Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
The Bloom Report is a little late today because I’m in LA for the LA Toy Previews, and there’s SO much happening here! It’s been a breeze getting around to all the showroom locations. The Toy Foundation’s Play with Purpose event on Monday was the perfect kickoff to the week, followed by the Toy Association party at Otis College of Art and Design… drinks, buffet dinner and dessert with hundreds of our colleagues was so much fun that Lynn Rosenblum and I were literally the last to leave.
I spent most of my time at the 2250 Imperial Hwy building, which is quite impressive considering its fast-tracked renovation by the TA. Kudos to Kim Carcone and her team on that! Everywhere I turned, there were people I knew, and everybody was upbeat. Tonight will be the W.I.T. event, and I expect it will be great. In just one year, the LA Previews have grown enthusiastically and exponentially, and though I won’t make it to the even busier International Week next week, I will return to sunny CA for the Pro Inventor events to wrap up the month.
We’re still settling in as part of the TA, but I'd like to share that the Bloom Report is, and will remain, completely independent since many of you have asked. It’s important to me and to the TA that it carries on as it always has. You may notice a few more TA feature articles, but know that they were paid for by the TA’s sponsorship prior to our merger.
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Kick off the holidays! Meet consumers, influencers and trade in your Chicago Toy & Game Fair booth
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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.
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Person of the Week: Happy 103rd Birthday Eddy Goldfarb!
Inventor of Chattering False Teeth, KerPlunk, Battling Tops and 800 Other Toys!
From Tim Walsh: "Join me in wishing the legendary Eddy Goldfarb a very happy 103rd birthday! Eddy is as admirable as he is inventive. He helped save the world during World War II, and like so many of his generation, came home and made a life for himself that uplifted and encouraged so many others. Kerplunk, Chattering False Teeth, Stompers, Battling Tops – and those are just four of the 800 or so toys that he created. Thank you Eddy for giving so much of yourself. Enjoy the Eddy Goldfarb edition of "Where's the Fun from?"
Industry Commentary - McHALE DESIGN CASE STUDY: MONSTERVERSE- THE LEGEND CONTINUES
McHale Design’s Collaboration with Playmates Toys for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
McHale Design and Playmates Toys reunite to bring the latest blockbuster in the Monsterverse franchise, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, to the toy aisle. With new characters and monsters emerging in the Monsterverse, we were tasked with updating the branding and packaging to follow suit. The results evoke epic storytelling through larger-than-life characters, dynamic graphics and a vivid new backdrop color of… pink! Really? But more of that in a moment…
THE CHALLENGE: CRAFTING A TIMELESS MONSTERVERSE BRAND
Unifying Decades of Legendary Monster Movies with a Cohesive Branding Strategy
The journey began in 2021 with the creation of a Monsterverse brand for the upcoming movie Godzilla vs Kong. In addition to the new movie, the branding needed to work with the entire history of the Godzilla monster movies, decades of a legendary movie franchise beginning with the original black and white Toho version. Our challenge was to unite the Monsterverse empire in an identifiable, cohesive branding statement that considered the era, style, and personality of the entire genre. READ MORE...
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to the anonymous person for the funny cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: ““You learn a lot more about your home sometimes by leaving it and looking at it from a distance.” – RICK STEVES
Toy Industry Word of Day: Whale Thank you, Kim Vandenbrouke for our Word of the 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
Hasbro is reportedly looking at moving its headquarters from Rhode Island to Boston.
A group of contestants who participated in “Beast Games,” the reality competition show hosted by Jimmy Donaldson, better known online as MrBeast, are suing Mr. Donaldson and the production companies behind the show, accusing them of exposing participants to “dangerous circumstances and conditions.” The suit, filed by five anonymous contestants in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday...
Random House Publishing Group has completed the acquisition of BOOM! Studios announced in July, and announced the management team, including a new hire, most recently from Hasbro, as Publisher. Just before the acquisition was announced, in June, BOOM! President of Publishing and Marketing Filip Sablik announced he was leaving the company, leaving President - Development Stephen Christy, Editor-in-Chief...
Reuters reports tech company IBM won its lawsuit against mobile developer Zynga, which it sued over patent infringement in 2022. Two years ago, IBM claimed the Farmville creator was misusing its "foundational" web technology, including data capture and analytics. The two companies had reportedly been negotiating a license since 2014, but those talks repeatedly fell through.
*** The above was posted after tBR circulated September 13th ***
The FCC has issued fines totaling US$3.3 million to 19 television channel operators for not complying with rules that govern running commercials during kids programming. In a forfeiture order dated September 6, the US regulatory agency confirmed fines that were first proposed two years ago in a notice against companies including Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group.
Making an M&A move into edutainment for the first time, Banijay Kids & Family has acquired a majority stake in Procidis, the 62-yr-old French prodco behind the Once Upon a Time… educational children’s TV brand. Procidis co-produced the franchise’s latest series Once Upon a Time…The Objects with SAMKA, France Télévisions and Israeli broadcaster HOT last year, with RTS and TV5Monde also participating.
EU court rules Google must pay €2.4bn fine. Europe's top court has ruled Google must pay a €2.4bn (£2bn) fine handed down for abusing the market dominance of its shopping comparison service. The tech giant had appealed against the fine, which was originally levied by the European Commission in 2017.
Australia plans social media minimum age limit, angering youth digital advocates. Australia plans to set a minimum age limit for children to use social media citing concerns about mental and physical health, sparking a backlash from digital rights advocates who warn the measure could drive dangerous online activity underground. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his centre-left government would run an age...
The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) and 22 of its affiliates across Europe have sent two EU consumer protection watchdogs a formal complaint urging them to compel video game studios to change in-game purchasing protocols that it says are misleading kids. In their submission to the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities, the orgs criticize popular kids video games...
Switzerland’s CosmoBlue Media has acquired full ownership of London-based family entertainment company Macademia, which owns and operates kids SVODs Azoomee and Da Vinci. Macademia’s streamers are available in more than 250 million households across 100-plus countries. Azoomee targets kids ages five and up, while Da Vinci skews a little older to hit the six to 11 demo.
Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida and his team are laying out a “creation shift” to facilitate a multibillion-dollar push that will increase the studio’s level of content and animation production. The plan is to create more original IPs and realign focus from the distribution side of the business to improve Sony’s ROI, as per an interview that ran last week in the Financial Times.
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Financial Reporting
Games Workshop had record sales, profits in last fiscal year. Worldwide sales were up 12% to $688.7 million from $616.8 million in the previous fiscal year.
Gamestop sales crater in most recent quarter. Sales were down 31% from $1.164 billion in the same quarter a year ago to $798 million this year, even worse than the 29% drop in the company’s fiscal first quarter.
It’s ‘Back to Business at Basic Fun!’ according to Jay Foreman. This could be a record-breaking year for the company behind Care Bears, Tonka, and Littlest Pet Shop toys.
IDW posts another quarterly loss. Co-publisher, others, laid off. The company lost $901,000 in the quarter, a big improvement from the $1.9 million loss in the year ago quarter'
The UK TV sector generated US$4.7 million in total revenue last year, which is down by 8.3% from record-setting earnings in 2022, according to trade org Pact.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
TTPM Kicks off the Holiday Season with the 2024 Most Wanted List.
AUGUST 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS
AUGUST 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
Argos announces annual Top Toys List for Christmas 2024
*** The above posted after September 13th ***
Anime’s Growing Influence: How Netflix and Hulu Are Reaching a Key Audience. Anime accounts for nearly 12% of the demand for Hulu’s TV catalog
TOP 20 GRAPHIC NOVELS - AUGUST 2024
Winners of Big Christmas Wishlist Awards revealed.
The hottest toys to shop from Amazon's "Toys We Love" 2024 list.
Walmart reveals annual Top Toys List. The list features 66 toys from kids’ favorite brands.
State of the Industry: The story so far… U.S. toy industry holds steady amid changing tide.
Spotlight on Playground Crazes and Pocket Money Collectibles.
Games with nostalgic IPs are the hotness for 2024 gifts.
Gifts for miniatures enthusiasts. New options for the 2024 Holiday season.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
BIG CHANGES AT CMON; HASBRO MAY MOVE HQ; TOPPS GETS MARVEL CARDS. World According to Griepp – The Week in Business. There's been a big flow of business news over the past week, so I'm rounding up these three important stories in this latest column. Looks like there are big changes coming to CMON, according to notices posted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, where the company’s shares are traded.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated September 13th ***
John Baulch, Toy World. LA confidential … it’s the Friday Blog! The first wave of global toy community pioneers have hitched their wagons and headed west to LA this week – although I doubt they had ‘woken up by an earthquake’ on their bingo card for the week. I have been doing my best to follow what’s going on via various social media posts and articles that have heralded the start of…. Well I don’t really know what to call it.
Julia Fitzgerald - In today’s Midsize Match Up interview, I’m interviewing NBZ Partner co-founders Simone Oppenheimer Mandel and Rachel Segall because I never see one without the other. For my midsize marketer readers, they are incredible brand + agency matchmakers. Read on about this great resource! Julia: Simone & Rachel, you know I share insights about agencies that are great partners for Midsize firms...
Jay Foreman’s Blog: Back to LA and Back on Track. Well , we are about to start the second half of the Fall ‘25 LA preview season just emerging from our “gap week” between the Target and Walmart/Sam’s meetings and the two plus weeks for Amazon, the balance of mass retailers, international retailers and international distributors.
Among the treasures in The Strong Museum’s National Archives of Game Show History is the original flip-dot display used on Family Feud when it made its debut in 1976. So what’s the story behind the sign? It all starts with Mark Goodson and Bill Todman, the undisputed kings of TV game shows. Their success started in 1946 with programs including What’s My Line? and their influence continues on television today.
WiT Stories: A Vision for 2025. Angelina Castro explores the future of the toy industry for the year ahead. This year has been one full of change in our industry. With the absence of Toy Fair, the introduction of generative AI, and inflation still a looming consideration, the longing for something familiar and grounding is stronger than ever.
It’s a small world… and it keeps getting smaller. What’s shaping international business in 2024? For years, the toy industry has talked about the “international business.” This business is characterized by products introduced in one market and gradually launched across distinct markets, properties, and channels worldwide. Because these are toys and games, it could take several seasons to reach market saturation.
Russia squares up to Ukraine in battle for control of chess. Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine has now spilled over on to the world of chess. Following Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the International Chess Federation (Fide) voted to ban the Russian national team and officials from competitions. For a country with a history of dominance in chess, it was a bitter blow.
New study from Hornby Hobbies reveals hobbies boost wellbeing. New research commissioned by Hornby Hobbies has revealed that hobbies significantly boost well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, hobbies such as model building, gardening, painting and board games provide essential benefits including stress relief, skill development and social connections.
Batman Day arrives Saturday, September 21! Celebrate DC’s Dark Knight Detective with a can’t-miss lineup of movies and TV shows, fan activations, exclusive comic books, action figures, and more! Some Super Heroes are born. Others are made. Batman’s story of determination and grit has inspired generation after generation.
The 50th anniversary makes 2024 the year to gift 'Dungeons & Dragons'. 'D&D' products for retailers to consider stocking. Dungeons & Dragons has had a roller coaster ride over the last couple of years. Last year, right after a great 2022 holiday season for the game, social media posters made it seem like the D&D Apocalypse had come along with the whole botched OGL rollout incident.
Why children perceive time slower than adults. Children's perception of time is relatively understudied. Learning to see time through their eyes may be fundamental to a happier human experience. My household is absorbed in debate over when time goes the fastest or slowest. "Slowest in the car!" yells my son. "Never!" replies my daughter.
History and Nostalgia
Winnie the Pooh Game from Parker Brothers (1964). Published by Parker Brothers in 1964, the Winnie the Pooh Game was a child-friendly board game that saw Pooh and friends trek to the North Pole. Written by A. A. Milne and illustrated by E. H. Shepard, the character of Winnie the Pooh first appeared in London’s Evening News newspaper on Christmas Eve 1925.
