back in 2023.
Microsoft conducts 'small' layoffs across various divisions. This is the third year in a row Microsoft has laid off workers in January. Business Insider reports Microsoft is eliminating positions across the company. Two sources speaking to the outlet claimed these reductions were "small," and will affect its security, video game, and sales divisions.
Nintendo is reportedly just days away from announcing the Switch 2. We finally made it folks: The Switch 2 reveal is just days away. At least that’s what insiders are now claiming. It’s about time. Podcaster NateTheHate, who has a long track record of sharing credible industry leaks, said the long-awaited announcement of Nintendo’s successor to the Switch will happen on January 16.
Godfall dev Counterplay Games has quietly closed down. A developer at Jackalyptic Games claims Godfall creator Counterplay Games closed its doors over the holiday break. PlayStation Lifestyle spotted a LinkedIn post from an anonymous employee, who revealed the two studios were at work on an unannounced project.
Hitman: World of Assassination tops 75 million players. IO Interactive's Hitman: World of Assassination has topped over 75 million worldwide players. In its announcement, the Danish developer further revealed the stealth game reached 1 million players in December 2024, and "remains as popular as ever" since the new Hitman launched in 2016.
'I got death threats when men thought I put feminist gesture in video game'. It was late at night, and Darim's animation studio had just finished designing a new look for a character in one of South Korea's most popular video games, MapleStory. Darim was proud of her work. So, sitting alone on the floor of her small studio apartment, she posted the trailer on social media.
Enad Global 7 shuts down Toadman, cuts staff at MechWarrior dev Piranha Games. Swedish holding company Enad Global 7 has restructured two of its subsidiaries, Toadman Interactive and Piranha Games. It plans to "wind down" the former studio, and cut 38 employees at the latter, which has developed titles such as MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries and MechWarrior 5: Clans.
Robocraft 2 developer Freejam shuts down. Freejam, the studio behind the two Robocraft games and CardLife, is closing its doors. In a statement on its Discord server it attributed the closure to "current market conditions" and the server costs to keep making Robocraft 2, which launched as an Early Access title in November 2023.
Nintendo's releasing a Game Boy made of LEGO. Nintendo just announced a new console and it’s still not the Switch 2. The console maker is teaming up with LEGO to release a Game Boy made of plastic bricks. It follows after a previous collaboration in which the two companies released a LEGO NES together, complete with retro TV that displayed the first level of the original Super Mario Bros.
Highlighted Press Releases
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Lethal Chicken Games Pledges Support for Fire-Stricken Communities and Local Stores Amid Retail Challenges. In the aftermath of the devastating LA fires, Lethal Chicken Games is taking action to support fire-stricken communities and struggling local businesses. The Southern California-based game company, known for its imaginative and hilarious tabletop games, is launching a Kickstarter campaign on January 21, 2025, with a bold commitment: brick-and-mortar stores will have better pricing than mega online retailers. But their mission goes beyond pricing. In response to the fires, which have left small businesses and residents across the region reeling, Lethal Chicken Games is making an immediate impact, “Our company began while doing volunteer Hurricane Irma cleanup.
Safety and Counterfeiting
Review of products finds many have button batteries 'dangerously accessible' as choking hazard, despite new law. Despite new safety laws aimed at protecting children, button and coin cell batteries remain a potentially deadly hazard. A Consumer Reports investigation found that many household items still have easily accessible battery compartments, leaving families vulnerable to tragic accidents. Button and coin cell batteries, commonly found in toys, tealights, and other household devices, may be small, but they pose serious risks to children.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Winners of the 60th (UK) Toy Industry Awards announced. Wow! Stuff, Smyths and Spin Master Toys UK have triumphed winning Toy of the Year, Toy Retailer of the Year and Supplier of the Year, respectively. In addition, the 2 trade associations that presented the awards each presented special awards on the night, which took place on the opening evening of Toy Fair. The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA)...
UK Toy Fair is back for its 71st year and organiser, the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), has announced the top 30 Toy Fair’s Hero Toys for . TV personality, Anna Williams on, hosted the prestigious awards ceremony live at Olympia London, on 21st January, posing with winners as they collected their certificates. Curated by a panel of independent retailers with many years’ experience in buying and selecting...
