Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
New York Toy Fair is this week!
Twenty-five years ago, before CHITAG and POP, a couple dozen of my DiscoverGames.com indie inventors gathered for a dinner. The following year, more inventors joined, doubling the number, and the event continued to grow. Over time, colleagues from all corners of the industry worldwide have joined in the camaraderie. It's not uncommon for 500 people to come and go throughout the night—before dinner, after dinner, or while enjoying a meal at Connolly's. And it’s equally common for laughter and good times to continue until 3:30 am. We hope you’ll join us this year!
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our NYTF Connolly's POP Pub Party & the 20th Anniversary of our Young Inventor Challenge on Monday March 3rd! Tickets are only $20 and it goes directly to offset the costs of the Young Inventor Challenge. Get your tickets or donate $20 HERE. Past photos HERE!
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Mary and the POP Team
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Team of the Week: Matt Synowicz, Brennan Hunt and Madeleine McKenzie
Bring epic battles and fan-tastic plush to the Big City for TOMY International
With NYC Toy Fair upon us, we caught up with a few members of TOMY International’s team to talk shop. First, let’s establish what you three do at TOMY.
Madeleine – I’m an Associate Brand Manager where my job is to understand what toys consumers want and then work with all the different teams to make the toys a reality! I spend my days researching industry and consumer trends, working with the design team to develop incredible new toys, supporting sales to get the toys on shelves at stores, strategizing with the marketing communications team on launch plans and marketing campaigns, and ensuring that we are bringing high-quality, innovative new toys to market that consumers will love.
Matt – I’m a senior product designer at TOMY responsible for the design and development of toys, from concept all the way to the final product. I collaborate with licensors, other members of my team (Brennan) as well as our team in HK to ensure that our toys are safe, functional and become something that consumers love.
Brennan – Hi, Mary. I’m Brennan Hunt, also a product designer at TOMY. I work mainly with Matt to develop a variety of toys with a focus on Collectible Plush and Boys Action. Besides drawing and communicating with licensors and our HK team, I create 3D Renders and 3D Prints to support Marketing and other design team members.
Toy Fair is here. What’s your favorite thing about the winter show season? Read More...
Event of the Week - Countdown to Toy Fair®:
Top 6 Tips for a Successful Show
The wait is almost over! The 119th Toy Fair® will kick off this weekend, taking place March 1 to 4 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Toy Fair serves as a worldwide showcase of the future of play, and is the ultimate destination to create connections, meet with strategic partners, and build business. The show will welcome more than 840 exhibitors of all sizes and 22 of the top 25 toy retailers in the nation, in addition to thousands of buyers from key markets across the globe. Play professionals from nearly 100 countries and hundreds of members of the press will walk the equivalent of eight football fields filled with top products to discover what’s trending.
Whether you’re going to be at Toy Fair as an exhibitor or an attendee, here’s what you need to know to maximize your experience:
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: "I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is." -Kurt Vonnegut
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!
Financial and Legal
The Pokémon Company was awarded “substantial” damages as part of a settlement in a long-running lawsuit with the developers of Chinese copycat mobile game Pocket Monster: Remake. Pocket Monster: Remake launched in 2015 and appeared fairly popular, having earned upwards of around $42 million in a single year according to The Pokémon Company, as reported by The South China Morning Post in 2022.
Spin Master's Max Rangel the Toronto-based co. stands to be impacted by 10 per cent tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump has levied on goods entering his country from China. To deal with both challenges, Spin Master is reviewing its supply chain options “carefully” and considering pricing changes. Those moves come as Canada has been plunged into uncertainty by Trump, who has promised to apply duties to...
US consumer confidence fell sharply in February. Consumer confidence in the U.S. fell sharply in February, marking the biggest monthly decline in more than four years, as economic uncertainty under President Donald Trump's administration continued to mount. According to a report released Tuesday by The Conference Board, concerns over inflation, trade policies, and labor market conditions have led to...
China. Toy manufacturing shifting inland due to rising labor costs. In light of US President Donald Trump's new tariff policies, company head Ma Mingjiang expressed concern for export-driven businesses like his. As a labor-intensive industry, toy manufacturing, once concentrated in southern regions like Guangdong province, is shifting inland due to rising labor costs.
Pokémon Company settles copyright lawsuit filed against Pocket Monster: Remake developer, developers of the mobile game Pocket Monster: Remake. According to the settlement's terms, Guangzhou and Khorgos have delisted the game, issued a public apology, and will pay a "substantial economic price" to the Pokémon Company.
Police raid South Korean studio Dynamis One over Nexon data leak allegations. South Korean studio Dynamis One has been raided by local law enforcement after being accused of illegally exporting development materials owned by Nexon. As reported by local news outlet ChosunBiz, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Industrial Technology Security Investigation Team raided the studio's headquarters...
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Financial Reporting
Spin Master released its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 earnings, bucking the trend with revenue hitting $2.2 billion last year, an increase of 18.8% over 2023. Melissa & Doug contributed $374.7 million to the total take. In Q4, the company’s revenue spiked 29.1% to $649 million, including $136 million in Melissa & Doug revenue. Spin Master, which reports its business under three “Creative Centers,” says that revenue in Toys increased 25.9% followed by a 16.6% decline in Entertainment and a 5.4% dip in Digital Games.
German toy manufacturer Schleich is noting last year as a year of considerable growth, reporting a 12% growth across North America and the opening of its 100th retail location in October. With this year being the company’s 90th anniversary, Schleich is looking to continue its expansion and focus on boosting its online presence and community with various brand experiences and digital content.
Gearing up for its US$8-billion merger with Skydance Media, Paramount Global’s Q4 revenue was up 5% compared to the same quarter last year. But overall, the company finished the quarter with a net loss of US$224 million, due to operating costs connected to this impending transaction.
Pokémon celebrates another strong year at retail, with strong sales across Europe for its Pokémon Trading Card Game and toy ranges. For the first time, Pokémon became the No.1 property in Italy, in addition to maintaining its top position in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It also consolidated its position in the top three in the UK and Germany and achieved its highest-ever annual position in Spain...
Toys“R”Us ANZ reports strong sales growth and strategic partnership, with sales up by $1.4 million compared to the previous quarter. The company received a $2.7 million refund from a lease bond, which was reinvested into inventory for core brands, and established a strategic partnership with Directed Electronics Australia to enhance product development and marketing.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
SpongeBob Beats Arthur to Become the Longest Running Animated Kids Show. SpongeBob SquarePants has now surpassed Arthur’s record to be the longest running animated kids show of all time
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on February 28th ***
Toy Association to unveil top toy & play trends of 2025 at Toy Fair.
The shift to adult-oriented marketing.
Tablets for tots? Survey says kids watch videos on their own devices by age 2
Children’s enjoyment of audio surpasses pleasure of reading ‘for first time’
Netflix - Today, we released our latest Engagement Report sharing what people watched on Netflix from July to December 2024. As we announced last month, moving forward, we’ll publish our bi-annual reports alongside our second and fourth quarter earnings results.
