Companies, Brands . . .  

Japan toy company unveils AI doll to keep older people company. Takara Tomy has designed a doll with artificial intelligence to help tackle loneliness among older people isolated by the coronavirus pandemic. . .  inspiration for the doll came during the pandemic amid an increased demand for interactive products specifically designed for older people.

Dog toy maker SnugArooz introduces a new pet toy collection, adding 3 new shapes to its line: Ally the Alpaca, Tye the Unicorn, and Willow the Hedgehog. Sporting a cotton candy tie-dye design, each toy is made from durable plush and includes an internal squeaker and crinkle inside. Products are made from recycled water bottles. “The colorful tie-dye line is following fashion trends,” said SnugArooz VP of sales Adam Katz. 

Disney orders Pupstruction & 3 TV movies   The House of Mouse has locked in Travis Braun for an extended overall deal, picking up his show in the process, and is prepping From the Desk of Zoe Washington and two Mickey Mouse films. Set to premiere on Disney Junior and Disney+ in 2023, animated adventure Pupstruction is about an all-dog construction company created and executive produced by Braun.

PlayMonster and 9 Story Brands recently released a special edition Colorforms 70th Anniversary Set — now available on Amazon — to celebrate 70 years of the brand. The set includes 500 colorful repositionable and interchangeable geometric stick-ons to promote mess-free and screen-free play. Colorforms first launched in the 1950s by art students Harry and Patricia Kislevitz, after they bought rolls of flexible vinyl...

PAW Patrol Joins Forces with Waze.  In celebration of the upcoming PAW Patrol: The Movie release in theaters on August 20, Spin Master is teaming up with the GPS navigation app Waze.  Once the experience on Waze is activated, parents and their young passengers will be guided by Ryder, Marshall, Skye, and Chase whose voices will navigate their drive and alert them to anything happening nearby or on their route.

LEGO launches new online safety tools  LEGO’s Build & Talk series is designed to help parents and caregivers have meaningful conversations with children ages seven to 11 about difficult topics like cyberbullying and scams. The most recent activity pack focuses on privacy and safe sharing. As grown-ups read the story that’s included in the kit out loud, kids are encouraged to build along with their LEGO bricks.

Mattel introduces first female Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Tour driver as US event returns  Mattel is marking its return to the live event sector with a series of firsts for its Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour, including its first female driver and its first ever collaboration with the Big Foot brand, as the tour prepares to roll out across ten US locations this autumn. Kicking off this September 

LEGO Education introduces ‘complete learning system’ to encourage kids into STEAM  LEGO Education has detailed the launch of a new collection under its LEGO Education SPIKE banner, developed to encourage primary school children into STEAM learning, while supporting literacy, maths, and social-emotional development. Called LEGO Education SPIKE Essential, the new launch joins the already established LEGO Education…

Konami reports huge Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG success as new products continue to launch  Players are gravitating to Konami’s innovative Remote Duel programme, while the cards continue to sell out ahead of a product-packed second half of the year. Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG has had a remarkable summer, according to the company.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME WITH FUNKO GAMES’ THE ROCKETEER: FATE OF THE FUTURE.  Two players face off in The Rocketeer: Fate of the Future, a new board game from Funko Games. In the game, players each have to pick a side: The mysterious Rocketeer trying to stop a sinister plot or Neville Sinclair, who’s trying to fuel a dark future of warfare. Each player’s goal is to fulfill their own agenda while evading the other...

Disney bolsters its adaptive roleplay and wheelchair cover sets with Star Wars and Marvel lines  Disney has added a new line up of adaptive roleplay kids’ costumes and wheelchair cover set to a range it launched last year, bolstering its inclusive play lines with the addition of costumes inspired by Marvel Studio’s Black Panther, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and a The Mandalorian Wheelchair cover set. 

Dantoy Take Back launches, giving Danish toys a new lease of life  The next chapter in the Dantoy Take Back project will follow in autumn, when a major collaboration with local kindergartens will launch. In collaboration with Randers Municipality, Danish toy company Dantoy has set up a container into which parents and kids can drop off their pre-loved Dantoy toys... they will then be recycled and made into new toys at the...

Little Tikes unveils Tobi 2 line-up  The new Tobi 2 products introduce children to tech in a safe and engaging way by bringing play to life through product innovation and smart features. Packed with a host of interactive features to engage and excite adventurous minds, the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch features a playful personality and a variety of brain, arcade and fitness games. 

