Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
Can you believe summer’s almost gone? Before LA Previews took over our calendars, late August used to mean squeezing in those last bits of summer fun. Now it’s all about gearing up for a busy season ahead! I can’t wait to see everyone in just a few weeks. In the meantime, here’s a handy list of LA events courtesy of the Toy Association.
On the list is our second annual Laugh Factory event! Get your tickets right now because there is only one show and it is Rubee Tuesday - a super popular night at the Laugh Factory! If you have questions, ask David Fuhrer, Bob Fuhrer or me.
Registration is Open for November's POP Week and WishList Weekend!
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Connect, pitch and learn at the Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference
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Encourage a creative kid to enter the Young Inventor Challenge
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Kick off the holidays and be a part of WishList Weekend - regoister to exhibit at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! Meet consumers, influencers, media and trade in one place!
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.
Mary and the POP Team
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Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to Robert Fuhrer for the cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: “For every winner, there doesn’t have to be a loser … In fact, most success stories are less about competition and more about collaboration.” - Michelle Yeoh
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 our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!
Tom Morey RIP
Trina Robbins RIP
Eugene Hendel RIP
Amassing more than half a billion views across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, thanks to the game’s hilarious (and seemingly easy) challenges, The #UpsideDownChallenge Game has continued to dominate the game aisle since its launch five years ago. Formula 1 teams, professional gymnasts and even Super Bowl LIX champions, the Philadelphia Eagles have used the iconic upside down goggles in their social content.
The game actually launched right as the pandemic was closing down the world. And while there was a lot of uncertainty as to whether Vango would even be able to continue selling the game, it instead wound up providing just the right setting to show exactly how the game works, providing a simple, and much needed laugh with close friends and family members of all ages. As Vango Founder and CEO Alex Tongue likes to say, when the world was flipped upside down, he just gave families the upside down goggles to enjoy the view!
While COVID significantly impacted our world - and our industry - the dramatic shifts in the way consumers behaved while dealing with the pandemic did manage to produce a few success stories.
Enter The #UpsideDownChallenge Game from Vango. The party game’s premise: players perform seemingly simple tasks, like write their name, connect dots or give a high five, but all while wearing a now iconic pair of goggles that literally flips your vision upside down. The game provided exactly what families needed during this time: entertainment, laughter and the opportunity to connect with each other.
Person of the Week - Cassidy Smith: Full Speed Ahead!
On Recent Change from Hape Toys to Speedy Monkey
Hi Cassidy! Great to catch up and love to share your latest news with our readers! How long were you at Hape Toys, and what is your favorite memory from your time there?
This year would have marked 22 years at Hape! It's hard to choose just one favorite memory. Building the brand with Maggie in the early days is something I’ll always treasure.
Spending time with Peter was also incredibly impactful—his passion is truly inspiring, and I’ve learned so much from him. I also deeply value the relationships I’ve built with our customers and sales reps. The journey we shared has led to many lifelong friendships.
This is an incredible industry, and I feel grateful to be in it!
Why the change with such a great career at Hape?
This is Leonard Brahin 18 years later! He is now an attorney and still talks about the Young Inventor Challenge today!
Name: Leonard Brahin
Location: Chicago, IL
YIC: 2007 Winner
Invention(s): Superhero Board Game
Where is your invention now?
Safely preserved in my childhood home!
Have you invented any other toys/games since the YIC?
I have designed and implemented murder mystery and trivia parties. I look back extremely fondly of my participation in the YIC and, to this day, I still share stories from the event.
Are you planning to work or study in a related field (STEM, design, entrepreneurship, toy/game industry, etc.)?
My sister took the STEM route instead of me! I work as an attorney for a commercial law firm helping others protect their businesses and ensure that the products and services they offer are the best they can be. READ More...
(Note from Mary: It is the 20th Anniversary of the Young Inventor Challenge! We have BIG plans and would love to include you - be a sponsor, a judge or a volunteer. We appreciate all the help we can get to support the next generation of toy people! Contact Ahren Hoffman ahren@peopleofplay.com today.)
Financial and Legal
Everest Toys Faces Uncertain Future. Sources say a restructuring may be in play, but the sudden shutdown underscores ongoing challenges for distributors navigating tariffs and shifting retail dynamics.