Brands can benefit from kids watching multiple screens at a time. Nearly half of two- to 12-year-olds in the US are simultaneously on another screen when they're watching YouTube, highlighting an opportunity for IP owners to reach them across platforms.
Kids are spending more time gaming post-pandemic. Common Sense Media's new census on media usage among zero- to eight-year-olds in the US IDs several key changes from 2020, including the fact that they're spending 65% more time gaming.
Barb to start measuring how much YouTube is watched on bigger screens. More than half the time kids spent watching YouTube at home last year was on a TV, and measuring popular channels is a way to catch up with changing viewing habits.
The future of play is here: 10 cutting-edge toy trends to watch.
Toy industry on strong growth trajectory; exports up 40% over 5 years. The Indian toy market, valued at around $ 1.5 billion in 2023, has witnessed significant policy support from the government.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Dramatic shifts in the way kids consume content have led to much debate about the role that public service broadcasting plays in the unprecedented global crisis the children’s television industry is facing. Traditional broadcast channels that once thrived on producing and presenting children’s programming are now struggling to adapt to a landscape dominated by streaming platforms and changing viewer habits.
Julia Fitzgerald: In today’s Midsize Match-Up interview, I had the pleasure of talking with Kimberly Jones, President & CEO of Butler/Till. This group has some stand-out attributes that set them apart as a media agency, especially if you need to do local marketing at scale. But I'm getting ahead of myself! Let’s dive into how Butler/Till operates.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated Febrary 28th ***
John Baulch, Toy World - Deal or no deal (the nightmare edition) … it’s the Friday Blog! After London – which I have had the privilege of living within an hour’s travel of my entire life – the three global cities I have spent the most time in are New York, Nuremberg and Hong Kong. It’s probably a similar story for many people who have spent decades working in the toy market.
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery could overtake Netflix. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming bundle is doing a better job than Netflix at keeping subscribers. About 80% of subscribers who signed up for the bundle between July — when it launched — and September were still paying three months later, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing data from the streaming analytics firm Antenna.
A study on the design of literacy toy for children with parent-child interactions. Through semi-structured in-depth interviews, this study summarizes children’s main requirements in three areas: literacy methods, literacy vehicles, and parent-child interactions. The results of the in-depth interviews were combined with the theoretical research.
Instagram may launch separate Reels app to take on TikTok. Instagram is reportedly considering launching its short-form video feature, Reels, as a separate app as the future of Chinese-owned TikTok remains uncertain in the US. The social media platform's boss Adam Mosseri told staff about the potential move this week, according to technology industry–focused business publicatio.
Some schools in Kansas are allowing kids to go out and play more freely. Advocates of "risky recess" say fewer restrictions on what elementary school kids can do when they go out to play is good for a child's development. Some schools in Kansas are trying it out. In elementary school, recess used to be when you could head outside and just play. But there are rules now at most schools to ban the rougher stuff because...
History and Nostalgia
Crossword from Milton Bradley. Released by Milton Bradley in 1978, the Crossword game pitted players against each other to see who could assemble the highest-scoring crosswords before the time ran out. The player who rolled the highest-scoring single-letter cube started the game. All 13 letter cubes were placed in the dice cup.
Shrinky Dinks from Colorforms (1981). Although Shrinky Dinks have been around since the 1970s, these “shrink like magic” craft kits truly took off in the 1980s after Colorforms secured the rights to license and distribute them from their original creators. Budding junior artists could colour, cut, and bake their way to creating unique collectibles.
Fisher-Price Toys Catalogue (1958). In 1930, Herman Fisher, Irving Price, Margaret Evans Price, and Helen Schelle established Fisher-Price Toys—a company devoted to designing playthings that both fostered child development and provided fun. Although the company’s earliest products were crafted from wood and metal, this 1958 catalogue reveals that it had started incorporating plastic into its manufacturing process...
Clock-A-Word from Topper Toys (1966). In Topper Toys’ Clock-A-Word, players competed to form the longest possible word from a random selection of 9 letters in the shortest amount of time. The “race against the clock” pattern-recognition game was released in 1966. At the start of the game, each player received a stop pin and the Clock-A-Word pointer was moved to the start position, pointing straight up.
Magnastiks from Ohio Art. In 1961, Ohio Art released Magnastiks, a construction set that allowed children to “experience the wonder of magnetism.” The toy came in a red snap-lid case that housed a blue plastic insert with 4 integrated permanent magnet plates. The plates served as the base for any magnetic structure.
Call the Plumber from Tiger Games. A 1989 print advertisement for Call the Plumber from Tiger Games. This action game outfitted two to four players with miniature “plumbers helpers” that they used to try and capture marbles from an old bath tub. At the start of the game, a series of coloured balls drop into the tub and rapidly rotate thanks to a “spinning whirlpool” that was powered by two AA batteries.
30 nostalgic toys you may have forgotten existed if you were born pre-2000. Toys from childhood can hold a lot of sentimental value, and seeing ones you’ve forgotten about can instantly flood you with nostalgia. So if you’re in the mood to reminisce about the past, you’ve come to the right place, pandas. We took a trip to the Vintage Toys subreddit and gathered some of their best pics below.
50 toy fads that have driven parents crazy over the years. The right toys can create the person your child ends up becoming (some of those toys you might remember from growing up). They can also turn you into a raving lunatic, depending on how annoying the toys are. Think you’re alone in being driven nuts by a toy you’ve made the mistake of giving to your kid?
A full set of Street Fighter II toys from the '90s has just been preserved. The Keshi toys were released by Bandai in 1992. If you've been reading Time Extension for a while, you may have heard us talk about the retro enthusiast and archivist MrTalida in the past. They've been behind some amazing preservationist-based projects over the years. recently they've achieved yet another amazing feat that is worthy of...
Licensing and Entertainment
Alphablocks and Blue Zoo Licensing, the licensing division of the leading animation production company Blue Zoo Animation Studio and Alphablocks, have announced a new North American agency representation agreement for their award-winning pre-school educational series: Alphablocks, Colorblocks, Numberblocks and Wonderblocks – together forming the Blocks Universe.
Cra-Z-Art has signed a comprehensive global licensing agreement with GennComm ImaGennation, the product development and licensing division of GennComm LLC. The deal includes use of GennComm’s four issued US patents related to memory foam in plush toys, its Pop-Up Plush trademark, bespoke brands and comprehensive tactile sensory toy know-how for global use in Cra-Z-Art’s new plush division.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated February 28th ***
Hasbro announces that Mummy Pig will be pregnant in Season 10 of Peppa Pig. Families can view the episode on Nickelodeon at 9 a.m. ET on March 31. In this episode, families can watch Mummy and Daddy Pig share the news with Peppa and her brother, George. Consumers will see Peppa adjust to having a new sibling and discover if it’s a baby sister or brother in Season 11, which launches later this year.