Celebrating 1 Million Games Sold, Anomia Press Launches New Website.  Since 2009, Anomia press has sold over 1 million games and to date, millions of adults, teens, tweens and children have played the company's Anomia branded games over and over again, making incredible memories. To celebrate the 1 million milestone, Andrew Innes, Inventor and Anomia Press owner, is launching a very special website.

Cartoonito Pre-K Block Debuts Sept. 13 no HBO Max & Cartoon Network. Just in time for the school year, WarnerMedia Kids & Family will launch the Cartoonito preschool block Monday, September 13 on HBO Max and Cartoon Network. The new block offers a modern approach to preschool programming with its proprietary educational framework, Humancentric Learning. 

Toikido inks deal with Boneloaf and Gang Beasts  The partnership makes Gang Beasts the second major gaming IP for Toikido, following global success for the Among Us property. Darran Garnham, founder of Toikido said: “We are huge fans of the Boneloaf team and have been playing Gang Beasts together and with our families for ages, so to bring it into the Toikido stable is amazing news”.

Neo Magic partners with The Fantastic Factory  The partnership will see Neo Magic and The Fantastic Factory develop a range of new products that Vinny Sagoo says will deliver a 'multifaceted experience'. David Snow, co-founder of The Fantastic Factory, said: “We are always looking for new opportunities to explore within toys and games. We are big fans of magic, so after lots of research we decided to venture into this area...

(the above was posted after August 13th)

Mattel Earns Great Place to Work Certification. At Mattel, our purpose is to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We know this incredible work wouldn’t be possible without our people, which is why we are thrilled to share that Mattel is now Certified™ by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture. 

Jakks Pacific is updating its baby doll line with a variety of new outfits and revised sculpts reflecting the character traits of each ethnicity. The Perfectly Cute collection from Jakks Pacific is known for its diversity. The dolls, which are available in 8- and 14-inch scales, are offered in various ethnicities and skin tones including African-American, Asian, Latinx, and Caucasian. 

Here’s some fantastic news from Hasbro Pulse: There’s a new wave of Fantastic Four Marvel Legends figures. As revealed in a Fan First Monday livestream yesterday, this wave includes six 6-inch-scale Fantastic Four characters, all in retro packaging and featuring classic comics-inspired designs. The lineup includes Mr. Fantastic, Marvel’s Invisible Woman, Human Torch, Marvel’s Thing, Psycho Man...

FULL EPISODE OF SPIN MASTER’S ‘BAKUGAN: GEOGAN RISING’ SET TO PREMIERE ON ROBLOX, Kids are obsessed with Roblox, the multiplayer video game that allows users to program games that others can experience and enjoy. Recently, the Roblox platform has been giving thanks to its fans by hosting a lineup of digital experiences, including online performances by Lil Nas X and KSI...

ZURU recently launched Angel High, a new line of six dolls with swappable fashion accessories and wings. Each doll includes 10 surprises that are unique to their personality and comes packaged inside a clear capsule with peek-a-boo window that transforms into a display. Surprises range from hairstyles, outfits, mini wings, fashion, jewelry, eyewear, hair accessories (brush, color-changing clip, and extension), and...

Google's Stadia launches kids section  With a focus on reaching families playing together, the soon-to-launch section will include six titles from Outright Games. Launching August 13, the new category signals Stadia’s growing commitment to reaching younger demos and the increasing number of families who game together, according to a release from Stadia.

ACTF & Stan put out call for kids features  Beginning today, eligible writers, producers and creators can submit original Australian live-action concepts targeting youth and family audiences. Applications are now open for original live-action feature ideas that are at least 80 minutes in length. The projects have to have a G or PG rating, and should be aimed at either children aged six to 12 and their families, or tweens...

Melissa & Doug announces sustainability initiative  New initiative, Project Restore, cements the company's commitment to "making timeless, sustainable toys for a thriving and inclusive world." The initiative, called Project Restore, will guide the company in its existing work on environmental responsibility, social equity and inclusion, as well as its ambitious new plan to make the world a better place.

Lalaloopsy is back by popular demand thanks to MGA  The release, which will reintroduce 25 Lalaloopsy dolls with a focus on DIY crafting and traditional doll play, marks the brand's 10th anniversary. Lalaloopsy offers a whimsical world of characters with unique personalities derived from the fabric used to sew them, inspiring kids to develop their own creativity.