Construct-All Plastic Construction Sets from Transogram (1966). Transogram’s Construct-All construction sets allowed children to build and rebuild realistic three-dimensional designs that mimicked their real-life counterparts. Released in 1966, the sets were a mix of plastic beams, gussets, bearings, connectors, axles, pulleys, and wheels.
Timeless Games, Timeless Fun. Some board games defy the passage of time. Hasbro’s Clue, Connect 4, and Candy Land Celebrate Major Anniversaries. From retail shelves to living rooms, some games will forever remain staples. This year, three perennial favorites are celebrating major anniversaries as Hasbro’s Clue and Candy Land turn 75 and Connect 4 turns 50.
Licensing and Entertainment
John Cena To Lead Live-Action Matchbox Movie From Extraction Director Sam Hargrave. After the success of Barbie last summer, the question has very much been when and not if we would be seeing more movies based on popular Mattel toylines. And sure enough, in the weeks following the fuchsian fable's release, films based on Barney, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and, er, the Magic 8 Ball amongst many others were all...
Doodles, a next-generation media company behind the new animated special, “Dullsville and the Doodleverse,” has announced a new collaboration with Spin Master to celebrate Rubik’s Cube’s 50th anniversary. The collaboration will see Doodles and Spin Master launch a fan experience, unveiling a digital collectible, digital comic and releasing a series of digital shorts all inspired by Rubik’s Cube.
Marvel Comics will release seasonal Marvel pets comics Petpool: Pool Party and Alligator Loki: Holiday Special this December. Both include the first print editions of comics originally published in digital format on Marvel Unlimited, plus new material. Petpool: Pool Party #1, written by Mackenzie Cadenhead with art by Enid Balam, collects Dogpool Team-Up Infinity Comic one-shots from last summer featuring...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated September 13th ***
Build-A-Bear kicks off NFL Season with Kansas City Chiefs partnership as Kidults score 40% of sales. Build-A-Bear Workshop inked a multi-year deal with the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. The deal expands on Build-A-Bear’s 20-year partnership with the NFL. Under the new deal, Build-A-Bear becomes the presenting partner of both the “KC Wolf” mascot and the Chiefs digital Fan Cam experience...
Mattel partners with Carolina Herrera for unique Barbie doll. Mattel is auctioning off the doll for Solving Kid’s Cancer. Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera was honored at the 37th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards at the John F. Kennedy Center yesterday, Sept. 5. To celebrate the honor, Mattel designed a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in her likeness.
Spin Master is poised to deliver more trendsetting products for the hit series, with the agreement extending across popular categories appealing to the young fanbase. Spin MasterOn the heels of the recent greenlight for Unicorn Academy season two on Netflix, extending the series into 2026, Spin Master has unveiled a new wave of licence agreements for the fantasy-adventure franchise.
Ravensburger announces next 'Disney Lorcana' set 'Azurite Sea': Features 'Chip'n'Dale: Rescue Rangers' characters; Card images included. Ravensburger announced Azurite Sea, the next Disney Lorcana set, which will hit stores November 15, 2024. Azurite Sea will feature characters from the popular Chip'n'Dale Rescue Rangers series as well as Big Hero 6.
BBC Studios lands global licensing deal with Ty for ‘Bluey’ Beanie Babies. BBC Studios has announced that it has signed a global licensing deal with plush toy manufacturer Ty to produce a line of Beanie Babies for “Bluey.” The landmark deal is BBC Studios’ biggest with Ty to date and will see sisters Bluey and Bingo, plus their parents, Bandit Chilli, transformed into collectable Beanie Baby plush toys.
Disney preps a YA take on The Phantom of the Opera. Based on the classic French novel and blockbuster stage play, a new movie treatment is in the works at Disney+ with Kenny Ortega attached to direct. This project marks Ortega’s return to the Disney fold after the conclusion of a five-year deal he signed with Netflix in 2019 that yielded teen series Julie and the Phantoms (2020).
Beetlejuice x POP MART Collectibles: Spooktacular new blind box collection. POP MART, the renowned global designer toy and entertainment brand, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Beetlejuice blind box collection following its global first look at San Diego Comic-Con earlier this summer.
Hachette launches Wednesday: Creatures and Outcasts. Hachette Boardgames UK has announced the upcoming release of Wednesday: Creatures and Outcasts, a captivating new card game from MKNY Entertainment inspired by the hit Netflix series Wednesday. With season 2 of Wednesday scheduled for 2025, Wednesday: Creatures and Outcasts is the perfect way for fans to bide their time before its release.
Magic Light Pictures and the BBC announce ‘Tabby McTat’. Magic Light Pictures has announced that this Christmas, the BBC will air the animated adventure, “Tabby McTat,” a story set on the streets of London about the warm and wonderful friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred. The film is adapted from the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
NHRA, Hot Wheels extend partnership. NHRA and Mattel have announced the renewal of their licensing agreement to develop collectible die-cast vehicles under the Hot Wheels brand. The partnership was brokered by JRL Group, NHRA’s licensing agency. The licensing partnership will continue to expand die-cast versions of classic hot rods, including a 1976 Chevy Chevette and a 1971 Ford Mustang Funny Car.
Monopoly ‘Wicked’ edition launches. With movie musical, “Wicked: Part 1,” headed to theaters Nov. 22, Hasbro has announced the launch of Monopoly “Wicked” Edition, a licensed twist on the classic game. The limited-edition board game immerses fans in the world of “Wicked,” from the Land of Oz to the Emerald City.
Stern Pinball releases Marvel The Uncanny X-Men pinball games. Stern Pinball has announced its new line of pinball games, The Uncanny X-Men. The game features Marvel characters, including Wolverine, Professor X and many more. Created in collaboration with Marvel Comics, players will step into the lives of their favorite X-Men. To save the world from a future ruled by Sentinels, they must first change the past.
Hallmark finally joins the streaming wars. Over the last decade or so, as entertainment giants such as Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery dramatically downsized their cable businesses in a bid for streaming success, the folks at Hallmark Media did exactly the opposite. Instead of making fewer original series and movies for their linear channels, they made more.
