Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
People of Play and Drake Media Network are thrilled to announce that TOYS OF OUR LIVES featuring POP Week events hosted by Matt Nuccio will be airing on December 7th in the evening on CBS in multiple cities: Sacramento, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Boston, New York/tri-state, Dallas, Atlanta, Billings Montana on NBC and Alexandria LA on ABC. The show is also available on BINGE and most OTT networks and podcast platforms. For this first show tune into THE DONNA DRAKE SHOW check your local listings and Toys of Our Lives will be on during the first 1/2 of the hour as a special presentation.
POP and Drake Media Network have another super exciting announcement coming soon! Watch this space!
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
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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.
Person of the Week - Santa Claus
The Interview: Trends and More! (We all do work for him!)
Mary: Santa, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. Let’s dive in—how do you keep up with all the toy trends every year?
Santa Claus: Ho ho ho! It’s a lot of work, but I have a team of highly skilled elves who keep their ears to the ground. They attend consumer toy fairs, read all the top toy magazines, and even monitor social media to make sure I’m on top of the latest trends. And of course, I get a lot of direct feedback from kids about what’s hot!
Mary: Speaking of feedback, let’s talk about toy inventors. Do you have a favorite inventor that’s really caught your eye lately?
Santa Claus: Oh, I love a good inventor! The elves and I are always on the lookout for creativity. There’s one inventor who’s been working on a toy that automatically wraps itself in festive paper. It’s a real game-changer! But, if I’m being honest, the real genius is the one who invented the "never-ending" toy. I’ve had to hire extra elves just to keep up with the demand!
Read More... the interview is quite whimsical and amusing!
POP Classifieds! Post or Find a Job Opportunity!
"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!"
-Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Meme of the Week: Thank you to Bob Fuhrer for the holiday cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: “No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you." - Althea Gibson
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!
Shigeichi negishi Negishi - R.I.P.
Financial and Legal
'We're absolutely in panic mode': Toymakers are bracing for Trump's tariffs. The holiday season is typically a festive time for children across the U.S., but this year it's an anxious season for the country's toymakers. Politics. Most of the toys sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China, and companies are worried they could get a lump of coal next year — in the form of steep import taxes promised by President-elect Donald Trump.
TikTok Faces U.S. Ban After Losing Bid to Overturn New Law. The law will ban the video app in the United States by Jan. 19 if its owner, ByteDance, does not sell it to a non-Chinese company. TikTok is one step closer to disappearing in the United States after a panel of federal judges on Friday unanimously upheld a new law that could lead to the banning of the popular Chinese-owned video app by mid-January.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated November 6th ***
Walmart has completed its acquisition of TV maker VIZIO, which it made a move to purchase as part of a larger plan to enhance its shopping experience and help advertisers connect with customers in new ways. The deal closed yesterday, giving Walmart control of VIZIO and its SmartCast Operating System for US$11.50 per share in cash (or roughly US$2.3 billion in fully diluted equity value).
Canada’s Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet’s Google for allegedly using anti-competitive practices while selling its online advertising services in the country. The antitrust watchdog filed its case yesterday to the Competition Tribunal, and is seeking an order that would require Google to sell off two of its ad-tech tools, pay penalties worth up to 3% of the platform’s global gross revenues, and...
The Supreme Court said it will hear a dispute over a dog toy that got whiskey maker Jack Daniel's barking mad. Jack Daniel's had asked the justices to hear its case against the manufacturer of the plastic Bad Spaniels toy. The toy mimics the Jack Daniel's bottle and label but is a parody. While the original bottle has the words “Old No. 7 brand” and “Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey,” the parody proclaims: “The Old No. 2...
Microsoft says it's Google's fault you can't buy Xbox games on its app. Yet another pause in the court ruling over Google Play's 'monopoly' has delayed the feature, it says. Back in October, Microsoft announced that come November, it would be able to finally start selling Xbox games via its app on Android devices.
Mattel sued over porn site misprint on Wicked dolls. A South Carolina mother is suing toy company Mattel after it mistakenly printed the address of a pornographic website on the packaging of a doll. The company released the singing dolls last month ahead of release of the film Wicked. Mattel apologized for what it described as an "unfortunate error" and recalled the dolls.
Nintendo files court documents to target 200,000-member Subreddit SwitchPirates. Also including Google, Discord and Github, the Switch manufacturer has filed a range of subpoenas. Nintendo, currently predicting 2024 net sales of $8.4 billion and operating profits of $2.4 billion, is continuing its furious crackdown on those modding or emulating its systems and games.
The Commercial Court of Paris has approved RIVA Studios’ US$3-million bid to buy Paris-based animation studio TeamTO (Mighty Mike, Jade Armor). The Italian studio is incorporated in Rome, and its co-founders Marco Balsamo and Tara Demren, along with Lex and Otis founder Jay Oliva, will form a new exec team to keep TeamTO developing and producing projects including Sony Picture Television’s The Creature Cases...
The UK government finalizes a junk food ad ban. It's projected to cost advertisers millions in lost revenue, and critics such as the Advertising Association argue that it will have minimal effect on reducing calorie intake among kids. The question of whether or not to ban junk food ads has sustained a long-running debate in the UK that goes back decades.
The Animation Guild (TAG) has shared the complete terms of its tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which could shape relations between animators and studios for the next three years. The 54-page memorandum of agreement (MOA) covers a wide range of issues, including wage minimums, paid sick leave and protections against AI. Animators will also get yearly pay...