You blinked and Transformers started to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Created in 1984 by Hasbro, the franchise has greatly evolved and today includes animated series, movies, and video games. In order to celebrate the many iterations of the Autobots and Decepticons, the Japanese YouTube channel T-SPARK unveiled a short film titled We Are Not Alone, which tells a standalone story in stop-motion animation.
Playmates Toys is getting Toy Fair started in style with its new Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toyline, and we’ve got your first look and all the details right here! Playmates Toys is getting ready to launch its new Power Rangers Re-Ignition line, which will include action figures, collectibles, role-play toys, and accessories, and we’ve got your first look at the first new items in the line.
Mattel and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products enter a multi-year licensing agreement to utilize the DC franchise. With the partnership, Mattel will promote the DC universe through a full range of products. In this licensing agreement, Mattel will have the rights to develop DC-themed products, including action figures, playsets, accessories, role-play products, and adult collectibles.
Goliath - The Sims is coming to tabletops for the first time. Leaving the family desktop computer for family game night, the board game is the result of a partnership between The Sims and Goliath. The iconic video game turns 25 this year. “We’re honored to be selected as a partner to create the first-ever board game for The Sims,” says Jochanan Golad, Goliath CEO. “It’s an incredible opportunity to collaborate with EA...
The third PAW Patrol film will be PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie. The film, which voice-stars Mckenna Grace, Jennifer Hudson, and Fortune Feimster, is set to release in movie theatres on July 31, 2026. The film will be produced by Spin Master Entertainment in partnership with Nickelodeon Movies and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Just Play expands into the games category. The offerings include reimagined classics like Skip It, Simon, Wheel of Fortune, and more. Just Play, known for its contributions to figures, playsets, dolls, plush, role-play, and dress-up on the toy shelves, will roll the dice and expand into the games category.
New LEGO T-Rex is over 3 feet long and contains 3K+ pieces. The new Jurassic Park fossil set launches in March and will cost $250. LEGO and Universal just announced a new Jurassic Park Lego set, and this one is a biggie. In a few months you’ll be able to own and build a massive T-Rex skeleton complete with moving tail and jaw. You’ll just need to make some space for this three-foot monster.
The Jim Henson Company appoints DeAPlaneta Entertainment to represent distribution and licensing rights in Europe. The Jim Henson Company, which is celebrating its 70th year, has announced that it has appointed DeAPlaneta Entertainment for European distribution and licensing of select titles from its catalogue of children’s series.
PlayMonster expands portfolio with Never Have I Ever party game. The adult party game becomes an adult board game, out this spring. PlayMonster has announced a major strategic partnership, adding the adult party game, Never Have I Ever to its portfolio, from its previous manufacturer, INI. This iconic game, known for its engaging and often hilarious content,..
Mattel To launch ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ toy line. Toys find a way with costumes, playsets, and more. The long-awaited follow-up to Jurassic World: Dominion will be roaring into theaters this summer, and it comes with some powerful toys. Mattel is launching a complete line of toys inspired by Jurassic World: Rebirth this spring and fall, including playsets, costume pieces, games, vehicles, and more.
Pokémon boss believes series can last another 50 to 100 years. The boss of The Pokémon Company believes the series can last for at least another 50 years if it continues to innovate. First launched on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, the video game has expanded into films, TV and toys to become one of the world's highest-grossing media franchise.
Miraculous Corp and Playmates reveal new anniversary collector doll. In celebration of ten years of superhero adventures, Miraculous Corp and global master toy partner Playmates Toys are introducing the Miraculous Ladybug 10th Anniversary Limited-Edition Collector Doll. Standing 10.5 inches tall, this custom-designed collector doll captures the essence of Ladybug’s heroic spirit.
Keeping up with the Heelers: How ‘Bluey’ is using storytelling and authenticity to become ‘More Than Just a Kids Show’. Ahead of a new movie on the horizon and new collaborative programs in place with Moose Toys and The LEGO Group, to name a few, License Global explores how creator Joe Brumm, Ludo Studio and BBC Studios are building an icon of family entertainment.
Mattel joins Minecraft Movie mania with Spring toy lineup. Mattel will release these six toys alongside A Minecraft Movie’s debut. Fans can look forward to a wide range of apparel, merchandise, and toys that will launch alongside the film. Mattel is getting in on the Minecraft toy action. Here are six Mattel toys that will be part of a spring release. …
Hasbro reveals more new Star Wars toys for The Vintage Collection and The Black Series during February Fanstream. Hasbro held its semi-regular Hasbro Pulse Star Wars Fanstream for the month of February, and revealed a number of new toys coming to both The Vintage Collection and The Black Series lines. "Revenge of the Sith," "Andor," "The Mandalorian," and the original "Star Wars" film are all represented.
TOMY International is expanding its collectible universe with Momiji, the iconic brand loved worldwide for its sought-after message dolls. In an exciting new creative collaboration with TOMY, Momiji is stepping into the wider toy space, building on its twenty-year legacy while exploring new categories that stay true to its spirit of playful design. Momiji dolls are more than just collectibles, they're darling treasures...
Wizards of the Coast and WizKids reveal 'Dungeons & Dragons' 'Mr. Potato Head' crossover miniature. This is potentially the crossover miniature that D&D fans didn't know they wanted until it was possible. It is a mash-up miniature by WizKids that combines the charm of a Hasbro toy IP with an infamous creature from D&D.
Hasbro unveils G.I. Joe Cold Slither figures. Hasbro is giving fans an early look at an SDCC exclusive. Cold Slither is getting its big moment at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) this year with the G.I. Joe Classified Series No. 163, Dreadnoks Cold Slither: Band of Vipers Tour Commemorative Action Figure Set, which includes the band’s founding members: Zartan, Ripper, Buzzer, and Torch.
Beloved toy brand Jazwares is teaming up with Tokidoki for an all-encompassing licensing deal. Under this multi-year, multi-IP deal, Jazwares will design and develop collectibles, plushes, pet accessories, costumes, and other products inspired by the brand’s kooky, colorful characters. The partnership’s flagship collection will debut later this fall.
Pudgy Penguins, the popular NFT collection and toy brand, is getting a YouTube series. Lil Pudgys will be an animated program developed in collaboration with TheSoul Publishing. Targeted at kids and families, the comedy show will sit on the Pudgy Penguins YouTube channel when it launches in the spring. The series will follow four penguin roommates — Atlas, Eureka, Snofia and Springer — who...
Deddy Bears emerge from the crypt at Toy Fair with new licensed footwear, books. As Toy Fair approaches, Innov8 Creative Academy inked a series of licensing deals to bring these adorably undead collectibles to life in new ways. The agreements include contracts with Ground Up and Thunder Bay Press for new apparel, footwear, and books featuring the line’s creepy, colorful characters.
10 chilling horror movies about sinister toys. The Monkey. Released recently on February 21, 2025, The Monkey has staked its claim as a spine-chilling addition to horror cinema. When twin brothers stumble upon a mysterious wind-up monkey, their world unravels as deadly fates encircle their family. With an average rating of 3.8, this film showcases the haunting power of a cursed toy.