Jazwares and Universal defy gravity with ‘Wicked’ squishmallows. The squishmallows brand expands with Glinda and Elphaba. Lions and tigers and Squishmallows, oh my! Jazwares and Universal prepare for the upcoming release of Wicked by expanding Jazwares’ popular plush collection. Consumers can discover the untold story of the Witches of Oz with these Glinda and Elphaba squishmallows.
Smiggle, Hasbro release Peppa Pig, PJ masks Power Heroes ranges. Australian-based stationery and accessories retail chain, Smiggle, has released two product ranges inspired by Habro’s Peppa Pig and PJ Masks Power Heroes. The limited-edition Peppa Pig collection celebrates the show’s 20th anniversary and features backpacks, lunch boxes and other school-friendly accessories.
Ultimate Guard 'Squaroes: South Park' head to preorder. heo Group placed Squaroes: South Park, an Ultimate Guard brand collectible product, onto preorder with an expected release date of October 29, 2024. heo Group is goin' down to South Park for their next launch in the Squaroes line.
Skybound licenses 'Invincible' to Indie Boards & Cards for new card game. Skybound Tabletop has licensed Invincible to Indie Boards & Cards for a new card game, Skybound Entertainment announced. The new card game is expected to release in August 2024, pending a successful Kickstarter that launches on October 8, 2024.
Disney Consumer Products and Topps, a trading card and collectible manufacturer under Fanatics Collectibles, have expanded their established trading card collaboration. Topps can now develop and distribute Disney, Pixar, and Marvel collectible trading cards globally, in addition to the Star Wars trading cards the company has been making since 1977.
McDonald’s are all set to team up with Crocs to release a series of new Happy Meal toys, each of which features a keychain and a different Croc design that you can fasten on your backpack. This isn’t the first time McDonald’s has collaborated with iconic footwear brand Crocs. Back in November 2023, the fast food chain released four different designs, each adorned with a classic McDonald’s character...
Licensing.biz sat down with Nigel Cook to talk about how new content and innovative licensed toys are keeping iconic Disney characters fresh. DisneyNigel Cook, vice president Brand Commercialisation and Retail, Disney Consumer Products EMEA, spoke with Licensing.biz about Disney icons Mickey Mouse and Ariel, discussing the company’s work to keep these characters front of mind with today’s pre-schoolers...
MGA Entertainment pairs with Maurizio Distefano Advisory. Top Italian licensing agency welcomes MGA into a new representation agreement. Maurizio Distefano Advisory, an Italian agency, has a new representation agreement with MGA Entertainment to represent the company for their franchises in Italy.
‘Transformers One:’ Hasbro’s iconic franchise goes back to the beginning to fuel the future. Over the past 40 years, Hasbro’s Transformers brand has been a staple of toy departments worldwide, captivating and delighting new generations of kids through innovative toys backed by storytelling across every medium.
'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' opens with a bang; 'Alien: Earth,' 'Minecraft' teasers; 'Ice Cream Man' adaptation; 'Motu' casting; 'Creature Commandos' date. Showbiz Round-up. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opened with a bang, grossing $110 million at the domestic box office for the weekend, according to Variety.
'Lord of the Rings: Duel For Middle-Earth' heads to retail. Asmodee will release Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth, a new strategy duel game by Repos Production, into retail on October 4, 2024. In this game, players take up arms as the Fellowship of the Ring or as Sauron to fight for the fate of Middle-earth.
Cranio Creations unveils 'Golden Cup', a new fantasy sports game designed by Gabriele Bubola and Simone Luciani, which will release in October 2024 at Spiel Essen. In this game, fantasy creatures from all over the kingdom have entered the Golden Cup competition to become a champion at a new field sport.
'Monster Unleashed' creep into 'Marvel: Crisis Protocol'. Also, 'Tomb of Dracula' terrain piece. Atomic Mass Games will release Monsters Unleashed and Tomb of Dracula, two new miniatures packs for Marvel: Crisis Protocol, into retail on November 1, 2024. The Marvel classic monsters are on the prowl in Marvel: Crisis Protocol with these two new packs.
Ares Games reveals new edition of 'Mega Civilization' for preorder. Splits original game into 'Mega Empires: The West' and 'Mega Empires: The East'. Ares Games revealed a new edition of Mega Civilization, now called Mega Empires, for preorder. These games hit retail in December 2024.
The iconic LEGO duck is quacking into El Segundo this week for the LA Fall Toy previews. Santoki, the U.S. distributor of LEGO LED lights and stationery, introduces the LEGO Stationery Creativity Set. This new set is the first licensed LEGO activity set to combine building, coloring, display, and playing. And it celebrates the famed LEGO duck that first debuted as a wooden toy in 1935.
People of Play
Mattel announced the appointment of Mara Verzé as Head of UK Consumer Products. Mara joins Mattel EMEA from Authentic Brands Group where she was responsible for brands such as Nautica, Nine West, Aeropostale, Vince Camuto, Forever 21 and Izod within EMEA and India region, and served as relationship manager for licensing partners to maximise business performance and drive retail profitability.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated after September 13th ***
Talkin’ Toys: Hasbro’s Kim Boyd on ‘Women Innovators of Play’ Event, Commitment to Supporting Talent. Kim Boyd shares how Hasbro supports and highlights innovation in women and girls within the toy industry. Through consumer-focused development, branding, and research, Hasbro continues to create toys and products that fulfill the desires of several audiences, especially girls.
Letter to the Industry: TCG Toys celebrates 25 years. Michael Albert, Chief Executive Officer & President, TCG Toys, reflects on 25 years of play. To My Fellow Toy and Game Makers, How would you celebrate your 25th anniversary in toys? I say, get on the floor and play! In 1999, the first year of TCG Toys, pocket monsters (a.k.a. Pokémon) were all the rage, dot-coms were booming, and Y2K fears made headlines.
Mattel appoints Ken Wee as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. Mattel, Inc. announced that Ken Wee has joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. Wee reports to Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel. Wee oversees all aspects of strategic planning and corporate development for Mattel, including identifying opportunities to accelerate growth and profitability...