Eurimages has put its full weight behind Hungarian/German/Canadian co-production Fairyheart (working title), awarding a max allowance of U$524,445 (€500,000) to the 2D-animated feature film adaptation of a popular Hungarian children’s book. Penned by Magda Szabó, Tündér Lala (Fairy Lala in English) was first published in 1978.
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Financial Reporting
COLLECTIBLES PIVOT FINALLY WORKING FOR GAMESTOP? Category Massively Outperforming Videogames. In its fiscal Q3 ended November 2, 2024 report, released Tuesday, collectibles massively outperformed videogame software and hardware...
Games Workshop updating the markets ahead of its fully audited annual report for the 53 weeks ended 2 June, estimated its core revenue would be at least £490m, up 10 per cent. The company’s profit before tax is also expected to make gains on the previous year, up from £171m to no less than £200m.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
NOVEMBER 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS
NOVEMBER 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
*** The above posted after tBR circulated December 6th ***
Disney‘s Moana has been revealed as the most streamed movie in the past five years.
BLACK FRIDAY RETAIL SALES UP OVER LAST YEAR. More In-Store Shoppers, On-Line Sales.
Shoppers spent $13.3 billion on Cyber Monday, up 7.3% over 2023.
Best Video Games of 2024. It was supposed to be a sleepy year for the video game industry. Then came surprise hits like Balatro, Animal Well and Astro Bot.
December’s Circana UK insights.
TikTok is influencing gift purchasing decisions in the US
Turns out most of you spend more time watching games than playing them. A new report reveals that most gamers typically play video games for about 7 hours a week. In that same period, however, they watch over 8 hours of video game-related videos and streams.
Bringing Hornby Hobbies to a new generation. 61% of Brits engage in hobbies specifically to boost their mental health.
Christmas Box Office: ‘Sonic 3’ Tracking to Open Ahead of Lion King Prequel ‘Mufasa’. Both movies hit North American theaters the weekend before the year-end holiday.
The year on YouTube: takeaways from trends around the world. A close look at the end-of-year lists across 12 countries, include Trending Topics, Top Creators, Songs, and Songs used in Shorts, look at the moments, channels, and music that broke through on YouTube this year.
Meet Lamb Chop, America’s Hottest Dog Toy. Beloved by generations of children as a famous TV puppet, the plush lamb has now earned elite status among an unlikely fan base: dogs.
Animation in Europe wants AI standards. During Animar_BCN this week, more than 90 animation professionals created a list of proposals, including some designed to buttress the industry’s financial state.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
When People Thought the ‘Back to the Future II’ Hoverboard Was Real. How one filmmaker’s joke fueled an urban myth. Robert Zemeckis asked for it. When he appeared in promotional footage to coincide with the release of 1989’s Back to the Future Part II, Zemeckis was asked about the hoverboard, the futuristic skateboard that glides over the ground and is employed by Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) when he finds...
The Int'l Library of Youth Writing is a space that both celebrates kids and lets them hang out and feel inspired, Eggers said. When they see that the books inside the library were written by other young people, they are often shocked; once that feeling wears off, they realize that they, too, could write a book. A group of second-graders couldn’t believe all the books were by children. “They were like, ‘What? What’s their deal?”
For Older People Who Are Lonely, Is the Solution a Robot Friend? New York officials believe a robotic companion called ElliQ, which can discuss complicated subjects, is helping older residents feel less alone. Critics are concerned about data collection. ElliQ, a voice-activated robotic companion powered by artificial intelligence, is part of a New York State effort to ease the burdens of loneliness among older residents.
How did “Dungeons & Dragons” win? The role-playing game, celebrating its 50th birthday, continues to inspire players and Hollywood creators.
WHEN “STRANGER THINGS” returns for its final season next year, hundreds of millions of people around the world will be abuzz with talk of Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer and Vecna. As a result, they will also be talking about “Dungeons & Dragons” (D&D).
*** The above posted after tBR circulated after December 6th ***
John Baulch. Toy World - Do the right thing … it’s the Friday Blog! I suspect many toy companies will be pleased that Black Friday is finally in the rear-view mirror. The original concept has mutated into a month-long campaign here in the UK – and we don’t even have Thanksgiving Day as a focal point for the event. Instead, we have over a month of deals, stretching from the start of November into December. “Is this Black Friday…
In this month’s Letter from America, Rick looks back at his September predictions for top sellers to see how sales have actually panned out. This will be Rick’s 29th Christmas as a retailer, and he is expecting a late and busy shopping pattern for the last 10 days before Christmas, which typically equates to 50% of December sales for Learning Express in Lake Zurich. Rick looks back at the the chart for the top toys..
Could Elon Musk Become The Master Of Dungeon Masters By Buying Hasbro? Elon Musk has a reputation for disrupting industries. When you’re one of the richest people in the world, all it takes is a few words to get people to notice a company. That’s what recently happened when Musk mentioned tabletop role playing game Dungeons & Dragons and its parent company, Hasbro. Elon Musk Defends Gary Gygax
What a Tariff Is and Isn’t - In practical application, a tariff is a tax. There’s no other way to look at it. It is a charge that is levied by the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency and is calculated as a percentage of the value of goods being imported into the U.S. from some other country. Let’s use the example of a consumer product that has an import value to $10.00. A 25% tariff on that classification of product...
