Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
There are no words to express the devastation of the fires burning in Los Angeles. Some of our colleagues have lost their homes, others have had to flee not knowing what what will happen. It is heartbreaking.
I had a call scheduled with Jeremy Padawer yesterday (Wednesday), but we couldn't talk because his home was sadly burning. Here is a link to his personal heartfelt remarks.
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… click here.
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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"Tell me you're in the toy industry without telling me you're in the toy industry... Friday Morning = a cup-a-Joe and the Bloom Report!" -Tim Walsh The Playmakers
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"I don't know anyone in the industry that doesn't read the Bloom Report." -Ken Lewis, President, 4Kidz, Inc.
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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.
People of the Week - Brittney Hassinger and Brady Lang
Pursue what Genuinely Excites You and Makes you Happy!
MC - Hi Brittney and Brady, thank you for taking time out for this interview, expecially while the LA fires burn around you. Please share with our readers what your roles and responsibilities are at Moose?
Brittney - I primarily work on the packaging and component design for the Games. On many of our games, I get to start at the very beginning of the process and work closely with game designers to concept a whole visual identity. This includes logo design, theming, package structure, and how each part of the game will impact the overall aesthetic. Although it’s the most time-consuming part of the job, I love when I can fully immerse myself in the process and go on the full journey with the game! I also pride myself on being a go-to dogsitter for my colleagues and head of birthday celebrations!
Brady - I’m the Design Director for the Moose Games team, which means I have input on nearly every part of game development, from game play to product design to package design (though I defer to our talented graphics team on this!).
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: "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." -Eleanor Roosevelt
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
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.
*** The above posted after January 9th when tBR circulated ***
TikTok makes last ditch legal bid to prevent imminent US ban. TikTok will appear before the US Supreme Court on Friday in a last-ditch effort to overturn a ban, in a case testing the limits of national security and free speech. The popular social media platform is challenging a law passed last year ordering the firm to be split from its Chinese owner or be blocked from the US by 19 January. The US government is arguing...
US designates Tencent a Chinese military company. The US has added several Chinese technology companies, including gaming and social media giant Tencent and battery maker CATL, to a list of businesses it says work with China's military. The list serves as a warning to American companies and organizations about the risks of doing business with Chinese entities.
Facebook and Instagram get rid of fact checkers. Meta is abandoning the use of independent fact checkers on Facebook and Instagram, replacing them with X-style "community notes" where commenting on the accuracy of posts is left to users. In a video posted alongside a blog post by the company on Tuesday, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said third-party moderators were "too politically biased" ....
Live shopping platform Whatnot has raised $265 million in Series E investment, co-led by Greycroft, DST Globl, and Avra, to fund further expansion. Greycroft and Avra are new investors in this round, along with Lightspeed Venture Partners and Durable Capital Partners. Returning investors in the round included Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), CapitalG, BOND, and Y Combinator. The new funding will be used to invest in...
In the Turkish town of Buyukkaristiran, a serious fire broke out at the "Pilsan" toy factory. "A gigantic cloud of smoke rose above the facility, and the flames were visible from afar," reports "Bild". The Pilsan factory produces toy fire engines, among other things. The fire, whose cause has yet to be determined, quickly spread from the production area to the factory's administrative offices.
Port Strike Averted With Labor Deal Days Before Deadline. Dockworkers and employers on the East and Gulf Coasts had until Jan. 15 to reach a new agreement that settled differences over automation. “This agreement protects current I.L.A. jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf Coasts ports,” the two sides said in a joint statement...
Ports on the East and Gulf Coasts could close next week if dockworkers and employers cannot overcome their big differences over the use of automated machines to move cargo. The International Longshoremen’s Association, the union that represents dockworkers, and the United States Maritime Alliance, the employers’ negotiating group, on Tuesday resumed in-person talks aimed at forging a new labor contract.
The Pentagon on Mon. labeled Tencent, the Chinese social media and gaming giant, as a Chinese military business operating in the U.S., the latest action in an escalating series of retaliatory moves between the world’s two superpowers. Tencent’s shares in the United States plunged by nearly 10 percent after the decision by the Defense Department, which also targeted Chinese battery, drone and shipping companies.
'Trump 2.0' looms large over the global economy. Inflation, interest rates and tariffs mean 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing year for the global economy. One in which growth is expected to remain at a "stable yet underwhelming" 3.2%, according to the International Monetary Fund. So what might that mean for all of us?
UK Touching Base on Budget measures. On Wednesday 30th October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves stepped up to the dispatch box to deliver the first Labour budget in 14 years. While many had been braced for the announcement of tough measures – Labour had repeatedly highlighted the £22b ‘black hole’ in the UK’s public finances left by the Conservatives in the days before the Budget was announced...
'Huge problems' with Instagram and Facebook changes, says oversight board. The co-chair of the independent body that reviews Facebook and Instagram has said she is "very concerned" about sweeping changes to what content is allowed on the platforms and how its moderated. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, from Meta's oversight board, told the BBC she welcomed aspects of the shake-up, which will see users decide...
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Financial Reporting
Marvel slips, DC gains ground in Q4 2024 market shares.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
More changes to the indie toy retail landscape.
Licensing Industry Finds Value at Low-Priced Retail
Industry predictions for 2025 (Kidscreen)
UK Video Game Revenue Fell 4% to £4.6 Billion in 2024 - Sales
2 stocks gaining traction in the promising Toys & Games industry.
Streaming is expected to surpass linear TV in APAC market share by 2027
Holiday shoppers spent US$1.2 trillion online. This represented a 3% increase over 2023's global total, and 42% more consumers used AI-powered tools and sales agents to find the best gifts this year.