PhatMojo announces multi-year licensing deal with ‘Fisch’ for new toy line. PhatMojo has announced that it has entered a multi-year licensing partnership with online game “Fisch.” Brokered by Think Influence, the collaboration paves the way for a toy line that will launch in Fall, offering an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the “Fisch” universe in a physical format.
Warrior Cats roars into retail with Bonkers Toys and Retail Monster. The franchise jumps from the page to the toy department. Coolabi Group has appointed Retail Monster as its North American licensing agent and Bonkers Toys as its Global Master Toy Partner for Warrior Cats, its bestselling publishing and gaming franchise.
Disguise signs a multi-year contract extension with The Pokémon Company International. JAKKS Pacific’s costume division, Disguise, expands its long-standing partnership with The Pokémon Company International with a multi-year contract extension. This agreement renewal grants the company distribution rights and the ability to continue designing and manufacturing Pokémon-inspired products.
Playmates Toys reveals first look at Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Re-Ignition figures and Zords. Playmates Toys is getting Toy Fair started in style with its new Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toyline, and we’ve got your first look and all the details right here! Playmates Toys is getting ready to launch its new Power Rangers Re-Ignition line, which will include action figures, collectibles, role-play toys...
Riot Games and UVS Games join forces for 'League of Legends' TCG. 'Project K' coming soon to English-speaking markets. Riot Games and UVS Games have joined forces to publish Project K, a new physical League of Legends TCG. Riot Games' League of Legends video game IP has previously been in the TCG space before, via Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair release, but not as its own fully-developed TCG.
AllPlay gives ‘Sail’ the Legacy treatment: Two-player co-op trick-taking game. AllPlay has announced Sail Legacy, a new version of its two-player cooperative trick-tacking game from 2023. In Sail, two players work together to keep their ship afloat while they deal with the dangers of the sea and the creatures within it.
DC Studios has three new animated series in the works. Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation have announced three new animated superhero series - My Adventures with Green Lantern, DC Super Powers and Starfire - that are all in the production pipeline. My Adventures with Green Lantern, DC Super Powers and Starfire will serve as gateway entry points into DC's upcoming...
Basic Fun! introduces Stretch Armstrong toy line. The line of toys inspired by the classic Hasbro toy will be at retail this fall. Basic Fun! has announced a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro to manufacture and distribute classic and reimagined products under the iconic Stretch Armstrong toy brand that originated the first super-stretchy action figure characters almost 50 years ago.
Estes x ‘Kerbal Space Program’ launch rocket collection. This four-piece collection features Estes’ rockets with Kerbal Space Program’s characters. Estes expands its rocket model collection with its latest collaboration with the popular video game Kerbal Space Program. The product line combines the company’s 65 years of model expertise with the video game’s award-winning concepts.
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery could overtake Netflix. Here’s how. Disney Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) teamed up last year with a new bundle that combines their streaming platforms under one monthly subscription plan. The move was meant to help boost subscriptions and reduce churn, a major problem for video streaming services. So far, the partnership seems to be paying off.
Bushiroad announces 'Hololive: Official Card Game': New English edition of popular Japanese TCG. Bushiroad announced hololive: Official Card Game, which will head to retail in 2025. This Japanese TCG will be produced in English by the COVER Corporation and will feature the talents from hololive production.
‘Iyanu’ toys set for Toy Fair debut. Iyanu: Child of Wonder is getting the Toy Fair treatment. As the graphic novel heads to Cartoon Network as a series, it will debut three toys at the trade show in March. The graphic novel series from YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics has a Cartoon Network adaptation, Iyanu.
Amazon MGM Studios takes over James Bond; Marvel projects paused; 'Spider-Man 4' gets a new date; 'Street Fighter' and 'Clayface' find directors; 'Nights' animated series. Showbiz Round-up. Amazon MGM Studios has taken over creative control of the James Bond franchise, according to Variety.
Playmates Toys to debut ‘Team Mekbots: Animal Rescue’ line at Toy Fair. The animated series will get plush, action figures, and more. Playmates Toys will debut a new line of toys at Toy Fair this weekend. The company holds the master license for Team Mekbots: Animal Rescue; the animated show for presschoolers will see action figures, role-play items, plush, and more.
Wrestling, wizards, and warriors: Diamond Select Toys packs Toy Fair with blockbuster collectibles. DST’s lineup includes licensed action figures, statues, and busts. Diamond Select Toys (DST) and Gentle Giant LTD are bringing a lineup of new collectibles to Toy Fair in New York this weekend.
Toy Fair Terror: Trick or Treat Studios reveals bone-chilling collectibles. Trick or Treat Studios, a manufacturer of horror collectibles, masks, games, and action figures, is slashing its way into Toy Fair this weekend. The company will unveil a fresh lineup of licensed action figures and collectibles, reinforcing its dedication to bringing iconic horror and cult characters to life in new ways for fans and collectors.
Tytan Tiles shares new Disney Magnetic Tiles line for Toy Fair. At Toy Fair, Tytan Tiles will showcase its new licensed magnetic tile sets, including Disney properties like Lilo and Stitch, Frozen, and Disney Junior’s Mickey Mouse. The Stitch Magnetic Tile Set will feature Stitch and Angel catching a wave on the beach, while the Frozen set will have kids building Elsa’s ice castle from the movie.
Moose Toys to unveil Amazing Digital Circus Line.Toymaker’s portfolio including Bluey, MrBeast Lab and more will be at New York Toy Fair. Moose Toys enters New York Toy Fair with a portfolio of its partner brands, including the first product line for its newest partner, viral Aussie YouTube sensation, Amazing Digital Circus.
Incredible Group expands its Squishi collectibles line with New Bazooka Bubble Gum Squishi. This nostalgic Squishi fidget toy looks just like the classic chewy bubble gum and even includes the Bazooka Joe comic strip featured on the real gum packaging. Bazooka fans can carry this Squishi in their back pocket or, squeeze it in their hand to show their love for the band.
What is the Future of the James Bond Franchise? The character, brand and franchise has touched the hearts of people across generations around the globe since long before Ian Fleming's creation hit the big screen in 1962's "Dr. No." It has captured significant interest due to its action-packed spy adventures, iconic style and glamorous aesthetic and intriguing character plot lines that keep fans wanting more.
Moose Toys bolsters Bluey collection with Supermarket playset and Chat Mates. It comes with more than 15 play pieces, including unique Bluey and Bingo figures, as well as sounds and familiar phrases from the series. Elsewhere, the Bluey Chat Mates see Bluey and Bingo talk when their nose is pushed, delivering 10 phrases from the popular series, including “I’ve got an idea”.