A recent Australian social media ban might impact the tech industry more than we think. The recent measure, which will level fines against companies like Meta and X for violations, impacts anyone 16 years of age and younger. Tech companies have a year to figure out how to protect underage users from accessing the app, beyond the nominal measures they use today.
Julia Fitzgerald - In our Midsize Match Up interview, I get to talk with Jeff Graham, President, and CMO of Cactus. He shares some remarkable insights about Cactus’ fit with midsize clients. Julia: Jeff, I’m looking to give my readers insights and intro to agencies that are great partners for Midsize firms and brands. Can you give us the low-down on Cactus?
Directors of Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot & More Major Animated Movies Open Up on the Impact of AI. Animated films by major studios are seeing something of a resurgence this year. Inside Out 2 became the highest grossing animated film of all time, albeit with a cost to the animators who worked so hard to make it happen.
Where do EU toys come from? In 2023, the EU was a net importer of toys from the rest of the world, with €6.5 billion worth of toys imported from extra-EU countries (-€2.0 billion compared with 2022), while Extra-EU exports totaled €2.3 billion (-€0.2 billion). China was the biggest supplier of toys with 80% (€5.2 billion) of toy imports, far ahead of Vietnam with 6% (€367 million) and the United Kingdom (2%, €150 million).
Licensing helps extend the toy industry’s reach into new mediums. Steven Ekstract is managing director of Global Licensing Advisors. Ekstract is also the founder of License Global magazine. The toy industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by the rapid rise of digital entertainment and evolving play patterns among children.
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History and Nostalgia
A pair of Dorothy's ruby slippers, worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz," sold Saturday at an auction for $32.5 million, making the sparkling shoes the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction. The slippers are one of four surviving pairs from the 1939 movie and were once stolen from a museum that housed them. The winning bid was $28 million, with the buyer paying an additional $4.5 million...
*** the above posted after December 6th when tBR circulated ***
Topple from Kenner. Released by Kenner in 1979, Topple combined domino theory and tropes from chess into an action strategy game for two players. The object was to be the first player to knock down both Kings of their opponent. Players began with two Kings positioned on designated spaces on the plastic game board, facing in any direction.
2024 Vintage Toys and Games Holiday Gift Guide. Our annual Holiday Gift Guide offers gift ideas for the play enthusiasts in your life. Whether it’s a coveted collectible, rousing board game, or quiet time with a book, we share some of our favourite finds from the past year. Click the name of each item to learn more, including where to purchase.
Spinwelder from Mattel. In 1974, Mattel released Spinwelder, a welding toy that children could use to construct various vehicles. The plastic welder attached to a 6-volt lantern battery to join plastic parts together using “harmless friction heat.” In addition to bonding plastic pieces, Spinwelder could also be used to attach plastic rivets, providing kids with another type of building technique.
Licensing and Entertainment
Barbie, Care Bears unveil the Cutie Reveal Care Bears series. Mattel has partnered with Cloudco Entertainment to give fans an unboxing experience with Barbie and Care Bears. Launching this fall and winter, the Barbie Cutie Reveal Care Bears Series features Barbie and Chelsea dolls dressed as their favorite Care Bears characters, delivering joy and surprise with every unboxing.
Hasbro launches New Star Wars & Marvel Play-Doh sets. Ahead of the holidays, Hasbro has released three new Play-Doh sets inspired by Disney properties, such as Star Wars and Marvel. Starting today, consumers can add Play-Doh sets featuring Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Sam Wilson as Captain America...
Oracle Red Bull Racing Builds New Partnership With LEGO. With the LEGO Technic Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Car, people will get the chance to assemble Max Verstappen’s World Drivers’ Championship winning model. The set is available for pre-order now, in select regions before launching on Mar. 1.
Ravensburger announces 'Disney Lorcana TCG' 'Moana 2' promotion. Ravensburger announced that they have partnered with Cinemark to offer moviegoers a special sneak peek Disney Lorcana TCG promo card when they purchase tickets to see Moana 2. The new promo card is available to fans that purchase tickets to see Moana 2 at Cinemark theaters between December 6, 2024, and December 15, 2024.
Warner Bros. Discovery releases ‘Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim' merch. Warner Bros. Discovery will release new products inspired by the new original anime feature film, "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim," based on the characters created by author, J.R.R. Tolkien. The new film inspires tech accessories, toys, and more including action figures from McFarlane Toys and Bandai Spirit’s latest...
Bandai’s latest card game will launch at the NAS Johnson Space Center. A Gundam Card Game will launch at Johnson Space Center in Houston, home of NASA’s Mission Control Center and the backdrop for the world premiere of Bandai Card Games’ new trading card game (TCG) based on the anime series “Mobile Suit Gundam.”
One key decision helped 'Moana 2' win at the box office and become Disney's 'hottest IP'. First, Disney proved it was still king of the summer movie season with the enormous success of "Deadpool & Wolverine." Now, the studio has also reclaimed its hold on the Thanksgiving with "Moana 2."
Thanksgiving box office records; Macy's Parade viewership up; 'Mighty Mouse' movie; 'Sonic 3,' 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'Wallace & Gromit' trailers. Showbiz Round-up. With Moana 2 sailing to a Thanksgiving weekend box office record and strong second weekends from Wicked and Gladiator II, the overall Thanksgiving box office was also a record, according to Deadline.