Can you tell us how to get to Sesame Street? Iconic show's search for new home sparks concern for kids' TV. There's been a worldwide decline in children's shows on traditional television as children take to YouTube
TCGPlayer Top 25 Sealed Products Chart - December 2024.
TOP 20 GRAPHIC NOVELS - DECEMBER 2024
In a significant turnaround, the Indian toy industry has experienced remarkable growth, with a 52% decline in imports and a striking 239% increase in exports during the financial year 2022-23 (FY23) compared to FY15.
ROLLING FOR INITIATIVE -- PREDICTIONS FOR 2025. Column by Scott Thorne
TOP 50 COMICS - DECEMBER 2024
Stories, Comments, and Advice
John Baulch, ToyWorld - Starting over … it’s the Friday Blog! After a gentle couple of days’ re-introduction to the world of work at the end of last week, normal service has been resumed this week, as the toy community returns to work en masse after the festive period. To give everyone a little extra lift going into Toy Fair Season, there has been some encouraging news from Circana...
In this month’s Letter from America, Rick Derr discusses the need for indies to become creative, take risks and develop a sharp focus to adapt to the needs of customers. “America needs a retail toy store reboot! I don’t say this lightly or for dramatic purposes. But the data points to a smaller and smaller universe of true toy stores in the US,” said Rick before introducing some thought-provoking facts that indies should ...
Christopher Byrne - Hong Kong Show Opens on High Note. The 51st edition of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair opened with the usual fanfare and excitement Monday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as it welcomed more than 2,500 exhibitors from 34 countries and territories. Another openin’. Classic play complements electronics and robotis. Under the banner New Play for All, organizers...
Jay Foreman’s Blog: The Strange Trip of ’24-to-’25. Happy New Year all! It’s been a while since my last blog and what a long strange trip it’s been this past year for me, Basic Fun, our entire industry and for the USA! Wow! Hard to find a place to begin. The year started off pretty poorly for a lot of us with a very slow first half following up a very challenging and slow back half of ’23. For most toy companies the year was flat overall...
Pop Quiz with Wendy Smolen: The International Innovation Issue 2025. Play is universal — and, as we’ve learned, so are toy fairs! Whether this is your first, third, or sixth international event of 2025, test your knowledge of the international toy market with some playful trivia from your friends at The Toy Book. 1. Which of these international Toy Fairs is the largest?*...
M&M Funky Five Jive. By M&M Funky Stuff_Chika Chaka Toy. M&M Funky Five Jive with Mike and Mel! The short and sweet podcast where they dive into toys, kids, and all the chaos in between. Packed with tips, stories, and unsolicited opinions—because, let’s face it, they’ve got plenty.
Asha Bhalsod, the founder of Etopia Consultancy, tells Toy World readers which key focus areas brands should prioritise to future-proof their Amazon business in the year ahead. Heading into 2025, those selling on Amazon face an increasingly challenging landscape. Amazon continues to evolve, demanding that brands adapt and refine their strategies to remain competitive. Lessons from 2024 have shown that...
Shoplifters, scams and supersoft toys: how the Jellycat craze inspired a crime wave. With the booming resale market for Jellycat rarities, retailers across the UK are reporting a surge in ‘stealing to sell’ shoplifting, with some going to extreme lengths to protect their ‘Jellies’. The Jellycat section of Scotsdales in Great Shelford is 216 cubic feet of sensory overload. The brightly coloured, charmingly quirky toys fill floor-to-ceiling...
How Did Real Languages Influence J.R.R. Tolkien’s Creation of Elvish? If you’re a fan of “The Lord of the Rings,” you know many dialects of Elvish play a part in creating the rich fantasy world. Author J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired by several real-world languages to create new, complete languages.
How gig platforms like Fiverr are reshaping the video game development industry. In an industry defined by million-dollar budgets, multinational corporations and enormous development teams, commissioning a video game for just five dollars (well, CA$6.60) may seem a bit surreal. Yet, if you log onto Fiverr — one of the world’s largest gig economy platforms — you can find countless sellers offering game dev...
As board games boom, one Portland-area group brings new games and new friends to the table. You might miss the spot in Tigard, Oregon, if you don’t keep an eye out for the glowing “meetup here” sign above a door into what looks like a warehouse. Inside, you’ll find a workshop full of printers that use everything from paper and ink to plastic filament, along with tools for cutting and gluing and trimming, comfy...
Spelling Out 6 Fun Facts About Scrabble. Since its creation in the 1930s, Scrabble has grown into a staple of family game nights and the source of spirited competitions around the world. In fact, according to Mattel, more than 165 million copies of the game have been sold in 120 countries since 1948. Here’s a look at some of the most spellbinding facts about this classic spelling game.
7 Captivating Facts About Puzzles. What’s your favorite way to puzzle? Maybe you like assembling giant jigsaws with your family, filling out the daily crossword in pen, or playing brain-teaser apps on your phone. Between real-life escape rooms and video game dungeons, today’s puzzle options are nearly infinite. But how much do you really know about them? From the origins of Sudoku to the distracting power of ...
Julia Fitzgerald - In today’s Midsize Match-Up interview, I had the pleasure of talking with Duncan Smith, US General Manager at Journey Further. With its innovative approach to digital PR and unique proprietary platform, this agency is creating new digital marketing options for growth-driven midsize companies. Let's dive into what makes Journey Further a standout partner and learn about digital PR.
Innovation & Collaboration: The global play community kicks off an important new year. What is innovation? That question repeatedly pops up year after year as the global toy industry gathers to share insights. The word “innovation” is ubiquitous. Manufacturers seek it. Retailers demand it. And consumers — it depends on the mood of the day. At its simplest, innovation is a new idea.