The Producers Guild of America anointed Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, A Real Pain, September 5, The Substance, and Wicked as its contenders for Best Picture on Thursday, solidifying those films Oscar hopes. The guild announcement came six days later than originally planned due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on January 17th ***
TAGIE Awards to air on select CBS affiliates. The hour-long special will air as part of ‘Toy of Our Lives.’ The Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards, hosted by People of Play, will air as part of an hour-long special on Jan. 18 on CBS. The TAGIEs celebrate and honor inventors, designers, and innovators behind the world’s most beloved toys and games. The ceremony was held Nov. 8 in Chicago.
Return of Toy Fair means the toys are back in town. Toy Fair, the UK’s biggest trade fair solely focused on the Toys & Games industry, opens its doors from 21st to 23rd January at Olympia Events in Kensington. Now in its 71st year, the show has been sold out since September 2024 and is preparing to welcome more than 250 exhibitors across both levels of the Grand and National Halls, as well as a section of the Upper West Hall.
Call to Action: The Toy Industry responds to LA wildfires. Here’s how the industry is supporting relief efforts, and how YOU can get involved. As historic wildfires continue ravaging the Los Angeles area, the toy industry is mounting efforts to help displaced children and families. The Toy Foundation tells The Toy Book that its logistics partner, World Vision, is already en route to LA...
Forbes 30 Under 30 2025: Games category: Heidi Erwin: Senior game designer for the NY Times, based in NY City; Michelle Jang: Xbox Korea Partnerships Lead, Cornell University alum; Joseph Kemp: Founder of game publishing company Games That Matter, John Jay College of Criminal Justice alum and based in NY City; Noelle Mazurek: Game producer at Blizzard Entertainment, New York University alum and based in Latham
Spring and Autumn Fair has announced a new chapter of its exclusive partnership with Faire, the world’s largest global wholesale marketplace. The renewed collaboration will provide UK independent retailers with year-round support, bridging the online and offline wholesale experience to help them trade smarter and faster. Building on the success of their 2024 partnership, Spring Fair and Faire will...
Get ready for the 2025 Bologna Licensing Awards jury! This prestigious jury will select the winners of this year's edition, who will be honoured at the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair / Kids (BLTF/K) from 31 March to 3 April. In 2025 one of the focuses of this award will be the Best Licensed Game Award, devoted to the best property development into videogames. Don't miss this unique opportunity—be part of the Awards!
Hornby Hobbies reveals finalists for Model Shop of the Year 2025. The overall winner, picked from the line-up of five worthy finalists, will be revealed on 14th February 2025 following a public vote and evaluation by an expert judging panel. Hornby Hobbies has announced the five finalists of its inaugural Model Shop of the Year awards, selected by public vote from nearly 150 nominated stores...
BAFTA announces its 2025 film award nominees. The shortlist for the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards has been released, and kids & family features had a particularly strong showing. Aardman Animations’ Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot each picked up three nominations.
One of the most important meeting points of Türkiye’s Toy industry, the International Istanbul Toy Fair will be held at the Tüyap Fair and Convention Center between 25th-28th February 2025, bringing together major players from the Turkish toy trade as well as further afield to present the latest innovative, educational and cutting-edge products. The International Istanbul Toy Fair is a strategic platform that brings...
Halloween & Costume Association reveals Spooky Awards winners. Last night, The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) held its inaugural Spooky Awards at the Halloween & Party Expo in Las Vegas. This new honor spotlights “outstanding artistry, craftsmanship, and marketable creativity, recognizing creators who capture the true spirit of Halloween.”
Jenny Jiao Hsia's Consume Me leads the list of 2025 IGF Awards finalists. The Game Developers Conference (GDC) has revealed the finalists for 2025's Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards. Consume Me, from developer Jenny Jaio Hsia leads the pack with five nominations across the excellence in the design, art, and narrative categories, as well as a nomination for the Seumas McNally grand prize.
Specialty retail and the global toy community. What’s in it for me? by SUE WARFIELD, President, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Thousands of toy industry professionals from all over the world will gather in Nuremberg, Germany, for Spielwarenmesse, and ASTRA will once again join the fun.
Pasadena Comic Con postponed. We hope this message finds you safe and well. Due to the ongoing impact of the Los Angeles fires, we regret to inform you that Pasadena Comic Con, originally scheduled for January 26th, has been postponed. The new date for the event is May 24th, Saturday only Memorial Day Weekend.