Star Wars Gift the Galaxy Week 3 Heads to the Clone Wars. It is now week three of Disney’s Star Wars Gift the Galaxy Campaign, and this week’s theme takes fans back to the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars era. This week, Hasbro Pulse debuts the Star Wars: The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi & Clone Trooper (212th) pack.
‘Bluey’ Xylophone brings magic to Walmart. May or may not freeze parents mid-action. Admirers of Bluey can bring the show’s magic xylophone into their homes for games of freeze or musical exploration, as Bluey’s Magic Xylophone is on shelves at Walmart joining the Kidz Toyz line of Bluey musical toys, including guitars, keyboards, and drums.
Hasbro announces new Venom-Shifting Spider-Man figure. Hasbro became one with the symbiote to reveal the all new Marvel Spider-Man Venomversus Spider-Man Liquid Shifter action figure! Press the figure’s arm to activate the liquid-shift feature and watch as black liquid Venomizes Spider-Man.
DreamWorks Animation and CandyRific to Launch Sugary-Sweet Licensed Products. DreamWorks Animation and CandyRific have entered into a new licensing agreement, and it’s a pretty sweet deal. CandyRific is known for transforming popular franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney into novelty candy.
MGA’s Miniverse launches DIY, miniature, functional makeup collection: Make It Mini Makeup. MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the largest privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, announced today the newest collection from its globally popular mini collectible brand, MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Makeup.
Paramount and WildBrain bring hit series Sonic Prime to Nickelodeon. Kids and family entertainment company WildBrain is working on an agreement with Paramount to bring the TV show “Sonic Prime” to Nickelodeon. “Sonic Prime” has 22 half-hour-long episodes and one hour-long special and follows Sonic the Hedgehog as he explores the different worlds of the Shatterverse in an attempt...
Precious Moments licensing program explores new product categories. The brand is looking to expand its roster of partnerships and product lines for the new year. Known for celebrating the little moments in life, Precious Moments is branching out from its popular product line of collectible figurines and exploring markets catered to younger female customers.
A Wookiee Jedi emerges for Star Wars Gift the Galaxy Week 4. Gift the Galaxy is running every Tuesday through Dec. 17. Hasbro is officially a month into its Star Wars Gift the Galaxy Campaign, and for week four, it’s bringing fans a new character from The Acolyte. This week’s reveal is the Star Wars: The Black Series Jedi Master Kelnacca.
Metafy, Driver Studios unite to expand ‘Wooshi World’ IP. This partnership includes new animated YouTube content and a data-driven toy line in early 2025. YouTube is the new frontier for children’s media, and brands are beginning to take advantage of it. Blockchain brand Metafy is teaming up with NYC’s Driver Studios to develop new 2D-animated content based on its Wooshi properties.
'LotR: The War of The Rohirrim - Battle of Edoras' hits preorder. Games Workshop has placed LotR: The War of the Rohirrim - Battle of Edoras, a new boxed set for Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game, onto preorder.This boxed set brings Rohirrim to the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game just in time for the release of Kenji Kamiyama's animated epic on Amazon.
Aussie writer Paul Jennings’ eccentric storytelling is heading back to the small screen, thanks to a new development deal with Fremantle Australia (Heartbreak High). The Sydney-based prodco has optioned multiple short story collections by the author that were published in the ’80s and ’90s—including Quirky Tales, Unbelievable, Tongue Tied, Unbearable and Unreal.
BBC Children’s and Education is stocking up on programming for next year with three newly greenlit kids series earmarked for CBBC and BBC iPlayer. First up is Gifted, based on a collection of same-name middle-grade novels by Marilyn Kaye. In production now at Glasgow’s Black Camel Pictures (The Brilliant World of Tom Gates) and Paris-based Media Valley (Zoom the White Dolphin), this is the French studio’s first foray...
Miraculous Corp and Zag have announced that BBC Children’s and Education has acquired broadcasting rights to the global hit animated series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. The new agreement, which was brokered by Mediawan Kids and Family, encompasses seasons one to six of the series, as well as five Miraculous World TV event specials. Season five will debut on CBBC this week...
People of Play
‘Does he even exist?’ The silent boss of the £4bn Warhammer cult. Games Workshop is about to enter the FTSE 100 with a bigger valuation than Ocado, yet the man at the helm has never been publicly pictured. Games Workshop’s trolls, goblins and dragons have been described as “plastic crack” by Henry Cavill, the Superman actor.
Behind the Curtain of Comedy with President of the Laugh Factory David Fuhrer - Ep #195. David Fuhrer[1] is an American inventor and entrepreneur. David Fuhrer has licensed more than 300 toys, games and household products including toys such as Aqua Doodle, Nerf Vortex Football, and Twisty Petz. He is the recipient of numerous toy industry awards.
Congratulations to John Bell on being named Vice President of Design - Games at Buffalo Games + Gamewright Games.
*** the above posted after December 6th when tBR circulated ***
Diverse Marketing names Dan Huter as Director of Specialty Toy Sales. Diverse Marketing has appointed industry veteran Dan Huter as its new Director of Specialty Toy Sales ahead of the holiday season. Huter has held various positions across the industry throughout his career, but he considers this position a homecoming to what he loves most: Specialty Toys.