Retail’s Gen Z playbook: Bridging the digital divide in-store. While Amazon and Walmart take a breather and process a fresh influx of returns, we thought we’d take a look into the interplay between online and in-store retail, which has been getting a lot of attention these days. As 2025 begins, what roles will physical stores, digital retail and live shopping play in the next five to 10 years?
What to know about TikTok alternative Lemon8 - and whether it could be banned, too. Some social media users who fear the looming TikTok ban say they may pivot to Lemon8, a TikTok sister app with similar features - but Lemon8 was also developed by the Chinese company ByteDance, meaning it could also be impacted by the ban unless ByteDance sells the platforms.
The Jellycat 'cult' that has got grown women forking out THOUSANDS on cuddly toys. British woman are forking out thousands of pounds on a cuddly toy trend that has swept the internet. Jellycats, a British toy company, was founded by Thomas and William Gatacre in 1999. Nearly three decades later, videos of women finding, unboxing, and cherishing their pricey Jellycats...
Nintendo Switch 2 Details Leak—And People Aren’t Happy. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the most keenly anticipated events in the gaming world, with many expecting the handheld device to be released this year. Despite the Japanese company remaining largely quiet about its upcoming device though, there have been an array of leaks and speculation about the console. The latest of which...
History and Nostalgia
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...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated January 9th ***
Junior Chef Tasty Custard Maker from Coleco (1973). After they acquired Argo Industries, Coleco continued to market toys from the company’s line of Junior Chef “See-It” toys, including the Tasty Custard Maker. Budding confectioners could whip up a batch of creamy custard by combining simple household ingredients with a packet of custard mix.
Ravensburger. The German company’s brand is on the exceptional quality of its books, toys, and games. Founded 1883 in Germany by Otto Maier, the company’s earliest products included presentation folders and children’s books. From the beginning, Ravensburger deftly extended the reach of its brand experience, introducing new lines that never seem to miss: Board Games 1884...
Hey Pa! There’s a Goat on the Roof from Parker Brothers (1966). Jumping goats were center stage in Parker Brothers’ whimsical Hey Pa! There’s a Goat on the Roof board game. Released in 1966, players spun-and-moved to navigate a series of bizarre rules and collect the most tin cans before someone successfully jumped their goat onto the roof of a farmer’s barn.
12 collectible toys from the 1970s worth more than you think. The 1970s introduced a plethora of toys that have evolved from childhood playthings to cherished collectibles that defined a generation. From action figures and Atari games to quirky fads and Lego sets, these beloved toys not only entertained a generation but have also skyrocketed in value over time.
Licensing and Entertainment
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.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated January 9th ***
The much-anticipated sixth season of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the beloved CG-animated superhero adventure series from Miraculous Corp, will make its world premiere in the US on Saturday, 25th January 2025, with Disney Channel and Disney XD airing the episodes in simulcast at 11am ET/PT. International rollouts will begin in Q1 2025.
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. Set to debut in 2026, the first releases will include a western-inspired manga series based on Hot Wheels and new stories featuring Barbie characters. The graphic novels will showcase fresh artwork and original narratives designed to engage a new generation of fans.
Aurora World, Hasbro announce ‘Peppa Pig’ plush line. Aurora World has announced a new licensing agreement with Hasbro for a new line of “Peppa Pig” plush toys in North America. Aurora World is set to bring Peppa Pig, George and their friends from the preschool animated television series to life in plush form. The range will capture “Peppa Pig's” enchanting and playful spirit, offering young fans an array of soft toys.
Chuck E. Cheese Bobblehead unveiled to celebrate National Bobblehead Day. To coincide with National Bobblehead Day, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled the first bobblehead featuring the Munch’s Make Believe Band from Chuck E. Cheese. The main character of the band, Charles Entertainment Cheese, or Chuck E. Cheese for short, is one of the...
A Ghost of Tsushima anime series is in development at Sony in partnership with Aniplex and Crunchyroll, both of which are owned by the PlayStation maker. The series will be called Ghost of Tsushima: Legends. As the name suggests, it will be based on the game's 'Legends' cooperative mode and incorporate elements from Japanese folktales and mythology
Stern Pinball releases “Dungeons & Dragons” game. Stern Pinball has collaborated with Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division for a new pinball game, “Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye.” In celebration of 50 years of the roleplaying game, Stern Pinball players worldwide will embark on an adventure into the Forgotten Realms, featuring...
Acamar Films names Rainbow Designs as master toy partner for Bing. Acamar Films has announced a multi-territory partnership with Rainbow Designs that will see it represent the multi-award-winning pre-school property Bing as master toy licensee. Under the new multi-year licensing agreement, the company’s first wave of products will hit shelves for autumn/winter 2025.
'Sonic 3' hangs in, 'Kraven' doesn't; Momoa to play Lobo; R.I.P. Angus Macinnes; 2024 Box office lags; New 'The Mummy'. Showbiz Round-Up. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 dropped to #2 at the weekend box office with a $21.2 million take, behind Mufasa's $24 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo. After wins its first two weekends, Sonic 3’s total gross rose to $187.5 million domestic and $336 million worldwide.
Hasbro signs ‘D&D’ gambling license with Games Global. Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division have reached an agreement to license Dungeons & Dragons to Internet gambling company Games Global for the creation of gambling games featuring the brand, the companies announced.
Konami announces new Promotional Short Anime Series episodes. Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has announced that Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Game The Chronicles will create and release more episodes of the Promotional Short Anime Series that expand on the lore. Created by Konami Animation, these animated shorts will be released every month and will focus on iconic monsters.