Boat Rocker Studios has acquired a majority stake in Industrial Brothers. Previously, Boat Rocker held a significant minority stake in Industrial Brothers, as well as having a first-look deal with the full-service animation studio, its co-production partner on Dino Ranch and its...
“Calvinball” Enshrined in Jurisprudence-Speak. If you ever wanted to appear smarter by referencing Supreme Court decisions in your conversations, you can now drop the word “Calvinball” and be fluent in American jurisprudence speak thanks to an dissenting opinion by...
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating August 22nd ***
South Korean Supreme Court dismisses US composer's 'Baby Shark' copyright claim. South Korea’s Supreme Court has rejected a 30 million won damage claim by an American composer who accused a South Korean kids content company of plagiarizing his version of “Baby Shark.”
Big Potato has secured investment worth £16.2m from private investment firm Mobeus to help fund the company’s future development. According to a report in The Times, two-thirds of Big Potato’s revenue comes from exp orts, with the US accounting for the...
PBS is slashing its budget in response to Trump’s attack on public media Now that Congress has passed a bill that will defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS is taking drastic measures to stay alive.
Diamond Debtors Estate in 'Administrative Insolvency Jeopardy' Diamond Comic Distributors is in danger of administrative insolvency, and its records are in disarray, according to statements in an August 5 court hearing in the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case...
Image Settles with Diamond on Consignment Inventory The hearing on the numerous motions and objections related to Diamond's plan to seize and sell consignment inventory in its warehouse began on Monday based on a plan created in a scheduling conference on August 5.
Federal Lawsuit Challenges Oregon’s EPR Law The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which established the state’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging.
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Financial Reporting, Tariffs
Lego Sales Hit Record as Toy Market Rebounds. The company launched 314 new toy sets in the first half, increasing its appeal to customers across generations and interests.
Lego's 2025 H1 revenue hit 346B DKK (~$54.3B), up 12% YoY, driven by brand collaborations with Formula One, Jurassic Park, and others. Strategic partnerships expanded market reach, diversified revenue streams, and maintained competitiveness amid a crowded toy industry.
A Wild Card for the Board Game Business: Trump’s Tariffs. Trade war uncertainty is forcing board and card game publishers in the United States to make tough decisions, putting the future of the industry in jeopardy.
Higher tariffs are kicking in. Here’s what Walmart and other retailers said about their impact. As some of the biggest names in retail, including Walmart and Home Depot, delivered earnings results in recent weeks, they updated Wall Street on how they and their shoppers...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated August 23rd ***
Sari Wiaz, owner of Baby Paper, which makes paper-like toys, said the tariffs on her products imported from China had been “devastating.” Her costs are up 25 percent, and the uncertainty is making it hard to plan for the future. Ms. Wiaz, 67, noted a stark contrast to the support that communities and the government had provided to small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that also...
Trump trade war with China is starting to look like a partnership As Washington and Beijing negotiate, US and Taiwan chip giants are paying the price via export tax, a potential state takeover and tariffs.
Labubu phenomenon drives Pop Mart’s record interim sales, earnings Revenue outside China and Taiwan jumped to US$778 million in the first six months, making up about 40 per cent of total sales.
Tariffs. Who Really Pays. The U.S. middle class is more than a household income bracket. The American middle class has always been the heartbeat of the U.S. economy.
Divided Fed worried about tariffs, inflation and the labor market, minutes show Fed officials worried at their July meeting about the state of the labor market and inflation, though most agreed it was too soon to cut rates, minutes showed.
WH Smith shares tumble 42% after accounting blunder The mistake was because of an issue in how it calculated the amount of supplier income it received essentially causing it to be logged too early.
New CMON profit warning says losses could reach $8m for first half of 2025 – almost three times its overall profit from the last ten years - CMON was already reeling from a more than $3m loss last year, with falling sales for its crowdfunding campaigns leading the company to its...
Cracker Barrel shares plummet after pushback on new logo, brand refresh Shares of Cracker Barrel plunged roughly 10% on Thursday after the restaurant unveiled its new logo earlier this week as part of a larger brand refresh.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Selfridges releases list of top trending Christmas toys.
Adults driving surge in toy sales as ‘kidult’ trend grows... still!
*** The above posted after August 22nd when tBR posted ***
We Saw 32 New Board Games at GenCon. We Can’t Wait to Play These Five.