Eolo welcomes Matilde Lombardi as Global Product director, aka the “Product Fashionista.” Known for her creative genius and sharp market instincts, Matilde has joined the company to take Eolo’s product innovation to bold new heights.
One Fish, Two Fish: Dr. Seuss Enterprises promotes two directors of licensing: Jimeka Broussard and Jenna Marson will expand the brand through licensing strategies. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a beloved children’s entertainment company, announces two promotions for their licensing divisions. Jimeka Broussard is the new Director of Licensing for North America, and Jenna Marson is the Director of Licensing for int'l markets.
United Wheels names Bruno Maier President and CEO. The former COO started his career at Huffy 30 years ago. United Wheels has named Bruno Maier its new CEO. Maier has served as COO and President since Claude Jordan’s retirement in 2022. Maier will drive growth and sustainable value at United Wheels while maintaining the company’s mission and value.
Hot new game on the market and the inventor is a 13-yr-old NJ kid I don’t know if you have heard of this dude named Thomas Edison, but New Jersey has been the birthplace of invention. Bubble wrap was even invented here. So was the green bean casserole. We can be fun, too. Look at Brian Turtle, a New Jersey guy who’s been on the air with me several times and who parlayed being one of the college buddies...
Companies and Brands
Transformers Rolls Out the Mother of All Action Figures for First Female Cybertronian in Exclusive New Look. The Transformers franchise has had action figures based on various female Cybertronians, including Autobots such as Arcee, Elita-One and Windblade. Now, the mother of all fembots is rolling out in the latest toy line for the 40-year-old series. Transformers: Age of the Primes will focus on the Dynasty of Primes...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated December 6th ***
Sky Castle Toys, a social media and collectibles toy company, and Jazwares, a leading global toy company, today announced a multi-year partnership that will expand and strengthen the distribution, brand development, and intellectual property management of Sticki Rolls™, the popular trend-setting collection of wearable and sharable sticker bracelets and children’s jewelry line.
What exactly goes into making Lego? 9News visited the toy manufacturer's global headquarters in Denmark to peek behind the bricks at one of their busiest times of the year.
A tiny model-making firm set up by three supergeeks in a bedroom has raked in billions of pounds - and is now one of Britain's most valuable companies. Games Workshop is now worth a staggering £4.6billion, trumping the likes of easyJet, retailer B&M, fashion giants Burberry and online grocer Ocado. The company, founded in 1975, is known for creating Warhammer figures - a table-top model game...
Ms. Rachel, Paw Patrol to fuel Spin Master sales as it faces fraught holiday season. Max Rangel can’t help but crack a smile when he hears a sing-songy “hello” emanate from an overall-and-pink T-shirt clad doll sitting on a table covered in toys in his Toronto office. Many people have told the CEO of Canada’s top toy company that they find the plush plaything with her overly cheery voice and predilection for peek-a-boo “annoying...
Carve Communications powers up its roster with award-winning Red Toolbox. Red Toolbox named Carve Communications as its agency of record. This is Carve’s first new client following the acquisition of Freeman Public Relations in November, marking further growth within the toy industry. Red Toolbox makes toys inspired by professional-grade tools.
Plastic Meatball turns Emmet, Ma, and Alice Otter into action figures for Holiday fun. Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas has been a nostalgic holiday staple since the 1970s. Since the classic Christmas special’s release, the characters have returned to fans via television replays, a theatrical production for the stage, and, most recently, toys.
Wizards of the Coast updates deets on 'Magic: The Gathering: Innistrad Remastered': Reveals card treatments, MSRPs, and more. Wizards of the Coast updated details for Innistrad Remastered, a new reprint set for Magic: The Gathering. This set will hit stores on January 24, 2025. Innistrad Remastered offers up the greatest hits of the various Innistrad sets in one well-curated booster set.
LEGO Group joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support inclusivity. Three new sets are the first toys to don the symbol of hidden disabilities. The LEGO Group has announced a series of initiatives to support consumers and collectors with disabilities. The announcement comes on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Manchester-based research firm The Insights Family has officially set up a division called TIF Labs that will explore new partnerships, tech innovations and potential acquisitions. Company founder Nick Richardson (pictured) will head it up as CEO. Under his leadership, Insights has achieved triple-digit revenue growth over the last 5 years and...
Hachette Boardgames welcomes Edition Spielwiese. The global Hachette Boardgames Group has announced a new distribution partnership with Edition Spielwiese, the German publisher behind major titles such as MicroMacro, Uwe Rosenberg’s Puzzle Trilogy, Prey Another Day and many more.
Destination The Repair Shop game to launch in time for Christmas. Rachel Lowe MBE, the Portsmouth-based serial entrepreneur and board game creator best known for creating the highly successful Destination series of games, has come up with the perfect gift for fans of the hit BBC TV show The Repair Shop.
Blokees enjoys success at new Transformers store in Battersea Power Station. At the new Transformers store in Battersea Power Station, Blokees has its full range on display, seeing strong retail success in the first five days of opening. BlokeesBlokees, a leading supplier of collectible action figure model kits, has been working in partnership with Warren Traeger...
'Sushi Go! 10th Anniversary Edition' heads to retail. Gamewright will release Sushi Go! 10th Anniversary Edition, a special collectors' edition of the classic card game by Phil Walker-Harding, into stores in December 2024. This special collectors' edition allows players to upgrade their Sushi Go! experience.