The LEGO Group, BBC Studios announce new ‘Bluey’ partnership. The LEGO Group and BBC Studios have announced a partnership merging the world of “Bluey” with the fun and creative possibilities of the LEGO universe. The partnership introduces a collaboration with six new LEGO “Bluey” sets to appear across the LEGO 4+ and LEGO DUPLO themes, inspired by the TV series.
POP MART brings collaborative Sanrio blind box series to U.S. stores. Global designer toy brand, POP MART, has officially launched its collaborative Sanrio collection in the U.S. Previously available exclusively in Asia; the Hello Kitty and Friends Fall Asleep Series Figures will be available online and in stores stateside starting Jan. 10.
Moose Games launches ‘The 5 Love Languages’ card game. Dr. Gary Chapman’s best-selling book inspires the new relationship-building game. In partnership with Love Language Brand, Moose Games has launched “The 5 Love Languages” Card Game. This game encourages couples to connect while learning each other’s Love Language.
Spin Master expands Ms. Rachel toy collection. Spin Master has announced the expansion of its Ms. Rachel toy collection in collaboration with Rachel Accurso, the creator of the Ms. Rachel YouTube channel. The new products, inspired by Ms. Rachel’s educational content, aim to support early learning milestones and engage young children.
Restoration Games revealed two new 'Unmatched: The Witcher' games: 'Steel & Silver' and 'Realms Fall'. Restoration Games revealed two new Unmatched: The Witcher games, which will hit retail on January 22, 2025. These two sets, Steel & Silver and Realms Fall, add seven heroes and four battlefields to the Unmatched series of games.
Fallout season 2 filming delayed by massive LA fires. Filming on the next season of Amazon and Bethesda’s popular Fallout TV show has been delayed due to the ongoing and massive fires near Los Angeles, California. On January 7, Deadline reported that production and filming on Fallout’s second season was set to begin on January 8.
Crunchyroll to launch digital Manga service after shutting down previous one in 2023. The anime streaming service Crunchyroll will launch a new digital manga program in 2025, Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini announced during the Sony Group Corporation’s event at CES 2025. The news comes just over a year after Crunchyroll shut down its previous Crunchyroll Manga platform in December 2023.
Disney's $5.46 billion 2024 box office haul ends a major 5-year movie trend. Disney is heading into 2025 by surpassing a major milestone. Following Disney's total 2024 box office earnings, the House of Mouse now stands tall as the No. 1 studio globally, domestically, and internationally.
Moonbug Entertainment has teamed up with the United States Postal Service to produce a YouTube-first CG-animated series called Mail with Mr. ZIP. The Mr. ZIP mascot character was originally created in the ’60s to introduce the American public to the ZIP Code system, which was new at the time. He starred in PSAs, advertisements and even a four-page comic book, and became popular quickly.
Disney is reimagining Louis Sachar’s acclaimed YA novel Holes for the small screen, with Kidscreen confirming that streamer Disney+ has put in a pilot order for a series concept brewing at 20th Television. Sachar’s 1998 kidlit classic has already been turned into a same-name Disney feature film that generated US$71 million in ticket sales against a US$17-million budget in 2003.
BBC Children’s and Education is gearing up to add Wonderblocks, a new CG-animated series designed to help kids sharpen their thinking and problem-solving skills, to its CBeebies programming lineup on January 20. Also available on iPlayer, the project follows the same format as its predecessors Numberblocks, Alphablocks and Colourblocks—all produced by Blue Zoo Animation and brand owner Alphablocks.
Sony has unveiled that it’s working on a feature film adaptation of the Horizon video game franchise. Sony’s PlayStation Studios is set to co-produce this live-actioner with Columbia Pictures, and it will tell the story of Horizon hero Aloy, who goes on an epic quest to discover how to defeat the dangerous mechanical beasts that have overrun her post-apocalyptic world.
People of Play
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.
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.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on January 10th ***
Sesame Workshop has named Joseph Giraldi its Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Giraldi will oversee the workshop’s operational strategy. The nonprofit behind Sesame Street aims to create educational media, initiatives, and products through multiple platforms. Giraldi will report to Sherrie Westin, Sesame Workshop CEO.
Funskool India, the country’s leading toy manufacturer promoted by the MRF Group, has appointed K A Shabir as its CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Shabir, a veteran in the toy industry, has been with Funskool for over 33 years and is an accomplished Techno-Commercial expert, having led departments such as International Business, Manufacturing, Factory Operations, and New Product Development while driving...
Bop It Inventor Dan Klitsner Launches First Self-Published Game Sling It, In Tribute to His Late Father. Sling It was the last game Dan worked with his dad, Stu, before he passed away, giving it a personal significance. He emphasizes the importance of play in creating lifelong memories with loved ones.
Disney veteran Tony Chambers has been tapped to fill a new leadership role as the company looks to unify its global strategy. Chambers—who has been serving as Disney’s head of theatrical distribution since 2021—will move up to EMEA president beginning in February, reporting directly to Disney Entertainment co-chairs Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, and ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro.
Superstar game master Neil Patrick Harris is giving aspiring sleuths a new mystery-in-a-box to solve. The Group Therapy star has unveiled Box Two, the follow-up to his first escape room-inspired game released in 2020. Designed for ages 14 and up, the tabletop game “literally extends outside of the box — there’s a whole story, narrative, and secret digital experience that I can’t wait for you to — oops, I said way too...
Minecraft creator Markus ‘Notch’ Persson has confirmed he’s working on a “spiritual successor” to the hit video game. Persson founded Mojang Studios in 2009 to develop Minecraft before it was officially released in 2011. He then sold the studio to Microsoft in 2014 for $2.5billion (£2billion). Minecraft went on to become the biggest-selling video game of all time, while Persson...
Editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes has left the Washington Post after an editorial cartoon she created was killed, presumably because it pilloried not only the Walt Disney Company, but also assorted billionaires, including Washington Post owner (and Amazon founder) Jeff Bezos. In a Substack post, which also included a rough for the cartoon in question, Telnaes said that although she had worked for the Post...
Toy World’s Rachael Simpson-Jones sat down with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Philippe Roucoule, senior vice president of EMEA Consumer Products, to chat about all things licensing, the power of brands and much more. Warner Bros. DiscoveryPreviously vice president, Category and Retail Business Development for Warner Bros. Discovery, Philippe says the 12 months that have passed since he took on his new role...
The Lego Group comes into 2025 off the back of another incredible 12-month performance, Christian Pau, VP and GM of the Lego Group UK & Ireland, tells Toy World what the year ahead holds. Lego has enjoyed some hugely successful years since the pandemic and is currently outperforming the wider UK (and global) Toys & Games market by some margin.
Mark Hurry launches MH Licensing. The experienced licensing stalwart has set up his own consultancy business to support companies in all aspects of licensing, from legal and commercial advice through to live entertainment projects. Mark Hurry has over 25 years of experience in the fields of entertainment and licensing, having worked at a succession of world class law firms and blue-chip broadcasting houses.
WildBrain names Emma Witkowski VP of Media Solutions. WildBrain has named Emma Witkowski its Vice President of Media Solutions, a newly created role. She will lead the company’s Media Solutions team, which is part of its Audience Engagement pillar. The team connects content with families worldwide across digital platforms, including YouTube, FAST, AVOD, Roblox, and Fortnite.
Jerome Sage joins RMS as VP of Sales, brings global experience. RMS Welcomes Jerome Sage as Vice President of Sales. Sage brings a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and global team development. His previous positions included Senior Director of Hobby Sales at Asmodee, Director of Retail Strategy at Arteza, and Vice President of the Western Sales Division at Maurice Sporting Goods.
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...
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on January 10th ***
PREVIEW: MARVEL'S 'FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2025' TITLES – COVERS & INTERIOR PAGES. Free Comic Book Day is on May 3 this year, and once again, Marvel Comics celebrates this exciting day for the industry with something for every fan. Readers can look forward to the entry points for all-new eras of Fantastic Four and Amazing Spider-Man, a prelude to an upcoming X-Men saga, and a glimpse at the very first event...
How Barnes and Noble made a comeback by revitalizing its philosophy. Last year, Barnes and Noble opened nearly 60 stores around the country and plans for 60 more to open in 2025. It’s the latest twist in a long-running saga for a company that’s been a bellwether for the book business. Jeffrey Brown continues our ongoing reporting on the book industry for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
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 what ToyPal is, and how it works.
One For Fun in pole position ahead of F1 year. 2025 is destined to be the year of Formula One racing, and there are plenty of toys lining up in a bid to be first past the chequered flag. David Mordecai, CEO of One For Fun, is no newcomer to the world of F1 licensing. He has strong personal ties to the vehicle sector in its myriad forms, dating back to the eighties when he worked with Amerang.
Icecat on transforming product pages to drive sales. This year, an increasing number of brands embraced Icecat Product Stories (A+), transforming their product pages into engaging, below-the-fold experiences. Top brands like VTech, Spin Master, Boti and 999 Games have already adopted Icecat Product Stories, bringing these rich, below-the-fold content pages live on their platforms.
Hasbro enhances the Monopoly play experience with evolution of the classic game and new ways to play. Hasbro today revealed updates to the world’s most popular family board game, Monopoly, and announced expansion packs in celebration of the iconic brand’s 90th anniversary. Kicking off the beloved brand’s 90th anniversary, players everywhere can breathe new life into their classic Monopoly board...
The LEGO Group kicks off 2025 with new Spring Festival building kits. The LEGO Group is starting the new year off strong with a festive new collection of LEGO sets, all celebrating the joy and traditions of springtime holidays. From traditional Lunar New Year symbols to sugary-sweet Valentine’s Day kits, these LEGOs set the tone for a joyful year of play.
LEGO introduces new party game, Brick Like This! The Lego Group and Asmodee have announced their second jointly-crafted board game, Brick Like This! Brick Like This! is a fun, family party game where teams race to finish their Lego models. One teammate describes a Lego model while the other teammate builds it.
New Year, New Civilization: Catan’s Sixth Edition debuts. The iconic board game is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Fans of Catan can celebrate its 30th anniversary - and the board game’s influence on pop culture and the gaming sphere - this year with a brand new sixth edition. The game debuted in 1995 as Settlers of Catan by Klaus Teuber.
Toy World sat down with Bruder’s Florian Loh and Julia Meyer, as well as Bruder’s longterm distribution partner Colm Banaghan, director at Banaghan & Co., to discuss the brand’s enduring appeal. In 1975, Bruder made its first ever appearance at Spielwarenmesse under the leadership of visionary Heinz Bruder, the son of founder Paul Bruder.
Heading Northward: Jazwares’ Canada expansion. For the past two years, Jazwares has been building the foundation of its business in Canada. As one of the most popular toy companies in the U.S., with hits like Squishmallows, Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron, Pokémon, and more, it only made sense to bring more of these hot toys to the country to the north.
SilverHawks fly into Super7’s ReAction Figures lineup. The SilverHawks have landed in a new form factor. Super7’s ’80s-inspired line of ReAction Figures expands with the SilverHawks team. SilverHawks Wave 1 includes Bluegrass with Hot Licks, Mon*Star (Pre-Transformation), Quicksilver with Tally Hawk, and Steelheart with Rayzor.