Zuru welcomes key marketing hires to drive global growth. Zuru Toys has announced the appointment of two leading marketing professionals to its dynamic and growing team. These strategic hires underscore Zuru’s commitment to innovation and digital excellence as it continues its drive into the Top Five supplier rankings across all key markets.
Moonbug Entertainment selects Stephanie Bailey as Head of Global Toys. Moonbug Entertainment, known for brands such as CoComelon, Morphle, and Blippi, recently welcomed Stephanie Bailey as its Head of Global Toys. Prior to joining Moonbug, Bailey served as the Head of Global Toys at Paramount.
WildBrain CPLGleadership has announced the appointment of a new senior leadership team (SLT) reporting to Maarten Weck, WildBrain’s EVP of Global Partnerships and Licensing. The news comes following a period of rapid growth for WildBrain CPLG, which saw the company expand into new territories, including Asia Pacific, the US and India, while also building...
Lego’s Christian Pau becomes Starlight trustee. Christian Pau, VP and general manager of the Lego Group for UK & Ireland, has joined Starlight’s board of trustees. Christian brings to the board experience in strategy, marketing and sales, and deep knowledge of the power of play in childhood to Starlight, the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices.
Rubies welcomes Mike McGillion as new Sales director. Rubies has announced the appointment of Mike McGillion as the company’s new Sales director. In his new role, Mike will spearhead sales initiatives aimed at driving growth and surpassing targets in the UK and Export markets. With a wealth of experience spanning nearly 25 years...
Companies and Brands
Spin Master’s Game Plan At 30 Is To Play Like A Startup. Toy company Spin Master went from startup to over $2 billion in sales in 30 years. Its success over the next 30 years could depend on its ability to replicate the magic of its startup years while playing in the big leagues as one of the world’s top toy companies. Spin Master was born in 1994 when three recent college grads began selling a novelty item - the Earth Buddy...
In celebration of World PLAY-DOH Day, Hasbro announced PLAY-DOH Kids Can, an all-new campaign that empowers kids to harness their imagination as a superpower. With the mission of providing limitless resources to make imagination accessible and fun for all, the PLAY-DOH brand encourages boundless, open-ended play to equip kids with the imaginative power to turn dreams into reality and mistakes into...
Golden Bear Toys has introduced its Soccer Bot, previously only available in the UK, the the U.S. market. Soccer Bot uses smart technology to provide athletic skill building and replayable fun for children, and is available now through Walmart and Amazon. Soccer Bot is designed for children six years and older, and is an independent trainer that allows kids to elevate their gameplay while not tearing up the home.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on September 13th ***
Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi sits down with Hasbro (HAS) CEO Chris Cocks at the Goldman Sachs Communicopia and Technology Conference to discuss the toy company's older customer base, its expansion into gaming, and the state of the industry ahead of the 2024 holiday shopping rush. "I think we're a toy company in the most general sense that we're in the industry of play, and we make...
Mattel (MAT) has big plans to integrate artificial intelligence into its business while expanding upon its available IP (intellectual property) library. At the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference, Mattel Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz sits down with Yahoo Finance executive editor Brian Sozzi to talk about how the toy and entertainment giant plans to utilize its portfolio of recognizable brands.
University Games Unveils The Ultimate Couples Quiz: The Game That Lets You See If Your Partner Really Pays Attention! Because in love, taking a gamble on each other can lead to the sweetest victories! “The Ultimate Couples Quiz blends lighthearted competition with meaningful connection,” says Ashley Lopez, Games Division Manager at University Games.
The Entertainer (the retail arm of Teal Group Holdings which is also the parent company of Early Learning Centre and Addo Play) has announced a renewed strategic focus on international expansion and a corresponding change of responsibilities amongst its top team. The Group, as a whole, is in a period of significant growth as all three brands benefit from the enlarged reach across the UK and Europe...
Asmodee USA and Professor Puzzle have inked an agreement for exclusive U.S. dist. rights to Professor Puzzle's games portfolio. The new distribution agreement includes distribution into hobby channels as well as some mass channels such as to Aldi, BJ’s Wholesale, Kroger, Party City, and Rite Aid. “Professor Puzzle is a brand that has consistently brought clever creativity and joy to the gaming community,” said Julien Sharp...
Back-to-school blues got you down? University Games has the perfect remedy — The Dog Ate My Homework! This new release takes the classic excuse and turns it into a fun game, letting players transform a mischievous dog’s mess into a masterpiece of family entertainment. Craig Hendrickson, SVP Product Development at University Games, jokes: “'The dog ate my homework’—the excuse that’s been hounding teachers...
Whether it's players or developers, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks feels like it's not if, but when, Dungeons & Dragons will embrace AI. “Inside of development, we’ve already been using AI. It’s mostly machine-learning-based AI or proprietary AI as opposed to a ChatGPT approach. We will deploy it significantly and liberally internally as both a knowledge worker aid and as a development aid.”
Mattel CEO eyes the crucial holiday shopping season amid flagging toy demand. Toy shoppers won't be too far removed from election fatigue come the start of the crucial holiday season. And how that impacts demand for everything from Lego building sets to Barbie dolls is a great unknown that has top industry execs taking a cautious approach to their fourth quarter outlooks.
WHSmith to open 37 more Toys R Us concessions. A healthy peak trading period and growth within its Travel sector mean the retailer will end its financial year in a strong position, allowing for further expansion including its Toys R Us concessions. Toys R UsPrior to entering its close period, ahead of reporting its preliminary results on 14th November 2024, travel and high-street retailer WHSmith has announced the delivery...
CarTuned combines custom car culture with the playful “Chibi” art style for an exciting new collectible experience. MGA Entertainment, a global leader in innovative toys, collectibles and content, is excited to announce the launch of CarTuned, a brand-new line of diecast collectibles that reimagines iconic vehicles with a fun and exaggerated twist.
Just Play unveils innovative HOLOBRITE Pixie toy featuring a hologram friend that visits the real world. Just Play, has launched the HOLOBRITE Pixie, a never-before-seen toy innovation that seamlessly merges play in the physical and digital worlds. Within the HOLOBRITE Pixie Lantern lives a pixie friend named Wren, who first appears as a hologram that children interact with on the high-quality, color screen.