Ultimate Miles Morales, more Jeff the Land Shark, Spider-Girl goes solo, new era for Captain America. Marvel News Roundup from ComicsPRO. Marvel Comics had plenty of news to announce at this year’s ComicsPRO meeting, including an Ultimate version of Miles Morales, new Jeff the Land Shark and Spider-Girl series, and a new creative team and setting for Captain America.
Klutz is bringing spring sunshine to the convention floor. The creativity brand will debut seven new craft kits this weekend, including kid-favorite licensees inspired by the magic of springtime. The collection features two licensed collaborations appealing to very different consumer blocks: Dreamworks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse and the Wings of Fire novels.
Ares announces 'Quartermaster General: South Front': New Mediterranean campaign for the popular WWII Game. This is the second release in the Quartermaster General "Front" series of games, following Quartermaster General: East Front. This time, designer Ian Brody tackles the struggle for control over Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean between summer of 1940 and spring of 1944.
New ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ animated series greenlit at Nickelodeon. The new show, titled Avatar: Seven Havens, has a 26-episode order and will follow a new Avatar. The series will be the third in the Avatar-verse, following the original show and The Legend of Korra. The announcement is timed to the 20th anniversary of the original series’ debut on Feb. 21, 2005.
New 'Supergirl,' 'Krypto' series; Mark Waid to 'Action Comics; New Batman Era. DC rolls out 'Summer of Superman' plans at ComicsPRO. DC Comics made a flurry of announcements, most tying in to their planned "Summer of Superman" crossover, at the ComicsPRO annual meeting on February 21, 2025: New Supergirl and Krypto series, a new creative team for Action Comics, and a new direction for Batman....
Upper Deck inks licensing deal with Gearbox for new video game collectibles. The new line will include prints, trading card sets, and board games inspired by Gearbox’s video games. Upper Deck is partnering with Gearbox Entertainment Company to create licensed collectibles inspired by its vault of popular video games, namely the Borderlands and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands sagas.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation have announced three new animated superhero series—My Adventures with Green Lantern, DC Super Powers and Starfire—that are all in the production pipeline. The plan with this approach is to build affinity for the new DC cinematic universe’s brand among kids and families.
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People of Play
Spin Master’s Anton Rabie Shows the Toy Industry Is No Child’s Play. Anton Rabie, co-founder and chair of Spin Master, shares how embracing risk and failure fueled the growth of brands like PAW Patrol and Hatchimals. After being co-CEO for nearly three decades, Anton is known for cultivating a fearless mindset, embracing risk and failure as essential ingredients for innovation. He shares how this philosophy fueled Spin...
For Grant Lyon, Life is All Fun and Games. Comedian Grant Lyon is seriously passionate about games, and brings that enthusiasm to several parts of his life. This “silly social media thing” that Lyon began has turned into more than 60,000 Instagram followers, the 2023 Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Award for Supplier of the Year, and partnerships with the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) and the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA). At CHITAG, Lyon hosted four gaming events, including a Moose Games Pickleball Blast tournament.
After more than a decade in a galaxy far, far away, Kathleen Kennedy is charting a course toward retirement. The Lucasfilm boss has told associates she plans to retire by the end of 2025, a source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter. Puck reported the news Monday night.
Reps for Kennedy and Lucasfilm were not immediately available for comment.
Bright Stripes, a dynamic and fast-growing arts & crafts and toy company, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mike Oprins as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). After a successful collaboration over the past year, Mike’s leadership and expertise have already made a tremendous impact on the company’s operations, logistics, sales, and profit. “We are beyond excited to officially welcome Mike as CEO,” said...
Connetix appoints Ben Lawless-Jennings as head of Marketing. The strategic appointment underscores the company’s commitment to brand growth and innovation, solidifying its position as a thought leader in the construction toy space as it continues to drive global market expansion. Ben brings to Connetix more than 20 years of marketing experience across renowned brands such as The Walt Disney Company,...
OAK9 Entertainment has appointed industry veterans Ann Buckingham and Maria Ancieta-Risher to lead its licensing strategy, marking the company’s expansion into licensed consumer products. The move follows OAK9’s recent global distribution deal for its animated preschool franchise, "Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos!" Buckingham and Ancieta-Risher bring decades of experience in licensing, brand partnerships and...
ICV2 INTERVIEW: TERRY KAVANAGH ON '247 PRESENTS'. The Veteran 'Marvel Comics Presents' Editor Talks About His Newest Project. 247 Comics announced a new project at the ComicsPRO annual meeting: 247 Presents, an anthology series edited by veteran editor Terry Kavanagh, who edited the Marvel Comics Presents series back in the day and conceived the idea for Spider-Man Clone Saga.
Solent Group appoints Mel Beer as new head of Licensing. With over 25 years’ experience in licensing, brand management and retail, most recently at Penguin Ventures, Mel brings a wealth of experience in forging successful partnerships and driving brand growth. Mel will oversee licensing strategy, partnerships and brand collaborations across Solent’s diverse product categories, including House & Home.
B&M CEO Alex Russo to leave company. The company said it has already begun the search for a replacement CEO. In an update to the stock market, B&M said: “The board is in the advanced stages of a recruitment process to appoint a new CEO with the support of a leading executive search firm, and will provide an update in due course.”
Companies and Brands
University Games and KID Group Partner to Launch Sling It, The Medieval Sausage Slinging Game. Created by Bop It inventor, Dan Klitsner, and his partners at KID Group, Sling It (for 2-4 players, ages 6+) is a highly competitive backyard game where players sling sausage-shaped beanbags toward a medieval-inspired structure with vertical slots, with the aim of getting sausages wedged closest to the top of the columns.
STICKI ROLLS TAKES OVER NEW YORK CITY WITH A MUST-SEE EVENT AT FIVE BELOW FEATURING YOUTUBE CONTENT CREATORS ANNA AND ERIN! Sticki Rolls took the world by storm in 2024 due to their uniqueness and trending friendship bracelets (thanks, Taylor Swift!) These incredibly innovative wearable, shareable sticker bracelets quickly revolutionized how kids collect, share and showcase their stickers.
German toy and game maker HABA has signed a deal with Asmodee to distribute its games in France, a year after shutting down its own French arm as part of a plan to save the financially-troubled business. HABA went into self-administration in September 2023 after seeing its sales fall heavily in the volatile post-Covid environment. The company’s financial difficulties had been compounded by its expansion...
Mattel introduces all-new Barney toy line to celebrate self-love, imagination and emotional growth. Mattel announces an all-new Fisher-Price Barney toy line inspired by the return of the iconic purple dinosaur and the new animated TV series, Barney's World. The Barney Brand, which is committed to promoting self-love and enhancing self-esteem in early childhood, is releasing a Parent Companion Guid...
Moose Toys goes glam with Gui Gui slime line. The groundbreaking concept merges two top industries: the $33.9b (and growing) beauty industry and the increasingly popular slime industry to create this year’s must-have item. With #slime having been viewed more than 78b times on TikTok, Gui Gui, launching April 2025, mimics the textures, scents and colors popular in beauty products and parlays them...