Ultra PRO celebrates Holiday success for Pokémon Trainer Guess: Unova Edition. The team at Ultra PRO Entertainment is celebrating some wins this season. As the holiday homestretch approaches, our consumer-facing sister publication, The Toy Insider, features the company’s Pokémon Trainer Guess: Unova Edition as a top product for kids ages 5-7 in its 19th annual Holiday Gift Guide.
Ultra Pro will release three new 'Dungeons & Dragons' Gamer Pouches. Ultra PRO will release three new Dungeons & Dragons Gamer Pouches into retail in Q3 2025. The new offerings consist of two Gazer Gamer Pouches and a Mind Flayer Gamer Pouch. The Gazer Gamer Pouches come in two sizes, standard and large.
Rockabilia launches Encore Toy Co.Vannen Watches joins the band merch retailer for a new venture. Rockabilia, the largest independent online retailer of licensed music merchandise, is launching Encore Toy Co. The launch is through a partnership with Vannen Watches and will begin with a Kickstarter campaign.
Wizards of the Coast announces 'Magic: The Gathering - Bloomburrow Tins'. Wizards of the Coast announced Magic: The Gathering - Bloomburrow Tins, which will hit Walmart, Walmart.com, and select stores in December 2024. These promotional tins include two traditional foil promo cards: Liliana of the Dark Realms and Patchwork Banner.
'Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG: Quarter Century Stampede' tramples into retail: Successor set to 'Quarter Century Bonanza'. Konami Digital Entertainment will release Quarter Century Stampede, a new booster set for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, into retail on April 11. This set is the successor to Quarter Century Bonanza, and the last chance for Duelists to get their hands on Quarter Century Secret Rares.
Games Workshop unleashes new 'Warhammer 40,000' boxed set: 'Brutal and Cunning'. Games Workshop unleashed Brutal and Cunning, a new Warhammer 40,000 boxed set, which will hit preorder on December 7, 2024. The new boxed features two new kill teams: The Wrecka Krew and Ratlings.
Bladez Toyz has announced a partnership with Everest Toys. With the help of Everest’s vast distribution network, Bladez Toyz will be able to take advantage of new opportunities in Canada and the United States; expanding the reach of its licensed ranges and particularly its Maker Kitz brand which has enjoyed great success within the UK and across EMEA.
Portal Games announces end of its partnership with GTS Distribution after nearly a decade of collaboration between the two companies. Starting in 2015, GTS Distribution brought several of Portal's most popular titles to the North American market over the years.
Traverse newly emerged continents in 'Explorers of Navoria': New tableau-drafting game by Dranda Games will be released into retail in January 2025. In this game, designed by Meng Chunlin, the council of Navoria has tasked players with exploring a new set of continents that have recently emerged from the sea.
'Grand Archive TCG' heads into 'Abyssal Heaven' new booster set. Weebs of the Shore will release Abyssal Heaven, a new booster set for Grand Archive TCG, into retail on March 7, 2025. The new booster set continues the Grand Archive TCG story as Sanguo falls deeper under the influence of a demonic grimoire.
Temu and Shein target toy sales while growing in US and Europe. Temu and Shein reportedly are likely to account for a greater share of toy sales in America and Europe during this holiday shopping season. The two eCommerce sites are increasing their offerings of toys while also gaining greater prominence as sellers of all sorts of products.
Maped brings stories to life with Stories Maker. Each Stories Maker set includes three story books to customize, an audio recorder and a voice changer, allowing children to turn each book into their very own story. Maped, a leader in the design and manufacturer of school and stationery supplies, expects be on wish lists this Christmas with its latest launch.
Rock Manor Games will release 'Set a Watch: Doomed Run' big box game. Rock Manor Games will release Set A Watch: Doomed Run, a new big box board game, into retail via Asmodee on November 29, 2024. This game contains curated content spanning the entire Set A Watch series, repackaged into a campaign big box format.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Why so many games are failing right now - and why others are breakout hits? "Everything is on fire at the moment," says indie developer Adam Riches. It's not a controversial view, and when Adam says it he's almost casual. Just a fact of life these days. Widespread lay-offs and studio closures that rocked the industry last year have continued into 2024, and the rush of investment off the back of the Covid...
Deceive Inc developer Sweet Bandits shuts down after reaching 'breaking point'. The multiplayer title will remain online for the time being. Deceive Inc developer Sweet Bandits Studios has shut down. The Canadian indie studio broke the news in a short forum post and explained it has reached "breaking point." "There is no easy way to say this: The Sweet Bandits team is no more.
February 2025 is stacked with big games: Avowed, Kingdom Come 2, Monster Hunter, and Assassin's Creed are all arriving that month. February 2025 is filled with some big game releases. Here’s what’s launching across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation: Kingdom Come: Deliverance Feb 2 - 4, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII - Feb 11, Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Feb 14, Avowed - Feb 18, Lost Records:...
“Monster High Fangtastic Life” mobile game from Mattel and Budge Studios launches worldwide December 19. Mattel in collaboration with Budge Studios announced that its upcoming mobile game Monster High Fangtastic Life is set to launch December 19. For iOS and Android, the new interactive mobile game invites players to embark on a unique journey through Monster High’s spirited campus...
NES Tetris is being re-released for the first time ever. The game is coming to Switch Online, the first release of the classic version since 1989. Nintendo is adding a steady flow of classic games to its Switch Online platform but perhaps never something as significant as the NES version of Tetris. Why such a big deal?