Girls of the Year 2025 - Introducing TIME's Girls of the Year list, featuring young leaders inspiring communities around the world.
JULY 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
The Toy Association™ Unveils 2025 Back-to-School STEAM Toy Shopping List
Labubu Mania: From Bridal Boutiques to Blockchain David’s Bridal once helped you snag a gown; now it wants to outfit your inner gremlin. The 70-year-old retailer will make you a dress for your Labubu plushie.
Pop Mart's Labubus boost China's soft power as Beijing brands find global appeal Chinese coffee chains are popping up in New York. Chinese video games are generating billions. Even Chinese makeup, or "c-beauty," firms are expanding globally.
These two charts show Walmart and Target's front-loading strategy Hot toys such as Squishmallow building sets, Hasbro's Spider-Man action figures and Mattel's Barbie were included in container manifests.
From Imports to 'Make in India': How Funskool is riding India's toy policy wave Government policy has also reshaped the sourcing landscape, as no Chinese toy factory has secured BIS certification, China’s dominance has eroded sharply.
How is the Global Toys Market Evolving Discover how tech, STEAM toys, and kidfluencers are transforming the toys market, driving innovation and shaping future play.
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Stories, Comments, and Advice
Nerd! How the word popularized by Dr. Seuss went from geeky insult to mainstream. The leading theory about the origin of nerd is that it likely first appeared in print in the 1950 children's book If I Ran the Zoo written by Dr. Seuss, the pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel.
How Jay Horowitz Ended up with Ideal. Back in the late 1980's, American Plastic Equipment and its founder/owner, Jay Horowitz purchased much of the tooling and intellectual property of CBS Toys, which owned Ideal Toys at the time.
When Sports Games Feel Like Casinos, Players Rarely Win. Popular franchises like NBA 2K, FC and Madden entice players to keep spending. Critics say it’s ruining the games.
The rise and rise of fantasy football – and why its creator refuses to play. The game has mutated into something more complicated, bigger and far stranger than its creator could ever have imagined when he created it over 30 years ago.
*** The above posted after Augut 22nd when tBR circulated ***
John Baulch, Toy World - Good business sense … it’s the Friday Blog! It has been fascinating to see the response from national media outlets to the news that the Grant family is effectively transferring ownership of The Entertainer to the staff in the form of an Employee Ownership Trust. Some newspapers have pretty much conferred Sainthood on Gary: an article in The Daily Mirror suggested that posters...
Blockbuster, board games and boredom: why everyone’s parenting like it’s 1999. Nostalgic millennial parents are increasingly keen to replicate their own childhoods. But were the 90s as blissful as we remember?
When toy companies and retailers work hand-in-hand, the result can be more than just a successful product launch—it can be a revenue-driving, brand-building phenomenon. Few examples illustrate this better than Hot Wheels, which has mastered the art of...
Chris Byrne - The Disruption Report: Chicken Little is Loose It’s a predictable as the sunrise. Whenever a new technology enters the toy industry, you can count on a cadre of adults bemoaning its corrosive influence on children and childhood.
How to Turn Your Toy Business Milestone into a Marketing Opportunity Milestones are more than markers, they’re memory engines. Whether you’ve hit your 10th store anniversary, sold your 5,000th plush dragon, or released a new line of STEM kits, that moment is power waiting to be activated.
History and Nostalgia
Video Game History Foundation Acquires Seminal Gaming Publication Founded by sisters Marylou Badeaux and Celeste Dolan, the monthly magazine ran from 1982 to 1990. It originally launched as The Video Game Update, a single-page black-and-white newsletter supporting their Los Angeles-based mail-order business, Video Take-Out.
Vintage Toy Restoration – Gatchaman G-1 Aircraft from Grip Science Ninja Team Gatchaman was a Japanese anime series that debuted in 1972. In 1978, the series was reimagined for American audiences as Battle of the Planets.
Pull-A-Long Lacing Shoe from Fisher-Price Released by Fisher-Price in 1970, the Pull-A-Long Lacing Shoe was an educational toy designed to help preschoolers learn how to tie a shoe and recognize basic shapes.
Tiltin’ Milton from Ideal Released by Ideal in 1968, Tiltin’ Milton was a balancing game for two or more players that challenged them to outwit gravity. At the center of the action was Milton, a dozing figure nestled in a hammock.