The Writers Guild of America has released its nominations list for this year’s WGAs, after delaying the announcement by a week due to the ongoing LA wildfires. The Guild’s annual award ceremony recognizing the best writing across film, TV and radio is scheduled to take place on Feb 15 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Five kids projects are shortlisted in the dedicated Children’s Episodic, Long Form and Specials category. Disney+ got two nods
GAMA issues correction for 2025 Origins Award categories. The Game Manufacturers Association has issued a correction to its recently announced 2025 Origins Awards categories. The correction changed the Product of the Year category to a Constructable Game of the Year category.
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
Alan Emrich, a designer and writer of board games and videogames credited with coming up with the term "4X" to describe sprawling, empire-building strategy games, has died. Emrich's death was reported by friends in a forum post on the wargaming community website ConsimWorld.
Emrich was a notable figure in the world of boardgaming: His bio at BoardGameGeek says he was the founder of boardgame publisher Victory Point Games as well as multiple tabletop gaming conventions.
He was also a significant presence in the early days of videogaming, working on games including Castles 2: Siege and Conquest, Warlords 2, Conquest of the New World, and Master of Orion 3. His most recent credit listed on MobyGames is as a design consultant on the 2016 Master of Orion remake.
Britt Allcroft, the producer behind the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine TV series Thomas And Friends, has died.
Allcroft began her career in British television and was introduced to Thomas the Tank Engine when she met the author, Reverend Wilbert Awdry, while making a documentary about the Bluebell Railway. According to The Independent, multiple producers were interested in adapting Thomas, but she successfully convinced Awdry that she was the right person for the job. After securing the rights, she and her husband, fellow TV producer Angus Wright, spent four years securing funding for their program.
The result was Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends (later shortened to Thomas & Friends), which first aired on ITV in October 1984 with narration from former Beatle Ringo Starr. The series became a huge success, eventually running for 24 seasons and 584 episodes over 37 years. It spawned several spin-offs, including the U.S. show Shining Time Station (George Carlin and Alec Baldwin served as narrators for the U.S. series) and Mr. Conductor’s Thomas Tales. Allcroft went on to write and direct the 2000 feature film, Thomas And The Magic Railroad, starring Baldwin, Peter Fonda, and Mara Wilson.
In the wake of a poor box office performance for the film, Allcroft resigned from her production company The Britt Alcroft Company, per The Guardian. The company was eventually sold to HiT Entertainment, which itself was later acquired by Mattel. In 2021, Mattel rebooted the show as the 2D animated series Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.
Former Lt Governor Mary Anne Krupsak, a trailblazing figure in the fight for women's rights, and the first woman ever elected Lieutenant Governor of New York State, passed away peacefully on December 28th at her home on Seneca Lake. She was 92.
She also served on the Board of Directors for several corporations, including toy manufacturer Coleco, whom during her tenure introduced the worldwide phenomenon of Cabbage Patch Kids, generating over $2 billion in sales in 1983-1984. Alongside her friend Dr. Konstatine Frank, her committed efforts played a significant role in the development of the Finger Lakes wine industry as we know it today.
She loved life, and she lived it well.
She loved her friends and her family; the Wytrwals, the Krupsaks, and the Cohens. She exemplified a life of purpose, and of dedication to public service and others.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
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Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
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New TV series based on Magicbox Superthings characters coming to ITVX
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The Entertainer announces changes to executive leadership team
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Addo Play signs multi-year global licensing agreement for Meccano
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Thames & Kosmos releases Exit: The Game – Adventures on Catan
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Exclusive: Return of Toy Fair means the toys are back in town
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Asmodee UK makes leadership changes for a successful start to 2025
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Cony Toys to introduce its brands to the global market in Nuremberg
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Exclusive: Nigel Cook on Disney’s licensing presence at Spielwarenmesse 2025
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Story House Egmont expands Disney rights in the UK with launch of new magazines
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Miraculous headlines Atresmedia’s expanded Neox Kidz programming block
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CBeebies unveils new educational animation series, Wonderblocks
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Bandai Reveals First 'Gundam Card Game' Booster Set
- 'Gundam Card Game' and 'Gundam Assemble' Combine Forces
- Diamond Files for Reorganization Under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
- 'Monopoly' Evolves for Its 90th Anniversary
- Renegade Reveals Two 'Axis & Allies' Games
- WizKids Plans New 'DC HeroClix Green Lantern' Booster Set
- 'UniVersus CCG: Street Fighter 6' Challenger Series Decks Hit Preorder
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Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Wiggles Go “Giddy Up!” with Groundbreaking New Country Album
The Toy Universe (Australia)
Wrong Video, Mr Kim — Pucca Goes All Kill Bill
hobbyDB
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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