Macmillan to distribute Darrington Press RPG products. Game publisher Darrington Press has signed with Macmillan Publishers for sales and distribution of its RPG books to U.S. and international markets, the companies announced. The new distribution arrangements will begin this spring in time for the release of the publisher’s biggest RPG release to date, the tabletop RPG Daggerheart.
'Patchwork: 10-Year Anniversary Edition' coming this Month. Asmodee will release Patchwork: 10-Year Anniversary Edition, a new version of the hit Uwe Rosenberg game from Lookout games, later this month. The new edition will include new illustrations, and exclusive components: 2 thread spools as time markers, 1 sewing machine as neutral token, and a patch with an anniversary design with a dragon and the year 2024.
Shape the destinies of world superpowers in 'Imperial 2030'. Modern spin-off of Mac Gerdts' classic economic strategy game. Rio Grande Games will release Imperial 2030, a new economic strategy game, into retail in January 2025. Imperial 2030 is a standalone game based on the rules of Imperial by Mac Gerdts, who also designed the acclaimed board game Concordia.
Stonemaier gets fishy with 'Finspan'. Newest spinoff of hit game 'Wingspan'. Stonemaier Games has announced Finspan, a new spinoff of its hit title Wingspan that will feature aquatic life. Finspan will release in February 2025. Finspan was created by David Gordon (Monkey Palace) and Stonemaier developer Michael O’Connell, based on Elizabeth Hargrave’s Wingspan design.
Yu-Gi-Oh! celebrates the 8th anniversary of Duel Links. Konami Digital Entertainment has unveiled details on the 8th anniversary of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links. Konami will commemorate the game’s latest milestone beginning January 12th, with the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links 8th Anniversary Celebration Campaign, which rewards Duelists with new versions of iconic cards, 1,000 gems and many more celebratory items.
Stack the cash wrap with 'Pokemon TCG: Stacking Tin Displays'. New TCG tins for Q1 2025. The Pokemon Company International will release Pokemon TCG: Stacking Tin Displays into retail on March 7, 2025. These new displays feature three different types of tins with all-new artwork on them. Players can pick up a tin decorated with art of the Treasures of Ruin, the mysterious Paradox Pokemon, or Ogerpon and its masks.
Rolling In: Spinnovation brings its Twist on Wheels to the U.S. The ride-on giant from Dubai is headed to the U.S. A new set of wheels is headed to the U.S. market. Spinnovation is a Dubai-based company that focuses on bicycles and scooters. First launched in 2009, the company is already a big name in the MENA market, with popular licenses including Marvel, Nickelodeon, and Disney.
DKB named exclusive domestic distributor of Scentos. 2025 is bringing a fresh wave of fruity fun and creativity, as DKB Toys & Distribution has been named the exclusive domestic distributor of Scentos products to the UK and Ireland. Known for its vibrant colours, signature fruit scents and engaging creative kits, Scentos has become a household name for kids and parents around the world.
KTBG to release Arclight's 'Nanatoridori'. Kids Table Board Gaming will release English and French versions of Arclight Games' Nanatoridori, the trick-taking game of colorful birds, in North America in Q2 2025. In Nanatoridori, birds from all over the world have come to the Peacock Pageant in the Avian Kingdom and gotten separated from their flocks in the festivities.
Bandai unveils 'Gundam Assemble': New tabletop miniatures game. Bandai unveiled Gundam Assemble, a new tabletop miniatures game, which will hit the streets soon. The new miniatures game features mobile suits from different Gundam series in skirmish battles using 2" Gunpla models (the word Gunpla is derived from "Gundam plastic models" and is Bandai's official brand of plastic models).
Tomy opens first toy-themed amusement facility in Tokyo. Toy manufacturer Tomy Co. set up its first permanent amusement facility in Tokyo, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a world of toys from Takara and Tomy brands. Takara Tomy Planet opened in Ito-Yokado Co.’s Ario Kameari store in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward on Nov. 22. Ito-Yokado asked Tomy, headquartered in the same ward, to move in.
'Fullmetal Alchemist' for 'Union Arena TCG': Summer 2025. Bandai will release a Fullmetal Alchemist booster set for Union Arena TCG in Summer 2025. The Fullmetal Alchemist property originated in a manga series in the 00s and was made into two anime series and two anime features. The manga, featuring a steampunk setting, is one of the best-selling manga series of all time, with sales driven by...
'HeroQuest First Flight'. Avalon Hill is releasing HeroQuest First Light, an introductory version of HeroQuest targeting new or returning players, exclusively at Target this month. The game was first offered on the Hasbro UK Pulse Direct-to-Consumer site. HeroQuest First Light includes 10 new quests, along with the option for player to create their own.
Pokemon decks from the 2024 World Championships in March. The Pokemon Company International will release Pokemon TCG: 2024 World Championship Decks, replicas of the decks used by the four finalists of the 2024 Pokemon TCG World Championships in Honolulu, to retail on March 7, 2025.
Toys 'R' Us Canada closing 5 stores in Ontario, revamping others and expanding HMV. Toys "R" Us Canada says it is closing five Ontario stores and revamping several others as it works to "optimize" its business. The toy retailer says the closing locations include a store in Argyle Mall in London along with its shops on...