People not AI will make games, PlayStation boss says. PlayStation's boss says AI has the potential to "revolutionize" gaming, but he believes it will never replace the "human touch" of games made by people. Hermen Hulst and his co-CEO Hideaki Nishino spoke to the BBC as Sony celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the console being launched.
Ubisoft shutting down Call of Duty competitor after executive producer swore it wasn't dying. Ubisoft has announced that XDefiant, its multiplatform free-to-play Call of Duty-like FPS, is shutting down in June despite the game’s executive producer saying that it wasn’t dying and was “doing well” in September.
GOG makes big promise on game preservation as Blizzard pulls Warcraft I and II from its store. Blizzard is delisting Warcraft I and II from GOG, the only PC gaming storefront the real-time strategy classics were available on outside of the company’s own Battle.net launcher. The move comes after the recent launch of its own expensive and lackluster remasters of the two games...
Phasmophobia scares up one million copies sold on consoles. Kinetic Games' Phasmophobia has sold 1 million copies a month after its launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The indie horror hit came to consoles at the end of October as an Early Access title. That same month, Kinetic revealed the game had sold over 20 million copies across consoles and PC since its initial Early Access release on Windows in 2020.
Lilith Games lays off 40 devs ahead of Project Party rework. Nearly half of Lilith's 100-person staff has been cut in response to the tepid beta period. Chinese developer Lilith Games laid off 40 developers that were working on its upcoming life sim, 'Project Party.' According to translations from GameLook, the reductions took place in mid-November.
Highlighted Press Releases
($250/week/press release)
SCOOBIFY YOUR POOCH WITH SCOOBY-DOO CHARACTER STUDIO’S CUSTOM ONLINE DOG BUILDER EXPERIENCE
Now You Can Invite Your Dog to Join Mystery Inc. Too! Scooby-Doo Character Studio Custom Dog Mobile App Launch. Emeryville, CA (December 2, 2024) – Ruh-Roh! Looks like every dog has their day, after all. Acme Character Studio, the creator of the Scooby-Doo Character Studio, has expanded the experience to include a Dog Builder as well! Not only can you create your own human character in the Scooby-Doo universe, but you can bring your trusty pooch with you through a new range of customized merchandise.
Safety and Counterfeiting
Telegram U-turns and joins child safety scheme. After years of ignoring pleas to sign up to child protection schemes, the controversial messaging app Telegram has agreed to work with an internationally recognised body to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is used by major online services to help them detect and remove CSAM, and prevent its spread.
Toy safety takes center stage: Experts share tips for a safe holiday season. In November, doctors from Yale New Haven Health and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection held a press conference to address toy-related safety risks during the holiday season. They outlined key safety concerns such as choking hazards, button batteries and counterfeit toys sold online.
CPSC releases data on toy-related injuries. Parents and families know how important it is to get the hottest toys under the tree. When choosing those toys, you have to keep safety in mind. The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants families to know toy-related injuries can be prevented.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Pax Unplugged, which took place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia over the past weekend, cemented its position as the second largest U.S. tabletop games convention with a well-attended event, its largest since the end of the Covid pandemic. Organized by Reedpop on behalf of the folks at Penny Arcade as a show focusing on the tabletop space...
*** The above posted after December 6th when tBR circulated ***
Licensing International, a global brand licensing trade association, has officially inducted industry innovators Joseph Kaminkow, Maca Rotter, and Stu Seltzer into its coveted 2024 Hall of Fame. At the event, Licensing International also recognized industry Rising Stars and students with awards and scholarships.
Tickets are now on sale for The Toy Foundation’s 25th Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards ceremony, which will unveil the industry’s top toys, games, and properties, and honor the newest inductees into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame: Maxine Clark, founder & former chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop; Sharon DiMinico, founder & chair of Learning Express Toys; and Professor Erno Rubik, inventor of the Rubik’s Cube...
The Australian Toy Association office has been buzzing with activity following our move to new premises at the end of October and the successful hosting of our Annual General Meeting on November 13th. Members attended both in person and online as we reviewed the end-of-year financials and highlighted ATA’s achievements over the past year. During the AGM, elections were held, resulting in Chris Maggacis...
Licensing Expo 2025 opens registration. Licensing Expo, the world's leading event dedicated to licensing, IP extension and brand collaborations, sponsored by Licensing International, has opened registration for the 2025 event, taking place May 20-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The countdown has begun for Spielwarenmesse 2025, which invites industry professionals to Germany to experience the ‘Spirit of Play’ first-hand across over 160,000 sq metres of expertly curated exhibition space. The show has become an unmissable part of the trade fair calendar and attracts more than 2,300 exhibitors from 68 countries, making it one of the key places to be if you’re looking for new, innovative...
The industry looks forward to London Toy Fair. London Toy Fair is just around the corner, and excitement is already building across the industry. For a new twist on Toy World’s monthly Talking Shop feature, Rachael Simpson-Jones sat down with a selection of indies and representatives from the BTHA, Toymaster and Playroom to get their thoughts on what makes Toy Fair a must-visit show...
HKTDC reveals more details on January Hong Kong Trade Fairs spanning Toy, Baby, and Stationery. All three shows are poised to grow as a new toy fair season begins. Under the banner of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), full details have been revealed for the 51st Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 16th Hong Kong Baby Products Fair...