Licensing and Entertainment
Mattel and Playmobil have announced the next chapter in their global licensing partnership: Barbie is joining the Playmobil universe. The announcement marks the next milestone in the collaboration between the two companies, following the reveal of a Monster High product line earlier this year...
MGA Entertainment (MGA) has announced the launch of an all-new line of L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Minions Tots. Emphasising the brand’s commitment to expanding its collection of licensed partnerships embedded in pop culture, this collection – made in collaboration...
Nex, maker of Nex Playground, the active play system that gets families moving year-round, in collaboration with Zumba®, the global dance-fitness phenomenon, today launched Zumba Fitness Party–a first-of-its-kind family-friendly fitness experience...
Amazon’s Fallout season two heads to New Vegas Lucy (Ella Purnell), the Ghoul (Walton Goggins), and Maximus (Aaron Moten) return as a trio of Wasteland Wanderers whose adventures will bring them to the post-apocalyptic playground of New Vegas.
Riverdale gets reboot from Spider-Verse team as Archie comics struggle According to The Wrap, Phil Lord and Chris Miller will produce a new movie based on Archie Comics, written by none other DC Comics stalwart Tom King.
Asmodee unveils Dobble: Quest For The One Ring Perfect for fans of all things Middle-earth, the all new Dobble: Quest For The One Ring is a "precious" new addition to Asmodee's licensed Dobble line-up.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products Previews Brand Licensing Europe Plans Following the success of this year’s Superman, the company is looking to bring more projects to DC Studios. Upcoming releases from DC Studios include Supergirl, Clayface, and the live-action TV series Lanterns, all set to arrive next year.
Kartoon Studios Expands Stan Lee’s Legacy with High-Value Partnerships To unlock shareholder value through IP monetization, Kartoon Studios will continue leveraging the Stan Lee IP’s existing Marvel film and Walt Disney Company theme park licenses alongside its new series of partnerships.
The Colorverse Adventures Continue with ‘Crayola Crew’ Season 2 In Season 2 of Crayola Crew, kids will watch Bria and Rafa return to their world in Colorverse, now bursting with new vibrant characters and storylines.
DEALS: Looney Tunes shorts find a new home on Tubi After Warner Bros. Discovery removed hundreds of classic Looney Tunes episodes from HBO Max in March, Tubi has picked up a package of more than 700 for its streaming library in the US.
YouTube and Screen Australia serve up funding for The Vegetable Plot This musical animated series will get a piece of US$311,000 from this year's Skip Ahead program.
Surge Brands Expands Mister Softee with Licensing Partners Surge Brands has unveiled the first slate of U.S. licensing partners for Mister Softee, signaling the start of a broad lifestyle program designed to bring the iconic ice cream truck brand into new consumer categories.
McDonald’s to Add TinyTAN Treats to Happy Meals This Fall McDonald’s and BTS are at it again. After the success of their previous partnerships, the K-pop group is starring in a new batch of Happy Meal toys, experiences, and activations.
KPop Demon Hunters breaks into Nielsen’s streaming top 10 This summer's breakout animated hit helped drive a bump for Netflix in July’s The Gauge report—in a month that saw higher streaming viewership than ever.
Spin Master Greenlights Animated Film Directed by David Soren This is the first original film by Spin Master’s entertainment studio, signifying a major milestone for the company behind some of the world’s most popular kids’ television series.
Masterpiece Shin Godzilla gets a black-and-white U.S. re-release Fresh off a triumphant return to theaters in 4K, one of the best Godzilla movies of the century is circling back for another attack. Shin Godzilla will play in select cinemas once again on Aug. 31.
Kartoon Studios invests in a series that teaches kids about Bitcoin Bitcoin Brigade: Adventures in Satoshi City (pictured) is a 2D-animated adventure concept that focuses on a group of super-powered kids who hunt for treasure.
It’s official: The Duffer brothers are leaving Netflix for Paramount They’ll be under Paramount’s umbrella starting in April, when their current deal with Netflix is set to expire—but the Duffer brothers plan to remain involved in some ongoing projects for the streamer, such as Stranger Things: Tales of ’85.