New in town: ZipString zips from TikTok virality to toy stores. ZipString started in a college class and made it to Shark Tank and toy stores. The company’s newest offering is ZipString Luma, a model featuring a glow-in-the-dark, phosphorescent string that starts to glow when exposed to a black light.
Wizkids reveals new 'Dungeons & Dragons' board game: 'Builders of Baldur's Gate'. WizKids revealed Builders of Baldur's Gate, a new Dungeons & Dragons board game, that will hit retail in June 2025. Dungeons & Dragons: Builders of Baldur’s Gate is a new city-building game by designer Matthew Dunstan (see "2024 Nominees Unveiled").
PMI heralds next chapter with introduction of Booksy. Uniting the exciting world of toys with the imaginative world of books is the brand-new patented and trademarked Booksy collectible toy line from PMI Kids World. In an era where screens dominate, this collectible range offers children and families a unique way to foster a love for both play and reading.
Juratoys secures leading retail presence with Mamas and Papas. Juratoys has announced a new retail agreement for its wooden toy brand, Janod, with key nursery retailer Mamas and Papas. The new partnership will see a collection of 11 Janod products not only available online, but also stocked in 20 Mamas and Papas stores, as well as within the brands concessions in two flagship M&S stores and Next outlets across the UK.
'Crossbows And Catapults: Fortress War' heads to retail via Restoration Games. Restoration Games will release Crossbows and Catapults: Fortress War, a new edition of the classic board game, into retail on October 2, 2024. Crossbows & Catapults: Fortress War is a new, restored edition of the classic 1983 game, Crossbows and Catapults by Ray Frigard and Henri Sala.
Hunter Price International opens Far East office. Hunter Price International is continuing its expansion strategy by opening its first Far East HQ, in Ningbo , Zhejiang, China. The opening of the base in China marks a significant investment by the business and cements Hunter Price’s commitment to the customer-first approach it prides itself on.
Format Games and LadBaby introduce new board game. Sausage Roll is the brand-new board game from Format Games and LadBaby, where players take turns rolling the sausage roll down a runway to win points. LadBabyThe husband and wife duo, LadBaby, best known for their love of sausage rolls, chart topping Christmas charity singles, viral videos and best-selling children’s books, are all set for their latest hit …
Asmodee will release 'Flatiron': New city building game from Ludonova, into retail on September 13, 2024. In Flatiron, players assume the roles of developers in the early 20th century that are competing to construct the Flatiron Building.
Stapelstein introduces two new Elements sizes. The Stapelstein Grow and Mini will be available next week. German toy company Stapelstein recently expanded its product line. The company has added the Stapelstein Grow and Stapelstein Mini — based on the Stapelstein Original — for kids to stack, spin, walk on, sit on, or use in various creative scenarios.
Talkin’ Toys: Readyland — Your toys will play like never before!. Readyland’s new technology allows kids to play with their toys in new ways. For decades, toymakers have feverishly worked toward answering a question: “Can kids converse with their toys?” While the journey is ongoing and ever-evolving, the innovators at Readyland have developed new tech that turns the smart speakers and voice assistant...
Xootz celebrates 10th anniversary with landmark ‘Fun Unleashed’ TV campaign. Since its inception in 2014, Xootz has been dedicated to encouraging children aged 2-13 to get outdoors and embrace adventure, moving away from screen time towards more active, thrilling outdoor play. Launching in Q4 2024, the brand’s new milestone
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
10:10 Games, in collaboration with Funko, has made its debut in the licensing world with the Funko Fusion video game, released this September. At gamescom, LM had a talk with Arthur Parsons, Head of Publishing and Co-Founder at 10:10 Games, a UK video game developer, to learn more about their debut title. How did you conceive the concept behind Funko Fusion?
*** The above posted after tBR circulated September 13th ***
The entire staff of beloved game publisher Annapurna Interactive has reportedly resigned. The staff reportedly tried to spin out the company into an independent entity, but negotiations broke down. Annapurna Interactive, the game company famous for publishing indie hits like Stray, Outer Wilds, Gorogoa, Neon White, What Remains of Edith Finch, and many more, may not be the same company anymore.
In an era where digital entertainment increasingly shapes our experiences, Outfit7’s Talking Tom & Friends exemplifies how a brand can transcend traditional media boundaries. With its innovative approach to mobile gaming and content creation, OUTFIT7’s Talking Tom & Friends has emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its blend of engaging gameplay, dynamic characters, and immersive...
gamescom 2024 featured several significant licensing announcements that highlighted the collaboration between major gaming franchises and their respective developers. Here are some of the key licensing-related announcements from the event:. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The long-awaited Indiana Jones game received a confirmed release date during the Opening Night Live.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 opens to 2 million players. Saber Interactive's Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II has opened to two million players a day after its official release. The "incredible milestone" spans the game's release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Premium editions of the game offered four-day Early Access ahead of its standard launch.
The PlayStation 5 Pro has finally been unveiled. Sony has debuted the PlayStation 5 Pro. The new console will land on November 7, 2024 and retail for $699.99. The PS5 Pro will feature three key upgrades including a larger GPU for rendering that's up to 45 percent faster than the base model.
Grand Theft Audio? The tricky business of music and gaming. Grand Theft Auto makers Rockstar have battled hackers, tabloids and even US politicians, but they might not have expected fightback from an 80s pop star. That's what they got from Martyn Ware - the influential musician from synth pop band Heaven 17.
Embracer studio Lost Boys Interactive confirms another round of layoffs. Embracer-owned studio Lost Boys Interactive has laid off an unknown number of employees. Confirming the news on LinkedIn, the studio explained the redundancies will impact employees across several states. "Lost Boys Interactive has made the very difficult decision to reduce our overall headcount in accordance with local laws...
Maximum Entertainment lays off Merge Games staff, shutters Chelford studio in 'consolidation strategy'. Merge Games cut staff over the weekend, and closed down its single office based in Chelford, England. The studio is part of Maximum Entertainment, and in a statement to GamesIndustry, CEO Christina Seelye explained the cuts were part of its previously announced consolidation plans.