ThinkFun launches MESH-accredited game line for preschoolers. The series kicks off with three board games about concentration and problem-solving. Science has taken the toy industry by storm over the last few years, but fostering kids’ MESH (Mental, Emotional, and Social Health) skills is just as essential. In its latest releases,
Asmodee announces new Board Game Café initiative, Working with over 60 board games cafés so far, this new venture spans the country, from Glasgow, Yorkshire, Swansea, Leicester, Worcester and Brighton to name a few. Asmodee UK has over 40 years experience in the board game industry and is home to major titles such as Dobble, Catan, Bananagrams, Star Wars: Unlimited Trading Card Game and The Pokémon TCG.
Franklin Sports and Hasbro to debut NERF line at Toy Fair. The new toys bring the whole family outside.The toys will debut at Toy Fair in New York City this weekend and blend the nostalgic past and the future with color-changing technology, glow-in-the-dark elements, and enhanced power and speed. The new line encourages play alone or in groups.
The LEGO Group introduces tires made from recycled material. The tires are the latest step in the company’s goal to find new, sustainable options. The company introduced a more sustainable material, made from recycled fishing nets, ropes, and engine oil, for selected LEGO tires. The material is made of repurposed discarded ropes and nets from ocean vessels, which are then combined with recycled engine oil to …
Ultra Pro Entertainment, Ultra Pro’s tabletop game division, is debuting several new games at Toy Fair this coming weekend. The games include Fanzone Football, Fanzone Soccer, Food Fight Frenzy, Marvel Super Hero Trainer, One More?, Pokémon Trainer Expert, Pokémon Trainer Guess: Unova Edition, and Will Get Won’t Get.
Music-centric collectible Loops to debut in New York. Loops Lab introduces breakthrough technology that uses an intuitive interface with the Loops Lab stage, allowing kids to easily create and mix music harmoniously and seamlessly with cool, collectible figures called Loops, bridging the physical and digital worlds. Designed to ignite creativity, the starter kit includes the signature Loops Lab 8-spot stage ...
'Castle Raisers' heads to U.S. retail. Tile-drafting, castle defense game from Wonderful World Board Games. Wonderful World Board Games is a board game publisher based in Taiwan, and has been quite the talk at GAMA Expo 2025 amongst retailers and licensors alike. Their new Cattle Raisers tile-drafting game is an interesting take on the age old story of the "Three Little Pigs."
Talkin’ Toys: Yoonique redefines Plush with innovation, quality, and a personal touch. Since launching in March 2024, Yoonique has quickly made a name for itself in the plush toy and gift industry. Founded by Jeanne Yoon, a seasoned toy executive with a track record of developing best-selling plush lines, the company combines innovation, quality, and charm in every product.
Cepia relaunches ZhuZhu Pets for newer generations. The robotic hamsters will return to the retail shelves with original features, new playsets, and added ways to play. In 2010, ZhuZhu Pets was a global phenomenon, earning numerous accolades, including Toy of the Year honors and a spot on Time Magazine’s Top 100 Toys of All Time list.
Walmart is set to deploy a new generative AI tool called Wally later this year that’s been designed for internal merchants and developers. In its Q4 earnings call last week, CEO and director Doug McMillon said Wally will act as an interactive sales agent for stores, pinpointing the root cause of ongoing issues like out-of-stock items and overstocked inventory. Still in a beta phase of development...
Upper Deck reveals new details on Rush of Ikorr TCG, which combines competitive, cooperative, and customizable gameplay. Rush of Ikorr will introduce new cards known as Infusion Cards. These clear overlay cards offer unique deck-building customizations and transform Champion Cards, granting new abilities and traits.
Brightkins brings brainteasing Kanoodle Puzzles to furry friends. Pups can work their way through the interactive puzzle to find the treats. Interactive pet toy company Brightkins will bring the TikTok-viral Kanoodle brain teaser to man’s best friend.Kanoodle Dog Edition is a brainteasing challenge that turns snack time into an interactive puzzle for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.
ZipString hits million unit milestone ahead of Toy Fair.“We were so swamped filling orders,” says Co-Founder Austin Hillam, “We were also building the company’s operations with warehousing, distribution, and added staff.” ZipString launched the ZipString Luma, a glow-in-the-dark version of the classic ZipString toy, in Q3.
Razor debuts new rides at Toy Fair. This spring, Razor is launching two electric rides designed for kids ages 8 and up. The Ground Force Dune Runner hits speeds of up to 10 miles per hour. The Dune Runner has a 350-watt high-torque gear reduction motor and rear suspension for a smooth ride on uneven ground, a durable steel frame, and a hand-activated brake.
WeCool Toys to debut Jelly Bands bracelet kits at Toy Fair. Jelly Bands are customizable accessories that snap together for mix and match style. Jelly Bands packs come with 200 beads to create up to 12 bracelets. Kids can customize each piece by snapping in different beads including letters, shapes, and more. “Jelly Bands are more than just bracelets — they’re a movement,” says Jim Downey, CEO of Paladone & WeCool Toys.
New mold available for Airfix’s Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 Starter Set. Eurofighter TyphoonRanked at skill level one, the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 Starter Set in 1:72 scale is now available within Airfix’s Starter Set range – designed with the beginner in mind. Once completed, the newly moulded kit measures an overall length of 220mm and 153mm in width, containing 43 pieces.
Ravensburger (Booth No. 2403) will debut its upcoming infant and toddler collection at Toy Fair in New York. Play+ features toys, puzzles, and books that all emphasize the importance of early childhood development. The Play+ collection transforms everyday play into exciting learning experiences. With toys that nurture early childhood development skills, toddlers can experience cognitive and creative...
Commotion introduces brand-new Whizz Balance Bike. The Whizz Balance Bike is Commotion‘s latest launch under its Tickit brand and is designed to transform early riding experiences for children aged 24 months to five years. With a focus on safety and durability, this innovative balance bike is perfect for both indoor play and outdoor adventures.
Ty is bouncing into Toy Fair this weekend with Beanie Bouncers. The new plush collectible combines the nostalgia of Beanie Babies with the classic bouncy ball. Attendees can interact with their new furry friends at Toy Fair. Beanie Bouncers launch as high as 50 feet in the air. They have the same plush comfort as Beanie Babies, plus names, personalities, and birth dates. Beanie Bouncers has the same big eyes as Beanie Boos.
Zuru embraces success of Hug-A-Lumps. Consistently ranking among the Top 10 in its category, Hug-A-Lumps Plush 14″ is the No.7 best-selling Traditional Plush item in the last six months and the top new item, according to Circana, while also being cited as the No.1 most clicked-on product under “Weighted Plush” and No.2 most wished-for soft toy on Amazon UK.
'Godzilla' card game gets a release date. The Godzilla Card Game is on its way to NA markets, and will be arriving on U.S. shores in the middle of the summer convention season. Few details have been revealed about the game itself, but Bushiroad did offer a few details at their GAMA Expo 2025 panel.