Nacelle pivots to launch its own toy brand The company behind Netflix's The Toys That Made Us is shifting from documenting toys to reviving Robo Force with new products and a series. Now, Nacelle is gearing up to jumpstart the ’80s IP again with a new show and consumer products push. 

Cartoon Network Studios, WBA expand into anime  Adult Swim exec Jason DeMarco will oversee the studios' growth into long-form anime and action series for all ages. In this newly created role DeMarco started on August 1, he reports to Sam Register, president of both Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, and Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim.

Funko eyes international growth after record second quarter and major executive moves.  Funko’s president, Andrew Perlmutter is to be appointed the firm’s new CEO as Brian Mariotti transitions to the newly created role of chief creative officer, detailing the top level moves the same week the firm delivered ‘its largest topline quarter in company history.’ Last week, the pop culture specialist revealed that second quarter net sales 

Rubies hails inclusivity with new Adaptive Costumes  Rubies' range of Adaptive Costumes has been designed for children with limited mobility, letting every child join in roleplay and dress-up. Specialised design features include back openings in the trousers and skirts, which allow wheelchair users to dress in bed or in a laying down position.

Hasbro hosts camps for children battling life-threatening illnesses.  Hasbro Children’s Hospital is back to hosting two very special camps for children battling serious illnesses, after pausing for a year during the height of the pandemic. The hospital hosted Camp Grace last week and is hosting Camp Dotty this week.

Breaking Games Launches Multiple Highly Anticipated Games in Top Retailers Across the Nation.  Some new games include the ubiquitous Cards Against Humanity with their latest Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition Glow in the Dark edition; Café Chaos by TheOdd1sOut, which has a wildly popular YouTube channel with more than 17 million followers; and a brand-new IP called PANDO, which helps people...

The Best Nickelodeon Character Bracket. As Nicktoons’ 30th anniversary approaches, it’s time to celebrate the heroes, villains, sponges and starfish, and cats and dogs who redefined children’s programming in the 1990s and beyond. Nick can mean many different things to many different people depending on when, exactly, they were between the ages of 6 and 16. The generational divide is most cleanly drawn...

MGA unveils new Glitter Babyz nurturing doll range.  The Glitter Babyz dolls feature large eyes filled with distinctive nature imagery, plus accessories that promote imaginative, nurturing play. MGA Entertainment‘s new range Glitter Babyz introduces Dreamia Stardust, January Snowflake, Lila Wildbloom and Solana Sunburst to nurture doll lovers aged three and above. 

The Toy Book chats with Ross Hyman, director of product development and marketing at Alex Global Products, about the company’s legacy, evolution, and future plans. Toy Book: Alex Global Products emerged during a tumultuous year. What are the key differences between the former Alex Brands and the new Alex Global Products?

Mattel launches Lucille Ball Barbie doll for 70th anniversary of I Love Lucy.  There is no greater female icon in the world of comedy than Lucille Ball and her legacy will continue to inspire others for many years to come. In celebration of the star’s 110th birthday (Ball was born Aug 6th, 1911) and the upcoming 70th anniversary of her sitcom I Love Lucy, Mattel is launching its new Tribute Collection with a Barbie doll modeled...

Moose Toys announces newest products for Bluey. The latest toys include interactive plush, figures, vehicles and card games, all based on the hugely popular animated pre-school series. Bluey, the hit animated children’s TV series consistently ranked No.1 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, is welcoming new toys from Moose.

Mattel, Authentic Brands collaborate for Elvis Presley Barbie, Fisher-Price Little People. The King of Rock and Roll is headed back to the toy box. In celebration of Elvis Week, August 11-17, Mattel inked a deal with Authentic Brands for a pair of new toys that celebrate the legacy of Elvis Presley. Fisher-Price Little People, Elvis joins the lineup in a three-piece set that is inspired by 50s-era Elvis with guitar; 60s-era Elvis in black...

New McFarlane Toys Mortal Kombat figures: Joker, Kotal Khan, and more. McFarlane Toys has opened up pre-orders for a new wave of 7-inch figures inspired by Mortal Kombat 11, and fans will want to jump all over them. For one thing, there's another Joker to collect, which may or may not be exciting to you given how many Jokers are in the McFarlane line. 

Feed the 'Yummy Yummy Monster Tummy'. Lucky Duck Games and HYBR announced Yummy Yummy Monster Tummy, a new cooperative digital hybrid game, for release in Q4. In Yummy Yummy Monster Tummy, there are monsters in the attic, and players must feed them whatever they can find. 