Preshow Noël Toys & Games reports successful event. The 2024 edition of Preshow Noël Toys & Games, held from November 18th to 22nd in the iconic venues of the Hotel Barrière Le Royal, the Deauville International Center (C.I.D.) and the Villa Le Cercle, confirmed the standing of the event within the calendar of French and international professionals in the toy and games industry.
Tinkertoys, Rudolph and ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots:’ Evanston History Center displays toys with local tie-in. Evanstonians created many toys, including the ‘Operation’ and ‘Hands Down’ games. The exhibit contains hundreds of toys, including a variety of Tinkertoys. “We have the largest Tinkertoy collection in the country, since they were invented and manufactured here,” Hartzell said. “The story behind Tinkertoys...
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
Mike Gull. The larger than life media figure, who passed away recently, was known and loved by many people in the toy community, largely through his time at GMTV. Posting on LinkedIn at the end of last week, Mike’s long term friend and colleague Simon Poole recounted the sad news: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our chairman, colleague, and dear friend, Mike Gull, on Friday evening, 15th November. Mike (Gully) was an extraordinary individual who dedicated over 40 years to the industry. His leadership, wisdom and unwavering commitment left an indelible mark on our business and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Matilde Brualdi Clementoni, died at her home in Recanati at the age of 93.
The team at family owned Italian business, Clementoni, has been devastated by the passing of co- founder, Matilde, and has issued the following statement: “Last week in her home in Recanati, at the age of 93, Matilde Brualdi Clementoni, honorary president of Clementoni S.p.A. and co-founder with her husband Mario of the company in 1963, passed away. Matilde left us a special soul, the soul that gave life to this great enterprise of ours.”
Originally from Pesaro, Matilde had moved to Recanati to give life to an entrepreneurial project that has now become a successful reality of international calibre. Since the dawn of Clementoni, Matilde has been able to impress her incomparable character on the entire company organisation. The business was left, at the end of the 90s, to her four children, still at the helm of the company today.
Amber Cook passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2024. Cook was a key player within the games industry, mostly working behind-the-scenes on the branding and business development of dozens of games and projects. She is well-known for her work at Looney Labs, Asmodee Group, and Roll20. Cook was also admired for the roles she played in the re-launch of Free RPG Day, as a founding member of the American Tabletop Awards, as the fundraising co-chair for Rose Gauntlet Foundation, and in the rebranding of her partner Paul Alexander Butler's store Games and Stuff...
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
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Jazwares Gets in on the Sticki Rolls Craze via Sky Castle Toys Pact (The Toy Book)
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26 Holiday-themed Toys & Games for Festive Fun! (The Toy Insider)
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Take Off Like A Jedi on Your Next Trip with Heroes & Villains Luggage (The Pop Insider)
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Ultra PRO Celebrates Holiday Success for Pokémon Trainer Guess: Unova Edition (The Toy Book)
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Spreading The Joy: Bay Area Toy Store Plays Santa for More Than 300 Families (The Toy Book)
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MGA Entertainment Dives Into Makeup with Make It Mini (The Toy Book)
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Plastic Meatball Turns Emmet, Ma, and Alice Otter Into Action Figures for Holiday Fun (The Toy Book)
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Precious Moments Licensing Program Explores New Product Categories (The Toy Book)
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Licensing International Honors 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees and Rising Stars (The Toy Book)
Toyworld (UK)
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Blokees enjoys success at new Transformers store in Battersea Power Station
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Lego Technic Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leaves the pit lane
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Destination The Repair Shop game to launch in time for Christmas
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Jazwares to expand Sticki Rolls in North America and mainland Europe
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Sega and ToyTopic announce European expansion of Sonic the Hedgehog plush
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Magic Light Pictures and the BBC reveal exclusive Tiddler trailer
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Games Workshop Unleashes New 'Warhammer 40,000' Boxed Set
- Elon Musk Asks 'How Much is Hasbro?'
- Corvus Belli Unveils New 'Infinity Essentials Army Packs'
- Rolling for Initiative -- Black Friday 2024, and 'D&D' Controversy Continues
- Wizards of the Coast Announces 'Magic: The Gathering - Bloomburrow Tins'
- Wizards of the Coast Reveals 'Magic: The Gathering' Black Friday Shop Local Promotion
- Ultra PRO will release Three New 'Dungeons & Dragons' Gamer Pouches
- Wizards of the Coast Updates Deets on 'Magic: The Gathering - Innistrad Remastered'
- Hachette Boardgames USA Inks Agreement with Edition Spielwiese
- Black Friday Retail Sales Up Over Last Year
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
- Sticki Rolls Embarks on Global Expansion with Jazwares
- MGA Launches Real-Working Makeup in Miniverse
- Squid Game 2: Must-Have Products and Experiences
- Hasbro Unveils Spider-Man Figure That Transforms into Venom
- Maya the Bee: Celebrating 50 Years of Adventures
- FAMOSA Hosts First Toy Trends Forum for Christmas
- Review: Moana & Maui Petite Doll Gift Set / Hei Hei “Squeeze and Scream”
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
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The LEGO Group Unveils a Summer-Ready Santa Sleigh Display Designed by Aussie Kids
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Dashing Through the Holidays – The U.S. Toy Industry Looks to Unwrap a Win
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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
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Publisher: Mary Couzin, Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.
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