Expanding the frenzy of its viral Squishy Bun Mystery Dumplings, RMS USA and Five Below announce an exclusive giveaway event during Toy Fair, plus a meet-and-greet with TikTok influencer @MrThomasEnglish. The Squishy Bun series is a line of dumpling-themed fidget toys in dumpling basket packaging. The collectible mystery reveal toy brings in more than 500 million TikTok viewers as influencers and their...
Synapses explores ‘Pyramido: Forgotten Treasures’: Combines tile placement with resource management. Pyramido: Forgotten Treasures invites players to explore the ruins of a tropical jungle in search of long-lost treasures. The ruins are formed in pyramid-fashion by stacking domino-like tiles, with players trying to position matching gems to score points.
Wizards of the Coast unveils product line deets for 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Tarkir: Dragonstorm'. Wizards of the Coast unveiled product line details for Magic: The Gathering - Tarkir: Dragonstorm, a new Standard-legal booster set which will hit retail on April 4. Tarkir: Dragonstorm returns to the fan favorite plane of dragons with all-new cards. The most talked about card of this set, thus far, is a new Mox artifact, Mox Jasper.
The Puppet Company collaborates with ZSL on new Animal Backpacks. The Puppet Company has introduced new Animal Backpacks, designed in collaboration with global conservation charity ZSL – which leads conservation projects in more than 80 countries around the world and two world-leading conservation zoos, London and Whipsnade. This collection of lifelike backpacks is perfect for animal lovers.
Make It Real’s Swift Clicks Heishi Bracelet Maker innovates the DIY crafting process. Known for its DIY arts and crafts kits, Make It Real innovates the bracelet-making process with its Swift Clicks Heishi Bracelet Maker. This device aims to make the bracelet-making process faster and easier for kids ages 8 and up.
Schleich celebrates 90th Anniversary with North American Expansion. German toy manufacturer Schleich is noting last year as a year of considerable growth, reporting a 12% growth across North America and the opening of its 100th retail location in October. With this year being the company’s 90th anniversary,
TOMY launches Toy Fair lineup. TOMY’s biggest launch is Dōteki, a battling game where kids use battle controllers to create arenas that shift from side to side as they play. Designed for kids ages 8 and up, Dōteki sets come in Battle Training Sets and Multiplayer Battle Packs, so kids can play alone or with friends. A new lineup of games is also on the way, including …
Little Tikes’ Story Dream Machine announces World Book Day support. Little Tikes has announced its support of World Book Day 2025 with its iconic Little Tikes Story Dream Machine, which lets children watch, listen and read along to their favorite stories either by themselves or with friends and parents. Little Tikes and the charity World Book Day are encouraging everyone to #ReadYourWay with the Story Dream Machine.
Crayola started the year strong, going viral with its decision to revive fan-favorite discontinued colors in limited-edition collector sets. Replicating that success is difficult, but Crayola’s holiday collection might just be the star on top of its year. At this year’s Toy Fair, Crayola will showcase and demo its upcoming line for the holiday shopping season, as well as the coveted retired crayon packs.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Warner Bros. Cancels ‘Wonder Woman’ Video Game and Shutters Three Studios. Monolith Productions, Player First Games and Warner Bros. Games San Diego will shut down as the company focuses its gaming effort on certain IP. Warner Bros. Discovery is restructuring its video game division and shutting down three of its studios as it refocuses its efforts on some core intellectual property.
Kinzoo Messenger offers users a Dog Man experience. With more than a million downloads, and partnerships with Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures in its pocket, Kinzoo wants brands to know it’s a safe and engaging bridge to kids. Kinzoo Messenger monetizes through a combination of in-app currency (which can be used to buy stickers featuring third-party characters), brand partnerships and a paid...
Everything we saw during The Pokémon Day Presents showcase. It’s that time of year when Pokémon fans get to have an early Christmas. It’s Pokémon Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the launch of the original Pokemon Red and Green in Japan in 1996. Each year, The Pokémon Company puts on a livestream to talk about upcoming games, updates on current ones...
Pokémon Legends: Z-A shows off massive city and new mega evolutions. After a year of waiting since seeing that tantalizing teaser last Pokémon Day, Game Freak has finally revealed the first in-game footage of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Before today, all we knew about the Switch game was what was revealed on Pokémon Day 2024. Legends Z-A is set entirely in the Kalos metropolis of Lumiose City...
Circana Reports ‘Black Ops 6’ Top Video Game in January amid category decline. In January 2025 U.S. consumer spending on video game hardware fell by 45%, reaching $205 million. This marks the lowest total for January hardware spending since 2020. Most major console platforms experienced significant double-digit declines. Spending on PlayStation 5 hardware dropped by 38% compared to last year, while Xbox...
WB Games shuts down three internal studios, including Monolith and Player First. Monolith's Wonder Woman game is canceled. Warner Bros. Games is reportedly shutting down three studios: Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and its self-titled San Diego team. Per Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, the trio of developers will be winding down later this week.
Tekken 8 sales punch up to 3 million copies in first year. Over a year after launch, Tekken 8 has sold 3 million copies worldwide. Bandai Namco announced the milestone during a recent livestream, and added that the fighting game hit the benchmark faster than 2017's Tekken 7. Within a month of its launch, Tekken 8 had already sold over 2 million copies, well past initial projections.
Activision teasing new Tony Hawk game with countdown timer. The new timer uses the same logo seen in the Call of Duty map and teases the same March 4, 2025 date. It’s expected that the new game, likely a remaster of THPS3 and THPS4, will be officially revealed on that day. The new website also seems to indicate that Iron Galaxy is developing the new Tony Hawk game.
Marvel Rivals was reportedly almost canceled over licensing fees in last-minute pivot that cost millions. Marvel Rivals has been a huge hit for NetEase. The Chinese publisher recently reported the free-to-play hero shooter had over 40 million players. But the Overwatch clone was almost canceled over the licensing fees the company would owe to Disney for using its popular comic book characters.
Unlocking the past: Video Game History Foundation launches digital archive. The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) launches its digital archive, offering unprecedented access to rare video game development materials, publications, and memorabilia. This resource represents a significant step in the organization’s efforts to preserve gaming history.
Highlighted Press Releases
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WHAT’S THE TOY THAT CLICKS WITH RETAILERS, KIDS & EDUCATORS? DISNEY’S OFFICIAL MAGNETIC TILES BY TYTAN AT BOOTH 6468
Toy Fair Visitors Can Discover Quality Toys at Affordable Prices With Disney Frozen, Stitch, Princess or Disney Jr. Ariel, Mickey & Minnie Sets
Marshfield, MA (February 21, 2025) – When friends come over to play, they might see Elsa’s Frozen Castle on display! That’s the feedback Tytan Toys hears all the time from consumers who scoop up their versatile magnetic tile sets. Kids love to construct towering castles, colorful rockets, or unique geometric designs and then proudly showcase them at home. Visitors to Tytan Toys Booth 6468 at New York’s Toy Fair can see the...