Paris Hilton’s Animated Kids’ Series ‘Paris & Pups’ Gets YouTube Premiere Date; Trailer Inspired by Hilton and her real-life pets, Paris & Pups is produced by HappyNest Entertainment and 9 Story Media Group, in partnership with Paris Hilton’s next-gen media company 11:11 Media.
Streaming Keeps Surging In July, With YouTube, Netflix And Roku Channel Hitting New Nielsen Highs Streaming continued to break records in July, accounting for 47.3% of all viewing, according to Nielsen, as Netflix, YouTube and Roku hit new highs.
WildBrain CPLG Expands Global Licensing for Fuzzballs WildBrain CPLG has announced a new global representation agreement with Kyandii Ltd to lead the licensing program for Fuzzballs, the fan-favorite pop culture brand created by Marc Sach.
The Oldest Sci-Fi Show Isn’t In As Much Trouble As You Thought BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips reassured fans that, “With or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC … The TARDIS is going nowhere.”
Toho International and The Op Games Bring the King of the Monsters to the Board with CLUE®: Godzilla A Monstrous Twist on the Classic Mystery Game That Will Have Fans Racing to Solve the Case! Get ready for an earth-shaking monster mystery game when CLUE®: Godzilla hits retailers on September 24, 2025, from Toho International in partnership with The Op Games.
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People of Play
Target said CEO Brian Cornell, who has led the company for 11 years, would step down on Feb. 1. The board of directors chose Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke, a 20-year Target veteran, to succeed him.
The Toy Association™ Welcomes Lindsey Hueer, Esq. to Manage State Government Affairs In her role, Hueer will serve under the TA’s Government Affairs Center of Excellence and will be responsible for monitoring legislative activity, tracking and analyzing regulatory ...
Thomas Randrup joins Staedtler UK as new MD Thomas will lead Staedtler UK's operations, driving forward the company’s commercial strategy, market positioning and customer engagement.
Mark Rober blasts off with Netflix The STEM-focused viral creator will partner with the streamer to make a kid-friendly competition series.
PEOPLE: Dana Tafoya-Cameron to head up Bento Box Previously serving as head of production, Tafoya-Cameron will now oversee the studio’s creative strategy and a growing project slate that includes teen animated series Bob’s Burgers, Hazbin Hotel and Duncanville.
ICV2 INTERVIEW: TYCOON GAMES CEO DAN YARRINGTON. On Acquisitions and the Strategy for Making Them More Successful.
From Turtles to Titans: Howard Chang Launches Biblical Collectibles Line on Kickstarter Renowned for his work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys in the ’80s and ’90s, Chang is back in the game with a new series of sci-fi collectibles inspired by timeless tales from the Bible.
Companies and Brands
Stern Pinball have released a teaser video for their new pinball machine, Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, which will feature all-new SPIKE 3 technology when it launches next month, September 2025.
Pop Mart Rolling Out Mini Labubus and a Long-Fur Version of the Popular Plush Toy. Pop Mart’s plush toys revenue jumped more than 1,200% in 2024.
When University Games sponsored a contest to publish an original board game idea, a talented artist from Otis College of Art and Design scurried to gather they're fun dog themed concept to meet the deadline. National Game Design Contest winner, Samantha Back, said "I would...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated August 22nd ***
Revell’s former “easy-click” assortment of plastic model kits will re-launch this month as Click System, with a refresh of the line-up welcoming new additions and offering an improved end-user experience. The main ethos remains unchanged.
What began as a simple “Hey You, Be You” digital moment has blossomed into a global movement of pink-powered positivity, as Pembe the Pink Cat – the pastel feline spreading affirmations and emotional uplift across the internet – evolves from viral sensation to fast-growing international brand.
Airfix releases new schemes for Heinkel He111 H-6 Ranked at a skill level three, the 1:72 scale Heinkel He111 H-6 kit consists of 180 parts, measuring in at 312mm in wingspan and 226mm in length. The twin engine Heinkel He111 H-6 from Hornby Airfix is now in stock.
Wilton Bradley launches new Toyrific website The refreshed online platform offers customers a seamless shopping experience and showcases Wilton Bradley’s diverse portfolio, including Toyrific, Mi-Mic, Yello, Xootz and Osprey.
WeCool Toys unveils new display at Toys R Us Abu Dhabi The new retail display showcases WeCool’s most popular lines, with vibrant signage, illuminated branding elements and a dedicated attendant positioned within the setup.