Foxes battle snakes for control of the 'Great Plains'. Asmodee Group will release Great Plains, an area control game by Lookout Games, on September 10. In Great Plains, players assume control of either the clever foxes or the wise snakes to attempt to gain control of their opponents' territory. 

The Op unveils a 'Harry Potter'-themed 'Talisman' board game. The Op Games unveiled Talisman: Harry Potter Edition, a new version of Games Workshop's Talisman board game, for release on September 28, 2021. In Talisman: Harry Potter Edition, players assume the daring roles of members of either the Order of the Phoenix or Death Eaters. 

Playmobil brings the A-Team back into the toy department. Back in the ’80s, fueled by the success of a hit series on NBC, Galoob Toys first brought the crack commando unit known as The A-Team into toy departments around the world. Then, in 2010, Jazwares did the same when The A-Team was rebooted for the big screen. Now, Playmobil is bringing Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith, Sergeant B.A. Baracus...

Asmodee will release 'Dixit (Refresh)'. Asmodee Group will release Dixit (Refresh), an updated version of the classic party game by Libellud, on September 10. This refreshed version of the Dixit base game features new front and back cover art for the box. It also has a new scoreboard as well as new voting dials. 

Unboxing Logan: the first American Girl boy doll. Nostalgia for the American Girl Doll brand is no joke. Everyone has their favorite: from Molly loyalists to Samantha stans, their stories and styles have inspired young women and girls the world over with no sign of slowing down. There are several signature store locations across the US, a print magazine that lasted more than 20 years, and an extremely popular online fandom.

Big G Creative revitalizes classic game play through Corner Crush, Cluckle. Big G Creative is injecting some new life into four-in-a-row, word-scramble gameplay. Corner Crush and Cluckle are two new games that take inspiration from the classics, introducing new strategies, competitive edges, and interactive elements for kids ages 7 and up. 

Trio of titles announced by Rio Grande. Rio Grande Games has announced three new titles slated for release later this year, including Tom Lehmann’s Dice Realms and a pair of Friedemann Friese designs:  Faiyum and Free Ride. From the designer of Race for the Galaxy comes Dice Realms, which uses dice with removable faces that players can customize during the game. 

Little Tikes hits the right notes with music fans through My Real Jam launch. Little Tikes is striking a chord with young music lovers this season with the launch of its new musical range of toys, My Real Jam; a new line designed to combine the interactive features of musical and role play. The line up features a whole host of musical instruments, including the My Real Jam DJ Table, Electric Guitar, Keyboard...

Players can hone their slap shot skills in 'Hero Hockey'. Asmodee Group will release Hero Hockey, a new magnetic dexterity game by Finnish company Oy Marektoy, on September 17. In Hero Hockey, players manipulate hero pawns to attempt to score goals. Each pawn can be moved via a magnetic connection created between a steering magnet and the base of the hero pawn.

Rio Grande Games goes 'Art Decko'. Rio Grande Games unveiled Art Decko, a new deck-building game by Ta-Te Wu, which will release into retail in October. In Art Decko, players attempt to build the most valuable collection of fine art. Players use their in-game fortunes to accumulate paintings from five different art genres: Art Nouveau, Pop Art, Renaissance, Surrealism, and Impressionism. 

Mattel reveals ‘Beetlejuice’ Monster High dolls. In a collection inspired by the film “Beetlejuice,” Mattel Creations, Mattel’s e-commerce and content platform, has revealed new Monster High Skullector Dolls, launching in August on Friday the 13th. The limited-edition dolls, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, reimagine characters Lydia and Beetlejuice, following the previous Skullector drop of Pennywise...

Hama Beads celebrates 50th anniversary with new range. 50 years ago, the innovative owner of the Hama Beads factory, Malte Haaning, began making beads and pegboards at his production facility in Nykøbing Mors. Today, Hama is renowned globally in the children’s products market and continues to develop and extend its ranges with the aim of producing fun and unique arts & crafts options.

Pegasus returns to 'Micromacro: Crime City', heads for Stone Ages. Hot off its Spiel des Jahres win, Pegasus Spiele has announced a new MicroMacro:  Crime City game called MicroMacro:  Crime City – Full House, releasing on September 3.  The company also announced Klaus-Jurgen Wrede's Stone Age exploration game Fire & Stone, launching September 17. 

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