New 'Warhammer 40,000' accessories for 'Tau Empire' and 'Necrons'. Ultra Pro will release a range of new Warhammer 40,000 gaming accessories tied to T’au Empire and Necrons in Q3 2025. The accessories are for a variety of gaming activities, including RPGs, miniature gaming, and TCG play. The range consists of seven product types, with two versions (T’au Empire and Necrons) of each. The seven product types are …
As Kayes of Cardiff celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Gabriela Jiménez García sits down with Philip Kaye to discuss its origins and the latest ways the company is helping independent retailers thrive in a challenging market. Established in 1985, Kayes of Cardiff began by providing retailers in Wales and the South West with a range of buckets, spades and pocket money toys.
On the back of GP UK’s name change from Flair Leisure, Edward Catchpole, country manager, spoke with Toy World’s John Baulch about his plans for GP UK in the coming years and extending its global footprint. You’ve been spending time away from the toy and licensing business in recent years – what was it about this role which tempted you to return to the fold?
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Assassin's Creed Shadows delayed again. Video game giant Ubisoft has announced a further delay to its upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows. The long-running series is one of the French publisher's flagship franchises, with recent instalment, Valhalla, reportedly making more than $1bn. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in 16th Century Japan, was due to be released on PC, PlayStation and Xbox last November...
Activision spent almost $1.8 billion developing three Call of Duty titles. And that's without accounting for marketing costs. Court filings spotted by Game File have revealed that Activision Blizzard spent almost $1.8 billion developing three Call of Duty titles that went on to sell a combined 114 million units worldwide.
Microsoft is racing to bring the Xbox experience to PC gaming handhelds. Microsoft has once more made some loud noises about a possible handheld gaming device. Back in November of 2024, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the company is “working on” a handheld gaming device, but said that it was “years out.”
Rocksteady ended its tumultuous 2024 by laying off staff. Eurogamer reports Rocksteady quietly laid off staff towards the end of 2024. This was the second known round of layoffs following the release of its co-op shooter Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Anonymous developers impacted by the reductions told the outlet departments such as art and programming were affected.
More than two years into developing a AAA-budget video game called Transformers: Reactivate, London-based Splash Damage announced yesterday on X that it’s scrapping the project. Splash plans to cut jobs in the coming months as it recalibrates its slate without this key build in the mix. The studio has not specified how many roles will be affected, but it currently employs more than 300 people...
PlayStation 5 is getting a new set of killer-looking, all-black accessories. The PlayStation 5 lineup of consoles and accessories continues to expand. Just a couple of months after the 30th Anniversary set was released, Sony has revealed another lineup of color variants, this time in all-black. The new PlayStation Portal looks especially slick.
New 'handheld' gaming PC is so big you could kill someone with it. The only thing bigger than Acer's Nitro Blaze 11's screen is its $1,100 price tag. Computer maker Acer is one of the few PC tech companies that hasn’t released a Steam Deck-like handheld gaming device. That changes later this year when it releases not one but three different portable PC devices, one of which is so big that it ...
Resident Evil 4 Remake has topped 9 million sales worldwide. Resident Evil 4 Remake had sold over 9 million copies worldwide as of December 19, 2024. That's according to an X post from the development team at Capcom, which thanked players for their support at the turn of the year. The horror title launched in March 2023 and eclipsed 8 million sales in October 2024.
New Sony tech will put you inside the world of The Last of Us. The Future Immersive Entertainment Concept looks cool, but is still many years away. Sony has debuted some wild-looking, Star-Trek-holodeck-like technology that, if it works as advertised, will let people step into the world of The Last of Us and get up close and personal with the franchise’s grotesque spore zombies.
Nvidia unveils robot ambitions and powerful new gaming chips. The boss of US chip giant Nvidia has unveiled the firm's next-generation of gaming chips and pledged the "ChatGPT moment for general robotics is just around the corner". The announcements were part of CEO Jensen Huang's keynote address at CES, the major annual technology show in Las Vegas.
Meta stops selling Quest Pro headsets after two-year run. Three months after Meta started phasing out its Quest Pro headset, the company has officially stopped selling the mixed realitydevice. UploadVR noticed that the Meta Quest Pro's store page now says it's "no longer available." Last October, Meta said it would continue to sell the Pro, Quest 2, and 128 GB Quest 3 until the end of 2024 or when stock ran out.
Apple has halted production of its colossally expensive Vision Pro VR. The $3,500 mixed-reality headsets haven't proven exactly a barnstormer. Apple has certainly carved itself a market for selling extremely well-made products at ludicrously high prices. Given an audience willing to fork out eye-watering amounts for its laptops and phones, it’s perhaps not surprising that the company assumed it could ...
Highlighted Press Releases
($150/week/press release)
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.
*** The above posted after tRB circulated January 9th ***
TRIP JONES INVITES KIDS TO PLAN A TRIP TO THE BIG APPLE WITH THEIR NEW YORK CITY GUIDE. The First Edition Trip Jones NYC Kids Guide Will Transform Kids into Local Experts while Exciting them to Explore NYC. Chicago, IL (January 7, 2025) – Trip and Jet Jones are back with another complete travel guide for curious and adventurous youngsters. The Kids’ Guide to New York City is the second in the line of Trip Jones City Guides, this time focusing on the Big Apple! New York City is as gigantic as it is eclectic, filled to the brim with sites to see and any cuisine you could dream of. Coupled with a fast-walkin’, fast-talkin’ culture and a labyrinthine “alphabet soup” subway system, it can seem a little intimidating to non-locals at first! But Trip and Jet Jones are here to make travel planning easy for kids, allowing them to exert their will on the family itinerary.