Brainstorm launches four new interactive Science Kits Available now, the new science activity kits will be backed with PR and influencer campaigns throughout Q4 to drive traffic to retailers.
Simba Smoby debuts premium Majorette Collection Series The new Majorette range of 1:64 diecast vehicles combines iconic automotive design with high-end detailing, standout packaging and display features.
Pop Mart's Global Expansion: From Toys to Empires In a strategic move to broaden its global reach, Pop Mart is exploring expansion into emerging markets including the Middle East, Central Europe, and Central and South America.
Claire’s Sells ‘Significant Number’ of Stores to PE Outfit Under this agreement, Claire’s says it has halted liquidation at a “significant number” of its stores, though that process will continue at other locations in North America.
Mattel Reveals Fisher-Price Little People Collector Backstreet Boys Set To celebrate 25 years of the Millennium album, the Fisher-Price Little People Collector Backstreet Boys includes figures of AJ, Brian, Howie, Kevin, and Nick.
Walmart Realm adds new digital storefronts to woo Gen Z, Gen Alpha The retailer is starting with a K-pop era theme, followed by Lo-Fi Playing, Rodeo Dreams, Nature Breaks, and Group Woosah.
Chuck E. Cheese Unveils Clawcade-Powered Chuck’s Arcade at Brea Mall Claw machines take center stage at the 3,600-square-foot arcade, with nearly half the floor dedicated to these skill-based prize machines.
@Hasbro Reveals #MarvelLegends Maximum Series #Deadpool Figure! The next epic figure in the Marvel Legends Maximum Series line is here - with an impressive 24 accessories, including an alternate head, several variations of alternate hands, knife, 2 swords, blaster, and blast...
The LEGO Group Announces the Launch of the LEGO® Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Classic Movie Set This intricate model brings the candy-filled wonderland from the iconic 1971 film to life, designed as both a stunning display piece and an interactive build...
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
All the news from Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 While it didn’t feature much of Silksong outside of a brief tease, the main event for Gamescom, Opening Night Live, did have plenty to show off during its two hour runtime.
Sony is raising PS5 prices In a blog post announcing the change, Sony cited the “challenging economic environment,” which includes the tariffs President Trump has placed on imported products.
It’s official: Hollow Knight Silksong drops in two weeks The long-awaited follow-up to Hollow Knight has been the subject of discussion, controversy, and disappointment for years, plagued by delays and missed deadlines.
Microsoft hints at “more affordable” Xbox Cloud Gaming plan Two years ago we learned, thanks to the FTC, that Microsoft was working on a separate “dedicated” version of Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Christian Whitehead shows off Sonic Mania 2 prototype images Many were hoping for a follow up to the excellent Sonic Mania but it never came to be and the team went on to release Penny’s Big Breakaway, which sadly failed to set the world alight.
Former Ubisoft employee says company scrapped a Rayman project in 2021 The game had several titles such as Rayman Forever and The Story of Rayman. Sadly, Ubisoft decided to abandon the project in 2021.
Nintendo set to have the largest booth at PAX West this year It is not long until PAX West as the event is due to kick off on Friday, 29th August and it is sure to be jam packed with exhibitors.
Kirby Air Riders coming 20th November Masahiro Sakurai announced during the content-packed Kirby Air Riders-themed Nintendo Direct that fans will be able to get their hands on Kirby Air Riders on 20th November.
Tales of Xillia Remastered confirmed for October You can get your hands on the epic adventure on 31st October. Check out some of the new quality of life adjustments which accompany the remaster in the trailer.
Bubsy 4D announced for Switch and Switch 2 Developed by Fabraz and published by Atari, the successor to one of the most infamous video games of the 90s (Bubsy 3D) will launch for both Switch and Switch 2 “soon,” though an exact release date has not yet been shared.
Pac-Man announced as DLC for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds The iconic Bandai Namco-owned character and an inspired track will be released in “early 2026” as part of the Season Pass DLC included with the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game, as well as available for purchase separately.
The next LEGO game is Batman coming to Nintendo Switch 2 If you’ve been wondering what’s next for the LEGO team and TT Games, then wonder no more. The game is titled LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and it’s coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Indiana Jones will come to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 The game is currently available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The Nintendo Switch 2 will also receive the DLC, which is titled The Order of Giants.