Resident Evil alums launch new developer Birdkin Studio. Former Capcom developers Hideaki and Saori Utsumi have started their own independent team, Birdkin Studio. The husband/wife duo are already at work on a project for the Nintendo Switch and Steam. In their reveal of the company, they said their mission statement is to "release games that make life fun!"
NFT game dev Midnight Society makes 'significant' layoffs after 'unexpected' challenges. Midnight Society, the studio behind NFT shooter Deadrop, laid off an unspecified number of staff last week. Word of the layoffs appeared on social media over the weekend, with senior environment artist Tyler Moore saying he was "one of many" affected.
Highlighted Press Releases
FUN IN MOTION TOYS ACHIEVES PRESTIGIOUS MESH ACCREDITATION FOR SHASHIBO. MESH Helps Announces Inaugural Group Of Accredited Products. Ft. Lauderdale, FL (September 17, 2024) – Fun In Motion Toys is proud to announce that its #1 best-selling Original Magnetic Puzzle Cube Shashibo has successfully achieved MESH Accreditation. This esteemed recognition is the result of thorough product evaluation and certification conducted by FUNdamentally Children, the independent, third-party accrediting body for MESH Helps. MESH stands for Mental Emotional Social Health.
CONQUER THE CARD PYRAMID WITH FRIENDS IN ULTIMATCH FROM FIRESIDE GAMES. Fireside Games Brings Some Cooperative Action To The Card Game Isle With Their New And Inventive Game Ultimatch. Austin, TX (September 6, 2024) – The flame of creativity continues to burn brighter! Fireside Games, makers of the highly acclaimed Castle Panic, has an exciting new title that turns competitive card games on their head. The eclectic game maker has everyone covered for fall 2024 with card matching game Ultimatch. In Ultimatch, set your competitive drive aside in lieu of a more cooperative spirit. Players prevail together or fail together!
Safety and Counterfeiting
EU closer to rules saving children's toys from toxic chemicals. New EU-wide rules protect children have been backed by the Parliament and must now go to inter-institutional negotiations. The European Parliament backed a proposal aiming to improve the safety of toys available on the EU market – with a particular focus on substances harmful and toxic for children and the growing risks posed by digital products.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
The Strong Toy Hall of Fame Finalists. Player’s Choice Ballot. Which toys do you think are most worthy of joining icons such as Barbie, LEGOs, and the cardboard box in the National Toy Hall of Fame? Vote now through September 25, 2024.
A New Barbie Exhibit Is Heading To NYC With A Life-Size Mirror-Pink Corvette. A nod to the doll's iconic history, the new Barbie exhibit at MAD should be on everyone's fall bucket list. Grab your pinkest outfit: a Barbie exhibit is on its way to NYC in a few short weeks, and we couldn’t be more delighted about its arrival.
Animaccord , the global entertainment powerhouse behind the beloved Masha and the Bear brand, has announced a series of strategic partnerships and successful live show launches that bolster its presence in the live entertainment sector worldwide. In Europe, Animaccord has secured new agreements and witnessed the successful debut of shows, underscoring its commitment to delivering high-quality family...
*** The above posted after September 13th ***
Uniting the toy industry for a greater cause. The Toy Foundation kicks off Its Holiday Toy Collection. One toy can make a world of difference for a child in need. Imagine a stuffed animal becoming a cherished confidant, an action figure transforming into a sidekick, or a coloring book unlocking imagination. For many kids facing hardship, these aren’t just toys — they’re a tangible reminder that someone cares.
Dr. Becky Kennedy will headline this year’s Women Innovators of Play virtual event, which offers a dynamic programme of speakers and topics and will include the launch of the Hasbro Women Innovators of Play Challenge. Women Innovators of PlayHasbro continues its commitment to investing in the next wave of female innovators with Hasbro’s Women Innovators of Play, an annual, free event...
Visitors invited to discover Specials by Spielwarenmesse. A new themed Special – Sports, Leisure, Outdoor – will be hosted in Hall 7A, offering a valuable source of inspiration for retailers’ own business development. Between 28th January and 1st February 2025, Spielwarenmesse will be bringing innovations and trends, together with market knowledge and new ideas, to Nuremberg.
On Wednesday 4th September, BTHA Council member and head of the BTHA Toy Safety Advisory Service, Jerry Burnie OBE, presented a Golden Teddy Award to Jane Smith in Milton Keynes. Jane has retired as a trading standards officer at Milton Keynes Trading Standards, but was presented with this special award in the company of her former colleagues at the Milton Keynes Council offices.
Barbie racks up four wins at the Licensing Awards 2024. Last night's ceremony in London also saw Bluey take home the program's biggest preschool prize, and Pokémon was honored with a "What Kids Love" award. More than 1,200 industry executives gathered at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel last night to celebrate the winners of the 38th annual Licensing Awards.
As families prepare for the holidays, a wave of toys is set to make an impact on how children play, while building skills of resilience and promoting mental health. MESH Helps, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening kids' resilience through play, announced the first-ever group of toys and games to receive the prestigious MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) Accreditation. Submissions span 39 companies...
It’s not a royal decree, but the Prince of Wales wants kids to get excited about improving the world. And he has enlisted BBC Studios Kids & Family’s long-running live-action magazine series Blue Peter to join the quest. The show’s team is working with Prince William’s four-year-old Earthshot Prize, which distributes US$1.3 million annually to innovators looking to activate and scale their ideas for protecting and...
September is a big month for the toy industry in Los Angeles, filled with opportunities for growing your business, networking with colleagues, and coming together as a community to bring the joy of play to children in need. At The Toy Association, we are excited to be a part of it! Whether you are reading this while packing your bags, you’re already in town previewing lines at The Toy Association’s new location...
GalaxyCon LLC is planning 18 geek culture conventions in 2025, a growing roster that now boasts the most North American shows of any geek culture convention organizer. The shows are under three different brands: seven of the core GalaxyCon events; six Animate! conventions, for fans of anime, video games, animation, and cosplay; and five Nightmare Weekend events, with horror, gaming, special events,...