TOY WORLD’S BEST KEPT SECRET NO LONGER NAMES JEROME SAGE AS VP SALES. Atypical Toy Company RMS Offers Trifecta Of Getting Product To Market. North Andover, MA (January 6, 2025) – In the world of toy sales, there’s an anticipated expression: innovation/quality/price – pick two! That’s never the case when dealing with RMS and its just-named VP of Sales Jerome Sage, MBA. His extensive experience in corporate strategy and global team development includes roles such as Senior Director of Hobby Sales at Asmodee, Director of Retail Strategy at Arteza and Vice President of the Western Sales Division at Maurice Sporting Goods. He has successfully collaborated with a diverse array of...
Safety and Counterfeiting
Toy Association Perspectives: Playing it Safe. The Toy Association Makes Toy Safety a Year-Round Priority. As kids made their holiday wish lists and checked them twice, nine in 10 parents turned to online marketplaces to complete their toy shopping, according to a 2024 survey of 1,000 U.S. parents conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of The Toy Association. While the convenience of online shopping can be a lifesaver...
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
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...
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating January 10th ***
The Toy Association acquires new showroom space in LA. The Toy Association has significantly expanded its real estate footprint with a new lease for a long-term showroom space in the heart of LA’s El Segundo toy district. Dubbed “The Toy Building,” this new four-floor facility will offer Toy Association members 65 showrooms for rent, ranging from 475 to 1,920 square feet.
ToyFest 2025 to Honor Hall of Fame Inductees and Retailer of the Year in Las Vegas. The first national toy show of the year should be on independent specialty retailers’ radar… The 2025 ToyFest Party, held Feb. 20 at the Resorts World Lily Ballroom, will induct 3 industry icons — Michael Banducci, Stewart Rosenberg, and Mike Whitham — into the WTHRA Hall of Fame. Additionally, Washington State’s Snapdoodle Toys...
Toy Trust launches 2025 Media Auction. The annual Toy Trust Media Auction of valuable airtime, magazine and online items is now open and advance bids are welcome. The auction will continue throughout Toy Fair 2025 at Olympia Events from 21st – 23rd January and will close at 3pm on Thursday 23rd January, the last day of the event.
GAMA announces opening of 2025 Origins Award nominations: New year, new categories. The Games Manufacturers Association announced the opening up of its Origins Awards Nominations for 2025, which will happen on January 9, 2025. For 2025, the categories have been completely revamped to reflect what GAMA perceives the current landscape of the games industry to be.
Spielwarenmesse ’25: Innovation, trends, & networking. “Feel the Spirit of Play” is the motto under which the 74th Spielwarenmesse welcomes the international toy industry to Nuremberg, Germany, from January 28 to February 1, 2025. For five days, visitors to the NürnbergMesse exhibition center will focus on discovering innovations, trends, market knowledge, and new ideas.
The 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards has unveiled its longlist of nominees—several kids films are dominating the Animated Film and British Short Animation categories, and two seem poised to score nods in the Outstanding British Film race. Longlisted in the dedicated Children’s & Family Film category are: Flow (pictured), Kensuke’s Kingdom, Piece By Piece, Spellbound, That Christmas, Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl...
Setting the global stage: The 51st Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair opens for business. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair kicks off this year’s trade show season, continuing a tradition and legacy of playing a critical role in the international toy business. What started as a small showcase for 71 companies in 1974 has grown into the largest Asian toy fair, with more than 2,500 exhibitors and more than 40,000 visitors annually.
Black Myth: Wukong named GOTY at 2024 Steam Awards. The Steam community has handed Black Myth: Wukong the coveted Game of the Year Award during the 2024 Steam Awards. Game Science's action RPG also took home the Outstanding Story-Rich Game Award and Best Game You Stuck At Award. Steam account holders determine the winners of the Steam Awards by voting across 11 categories.
Landry Pop Auctions (LPA), in partnership with the Rago/Wright network, announces Showa Era Icons, curated by Joshua Fraser, an auction celebrating the golden age of Japanese toy design. The event will take place at noon Jan. 28, at 333 N. Main St., Lambertville, New Jersey, with a special exhibition running in New York City, at 501 W. 20th St., from Jan. 9 to 20. The Showa Era (1926–1989)...
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.
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Adventure Media & Events (US)
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Call to Action: The Toy Industry Responds to LA Wildfires (The Toy Book)
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Bring everyone together and find your new favorite game (The Toy Insider)
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Say G’Day to The LEGO Group’s New Bluey Sets (The Pop Insider)
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Toys for Littles: Ms. Rachel Gets a Warm Welcome to the Toy Aisle (The Toy Book)
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Spielwarenmesse '25: Innovation, Trends, & Networking (The Toy Book)
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The Aussie Toy Biz: Viewing Toys from All Angles (The Toy Book)
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Setting the Global Stage: The 51st Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair Opens for Business (The Toy Book)
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Heading Northward: Jazwares' Canada Expansion (The Toy Book)
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Acamar Films names Rainbow Designs as master toy partner for Bing
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Exclusive: Disney and Sainsbury’s partner on holiday shop-in-shop
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Miraculous season six to premiere in the US later this month
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
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- 'HeroQuest First Flight'
- Rolling for Initiative -- Predictions for 2025
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Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
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Monopoly Celebrates 90 Years with a New Board and Expansions
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Condorito Celebrates 75 Years with an Unforgettable Collection
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Bartolito from El Reino Infantil Shines in the 2025 Three Kings Parade
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The LEGO Group and BBC Studios Announce New BLUEY™ Partnership
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Aardman and Pop Culture Retailer Forbidden Planet Launch a Major Wallace & Gromit Collaboration
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Video of the Week
When Play Saved the Day! How DeFUNitions became BLURT! | WTFF
Here's the story of how a fateful trip to a 3rd grade classroom spawned a word racing game that went on to sell over 1,250,000 copies all over the world!
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