Cult of the Lamb “Woolhaven” DLC expansion coming 2026 The massive content expansion, which will be accessible near completion of the base game, is being released “early 2026” for Nintendo Switch.
Mattel Partners with Gambit Gaming for Masters of the Universe Digital Card Game Launching later this year, Battle for Eternia is a strategic collectible card game that brings the action-packed battles of the franchise into a new arena.
The game studio building a new BioShock just had mass layoffs Take-Two is laying off more than 80 people at Cloud Chamber, which has been working on a new BioShock title, and the game has been delayed from a planned launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
Microsoft says new Xbox will have 'AI-powered features' The company is working with AMD to design dedicated silicon and hardware and investing in technologies like neural rendering to bring "a new level of quality" to games.
Joker to be playable for 24 hours in the Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Open Network Test The Sonic Racing CrossWorlds open network test is available on all platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, so it will be the perfect chance to test drive the new racing game.
Mattel and Limited Run Games Unleash Retro-Inspired Video Game The action-packed 2D game, developed with game development studio Bitmap Bureau, debuts in 2026, with both physical preorders and digital editions arriving early next year.
The Smurfs Star in SKIDOS’ Latest Learning Mobile Game Perfect for kids ages 3 and up, Smurfs Playhouse allows little learners to explore, imagine, and create their own stories alongside the classic characters.
‘Raid: Shadow Legends’ Launches In-Game Crossover With ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ During the crossover event, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” characters Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael will be available in-game as Legendary Champions, along with their ally April O’Neil and nemesis Shredder.
Highlighted Press Releases
($100/week/press release in this highlighted section and on newsletter sent Friday)
DISNEY MINNIE MOUSE MAGNETIC TRAVEL SET & STITCH CUBES BRING CREATIVE FUN ON THE GO
Available now at Walmart, in-store and online, for imaginative play anytime, anywhere. Marshfield, MA (August 27, 2025) – Summer is here, and the forecast predicts sunny days and family trips to make the most of the season. Destinations can be a blast, but getting there is sometimes a slog, especially for kids. Whether by car, plane or train, long travel times equal restless minds and limbs, craving something fun to do. But what if you could take your favorite toys with you; a toy with endless play value that stimulates your imagination? Tytan Toys is here with an answer...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated August 20th ***
MASTER TOYS CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL SUMMER SHOWS AND NEW STRATEGIC HIRE
Vernon, CA (August 19, 2025) – While celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Master Toys is riding a high after the summer trade shows, capping off with being a top vendor at the Atlanta Market in the Diverse Marketing showroom. Read this as a PDF MASTER TOYS CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL SUMMER SHOWS AND NEW STRATEGIC HIREHeading into the fall and holiday season, Master Toys is happy to announce that Joy Villavicencio is joining the business as Sales Director. Since she had been a Key Account Manager at Diverse Marketing...
WHAT’S BETTER THAN A DIY POP-UP BOOK? ENGINEERING A POP-IN BOOK WITH EYECONNECT CRAFTS
Craft, Create & Animate?! The DIY Books put the A in STEAM Harrisburg, PA (August 18, 2025) — When kids immerse themselves in books, they are transported to all kinds of possibilities. Imagine if they had to make the book! EyeConnect Crafts offers them the chance to be an artist, an illustrator, an author or even a cartoonist when they engage with these new and unique book making kits! Youngsters discover all the elements of STEAM by making 3D Tunnel Books. Deluxe ($39.97) 3D Tunnel Book art and craft kits boast themes of Space, Ocean and Pond.
Safety and Counterfeiting
The CPSC Issues Safety Warning About Fake Labubu Plush Dolls Fake Labubu dolls, commonly known as Lafufu, pose a serious risk of choking as small plush and keychain figures can easily block airways.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Hasbro and Amazon are coming together to bring a new Beyblade Tournament event to Atlanta next week. The Beyblade X Secret Showdown tournament event will be taking place at the Atlantic Station on Saturday, September 6. According to the event details, the top two qualifying Bladers will earn a trip to California on September 17 for a live-streamed finale.
Gamescom 2025, one of the world's largest trade fairs for computer and video games beginning on Wednesday, attracted a record of 1,500 exhibitors. It highlighted both the industry's global reach and the growing footprint of Chinese developers.