Mediawan and ZAG’s joint-venture Miraculous Corp is going global with Miraculous Day, which launches on September 28. Dedicated to CG-animated series Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (the sixth season of which is due out for a Q4 delivery), this initiative launched in Brazil in 2019 and then expanded across the LatAm region.
Though we're still in the early days of Sept., Nickelodeon and Paramount are looking ahead to the 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade – set for Thurs, Nov 28th – in a very big way. Earlier today, we were treated to our first look at two new additions to the historic parade representing Spin Master Entert's PAW Patrol and Paramount+'s Dora. For PAW Patrol, we have the heroic fire-fighting Dalmatian pup Marshall...
California Dreamin’. The toy industry goes Hollywood for the LA Fall Toy Preview. Over the past decade, a movement has reshaped the U.S. toy industry. Rumbling throughout the greater Los Angeles area, a new fault line created a distinct break between what is and what once was. On one side, the traditions of the past loom large, with New York City standing tall as the spiritual home of the business despite...
Exhibition space for UK Toy Fair 2025 is now sold out. The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) has announced that all exhibition space for Toy Fair 2025 is now sold out, several months before the show takes place. Any companies still looking for space are encouraged to apply online and join the waiting list.
Autumn Fair 2024 hailed a success. Autumn Fair has once again solidified its position as a key order-writing trade event, drawing in a high-calibre of decision-makers and influential buyers. This season saw a 6% increase in buyers actively looking to source and buy new products, a 20% rise in the number of buyers with sole or joint purchasing responsibility and a 30% increase in brand-new buyers...
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
Kosin Virapornsawan, Managing Director of PlanToys, On September 12, 2024.
James Earl Jones died Sept. 9 at the age of 93 at his home in Dutchess County, New York, took on Shakespeare, the Greeks, Jean Genet and a hundred comedies, yet it’s the voiceover work that everyone’s talking about today. He is, after all, the man who said “This is CNN” and CNN was instantly and for decades classier, more distinguished for it. Today, or tomorrow, or any day, another hundred or thousand or million people will hear his voice once again, or maybe for the first time, as Mustafa in “The Lion King.”
There were, of course, a few other things for which Jones will be remembered....
John Cassaday, known for his work on Planetary, Astonishing X-Men, and I Am Legion, died on September 9 at the age of 52.
Cassaday was born on December 14, 1971, in Fort Worth, Texas. A self-taught artist, he went to film school and was a television news director in Texas for almost five years, then moved to New York in 1997 and took a construction job so he could spend his evenings working on his portfolio. He brought his portfolio to Comic-Con International in San Diego that year, and after that began getting calls from editors.
Peter Renaday, best known for his role in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series, has died aged 89.
He was the voice of Master Splinter in the original popular animated show broadcast in the 1980s and 1990s.... He voiced characters in Disney animated films in the 1970s and 1980s including The Aristocats, The Rescuers and the Black Cauldron.
His TV credits include Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo, Alvin & The Chipmunks, The Transformers, The Real Ghostbusters and Batman: The Animated Series.
Brian Trueman, the writer behind the cartoon series Danger Mouse, has died at the age of 92, his son has said.
Posting on Facebook, Jonathan Trueman said his Manchester-born father had died in hospital on Sunday evening after a short illness.
Trueman had an illustrious career in television and radio, presenting the BBC children's quiz show Screen Test as well as working at Granada TV.
But he was best known for his work with animation company Cosgrove Hall Films - particularly Danger Mouse, which started in 1981 and was voiced by Sir David Jason, as well as Count Duckula and Chorlton and the Wheelies.
He described him as "clever, funny, resilient, an absolute gentleman, loving and loved". "We will all miss him so much," he added.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly Issues
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Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Spin Master announces new consumer products agreements for Unicorn Academy
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Disguise and Innersloth announce new Among Us costume agreement
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- WizKids Reveals new 'Dungeons & Dragons' Board Game
- Ravensburger Announces Next 'Disney Lorcana' Set
- The 50th Anniversary Makes 2024 the Year to Gift 'Dungeons & Dragons'
- Paizo Reveals 'Pathfinder NPC Core' RPG Book
- 'Cosmere RPG' Is Most Funded Tabletop Game Kickstarter
- 'Magic: The Gathering' is on a Win-Streak; All is Well in the TCG Market?
- Wizards of the Coast Previews 'Magic: The Gathering - Welcome Decks'
- TCGplayer Top 25 Sealed Products Chart – August 2024
- GameStop Sales Crater in Most Recent Quarter
- Games Workshop Had Record Sales, Profits in Last Fiscal Year
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
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Pinkfong opens its first Baby Shark flagship store in Hong Kong
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LEGO inspires children to control their dreams with the new season of LEGO DREAMZzz
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GUND® by Spin Master announces a new line of Disney characters
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
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Hasbro’s Peppa Pig and PJ Masks Power Heroes Arrive at Smiggle
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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Warner Bros All-New Merchandise Launch
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BBC Studios Lands Global Licensing Deal with Ty for Bluey Beanie Babies
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New Emma Memma Song Exclusive to the Toniebox Released in Australia and New Zealand
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Haven Global Announced as Exclusive ANZ Agent for Overtime – A Slam-dunk for Aussie Fans!
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Impact Rock Merchandise Job Advertisement — Sales Account Manager
The Toy Universe (Australia)
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Unlock the World of Minecraft with Limited Edition USB Drives
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LEGO Australia Inspires the Space Generation to Look to the Stars
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Moose Toys Unveils Exciting Back-Half Line-Up: Tile Town, MrBeast Lab, Bluey and More
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Aussie toy companies join forces to make their mark in the US!
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Bluey to Release New “Bluey: Rug Island” Album on October 25
hobbyDB
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Rare $6.25 Million Liberty Head Nickel on Display at 2024 Great American Coin & Collectibles Show
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Topps 2024 Bowman Baseball Cards Featuring Ultra Rare Garbage Pail Kids
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Toy Hub Trivia: Alex Fuhrer
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Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
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Publisher: Mary Couzin, Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.
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