Safety and Counterfeiting
Advanced chemical testing enhances safety of children’s toys. Ensuring the safety of children's toys is a critical global concern, particularly regarding the migration of harmful chemicals. This study examines the evolution of chemical migration testing protocols, identifying key factors such as temperature, pH, and contact duration that influence the accuracy of these tests.
Toy-like e-cigarettes pose health risks for children, expert warns. Toy pods, a new type of e-cigarettes in the shape of cute characters, are posing health risks among children, especially those aged 10 years old, the manager of the “Product Watch” project said on Thursday. Asst Prof Srirat Lapyai pointed out that children have access to these e-cigarettes, which have penetrated the Thailand market...
Smyths Toys recall: Hundreds of bestselling playsets pulled amid urgent choking hazard warning. Smyths Toys has issued an urgent recall for one of its bestselling playsets after a choking hazard was discovered in certain batches. The Fantasma Magic Set Deluxe Top Hat 150+ Magic Tricks kit, which has been on sale from October 2024, is now at the centre of a safety warning.
Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines supports toy industry amid proposed European toy safety regulation with dedicated services. Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines, a full-service testing and certification provider for retailers, brands, importers and manufacturers of consumer products, today announces services to support toy companies with their preparation and transition to the proposed...
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
POP Pub marks 25 years at Toy Fair. The networking event benefits The Young Inventor Challenge. Hosted at Connolly’s Pub, the event will unite toy and game professionals for networking, celebration, and philanthropy. Ticket sales benefit POP’s Young Inventor Challenge (YIC), which inspires and empowers young toy and game innovators. Tickets for the event are $20, a symbolic price reflecting the YIC’s 20th anniversary.
Zigazoo brings young creators to Toy Fair. Zigazoo, the largest social network designed with kids in mind, is bringing three kid creators to report live from the purple carpet at The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards on Friday. Stella Wallace, who has more than 6 million YouTube subscribers; Chase Landell, an entertainment reporter and digital creator from On the Scene Adventures; and Tacori Aaria...
ToyFest issues 2025 post-show wrap-up. Retailers from 40 states attended the annual show in Las Vegas. ToyFest wrapped up its 63rd exhibition and 12th tradeshow at the World Market Center, drawing toy and gift retailers from across the U.S. and 13 int'l countries. “What a week! ToyFest 2025 had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all of ToyFest’s special events and products from so many...
BAFTA - The most influential video game of all time. To celebrate the enduring influence of video games in the arts and in our wider culture, we’re asking players from around the world to help us decide the Most Influential Video Game of All Time. Whatever ‘influential’ means for you, we want to hear your choice. Need some inspiration? Some of the biggest names in games are having their say on our socials so follow us...
Nature-themed tile-laying game Harmonies has picked up its second award win of the month after being voted the best game in this year’s Swiss Gamers Award. Harmonies outdid Castle Combo and Bomb Busters to seal top spot in the 2024 contest, which is voted on by members of board game clubs, game and toy libraries and gaming associations across Switzerland.
Toymaster welcomes new branch of British Garden Centres. The new location, Northampton Garden Centre, is based at Newport Pagnell Road in Wootton, Northampton, NN4 6HP. British Garden Centres not only offer customers an extensive array of gardening products, but also a large selection of Soft Toys, Wooden Toys, Educational Toys, Jigsaws & Games, Stationery and Outdoor Toys for people of all ages.
Cardboard Edison has announced the finalists for this year’s Cardboard Edison Award for unpublished board game designs, its 10th year running the contest. The 2025 competition received 348 entries, up from 339 the year before and setting a new record for submissions. From them, 21 finalists were chosen...
The finalists of the Bologna Licensing Awards for international licensors/agencies, licensees, and retailers have been announced. Now in their eighth year, the Awards are an integral part of the 18th Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/K), the only fair dedicated to children’s and young adult brands, held within the 62nd Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF). his year’s Awards feature 14 categories...
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
Brian Griffin sadly passed away on 29th January at the age of 93. Heading up Hamleys in a golden era for the retailer during the 1960s and 70s, Brian was responsible for launching iconic toy ranges such as Paddington Bear and supporting growing British companies like Hestair Kiddicraft.
His former press officer Dawn Allan rang Toy World to pass on the sad news and was fulsome in her praise for her former boss, telling us: “He was my mentor, my guide. My entire career in press and PR was down to him. He was a great boss, he treated everyone in the Hamleys family equally. He was such an inspiring figurehead and hugely well-liked and respected by his employees and toy companies.”
Zoe Bamsey, Head of Animation Development for BBC Studios Kids & Family, has passed away after a long illness. It’s so hard to put into words the impact Zoe made on the kid’s business but her passion and drive to develop great shows with all her friends and colleagues here at BBC Studios will be greatly missed.
She will also be missed in our wider community; the impact she had during her 30-year career, on the productions she worked on as well as people she met and loved will be felt for many years to come. I’ll always remember the exceptional vision she had for identifying and developing the creative essence of every show with obvious enjoyment for doing something she truly loved.
Viktor Antonov - Celebrated artist and art director Viktor Antonov, known for shaping the worlds of Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, has passed away. According to his Linkedin page, Antonov joined Valve in 1999 and spent seven years at the company as art director. During his tenure, he worked on notable projects including Counter-Strike: Source and Half-Life 2. After departing Valve in 2006, Antonov joined Arkane Studios to oversee the visual direction of the Dishonored franchise. He eventually moved to ZeniMax Media in 2011, taking on the role of visual design director and working on titles such as Wolfenstein: The New Order, Doom, and Fallout 4. Throughout his career, Antonov received multiple awards from organizations such as BAFTA and The Visual Effects Society.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
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Little Tikes’ Story Dream Machine announces World Book Day support
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Hasbro reports fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results
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Miraculous Corp and Playmates reveal new anniversary collector doll
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Blox Fruits signs with Think Influence for worldwide representation
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Barbie partners with Black in Fashion Council to empower young designers
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- TCGplayer Announces Partnership with Wizards of the Coast
- Wizards of the Coast Unveils 'D&D Dragon Delves' Covers
- Wizards of the Coast Unveils Product Line Deets for 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Tarkir: Dragonstorm'
- Wizards of the Coast and WizKids Reveal 'Dungeons & Dragons' 'Mr. Potato Head' Crossover Miniature
- WotC, 'Magic' Sales Down in Q4 and Full Year 2024
- 'CookieRun TCG' Heads to U.S. Markets
- 'MetaZoo TCG' Reemerges with Richard Garfield and Skaff Elias in Tow
- Bushiroad Announces 'hololive: Official Card Game'
- Maestro Media Unveils '2001: A Space Odyssey - The Board Game'
- UVS Games and Fireside Games Partner Up for 'TMNT' 'Castle Panic'
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Miraculous Ladybug Celebrates 10 Years with a Collectible Doll
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Tom & Jerry Celebrate 85 Years: Products, Experiences, and Surprises
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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