*** The above posted after August 22nd when tBR circulated ***
Top 3 Reasons to Exhibit at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair Unlike any other toy industry event, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) brings kids, parents, inventors, and the media together during peak holiday season excitement to discover the toys and games that belong on every wishlist.
You’re Invited: Celebrate the Grand Opening of The Toy Building in LA! Attend the official Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of The Toy Building, taking place at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 8 at 101 Continental Boulevard in El Segundo.
Final Call for Speakers: Toy Fair® University Applications Due August 22 Industry thought leaders have until this Friday, August 22 to submit presentation applications for Toy Fair® University, taking place throughout Toy Fair from February 14 to 17, 2026 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Don’t Miss Toy Association’s Member Forum During LA Fall Preview® The Toy Association™ will host a Member Forum at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9 at the Toy Building (101 Continental Boulevard) during the LA Fall Preview®.
The Moomins’ 80th birthday draws fans across Europe for special event Fans flocked to Tampere in southern Finland to celebrate the country’s most lovable literary cartoon family, created by author Tove Jansson.
'It is not our aim to grow, grow, grow:' Gamescom touts record exhibitors but organizers says quality is better than quantity 'We don't want the atmosphere to be worse because we squeeze in too many people.'
The Big Christmas Press Show 2025 spotlights UK toy brands The UK’s leading toy brands will come together on 10th September 2025 at the Business Design Centre in London for The Big Christmas Press Show.
Licensing International and IAAPA Unite the Licensing and Attractions Industries Through this partnership, both entities will aim to enhance members’ experiences by offering new educational opportunities, cross-promoting key events and content, and highlighting leaders’ contributions in both the licensing and attractions industries.
Agenda Announced for Licensing Summit During Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview® The summit will provide the toy community with timely insights on consumer trends, brand strategies, and retail growth.
Pokémon World Championships Deliver Battles and Big Reveals As new World Champions rose in Anaheim, fans got major news across Pokémon titles, plus a glimpse at the future of competition.
Kids India 2025 offers meeting place for global toy industry Taking place in Mumbai, Kids India is part of the world’s largest event network for the toy industry, which also includes Spiel in Essen and the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg.
Etopia announces date change for Amazon Play to Win event Etopia's half-day strategy event will now take place on Thursday 18th September, with the full agenda officially revealed.
Oh Biscuits! Barnes & Noble Invites Families to Build a LEGO Bluey Duck Cake This weekend, Barnes & Noble is hosting an exclusive, free in-store event, where little builders ages 4 and up can build their own LEGO Bluey Duck Cake, for real life.
Design News: Pop Toy Show 2025, Xiaomi’s washer-dryer, Starbucks’ second Mofusand collection Chinese collectibles-maker Pop Mart’s Pop Toy Show Singapore 2025 is back for its third edition from Aug 22 to 24.
Barbie: The Dream Experience to open in Amsterdam The immersive Barbie experience will journey through the history of the world’s most iconic doll, featuring life-size playsets, an exclusive merchandising store and a themed café.
Millimages Celebrates 10 Years of Molang at Brand Licensing Europe The studio’s booth at BLE will emphasize the retail segment, showcasing a range of licensed products that have helped the brand connect with audiences worldwide.
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
(from Robert Pasin) My dad, Mario, passed away peacefully this week at the age of 95. My mom, his wife of 66 years, was by his side. My dad was the CEO of Radio Flyer from the 1960’s into the 1990’s. He took over leadership of the company from his dad, Antonio, who founded Radio Flyer in 1917.
Terence Stamp, the English actor who played the arch-villain General Zod in the original Superman films, has died at the age of 87.
Dennis Schiefer, a producer on the Destroy All Humans! remakes, and worked at Black Forest for seven years.
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Entertainment XTracks Sets Stage for Licensing Summit at LA Fall Previews (The Toy Book)
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Mattel and Limited Run Games Unleash Retro-Inspired Video Game (The Toy Book)
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Playmobil, Mattel Partnership Reveals Barbie Toy Line for 2026 (The Toy Book)
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Surge Brands Expands Mister Softee with Licensing Partners (The Toy Book)
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The CPSC Issues Safety Warning About Fake Labubu Plush Dolls (The Toy Book)
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LEGO Study Finds Gender Bias Starts Early for Canadian Kids (The Toy Book)
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