Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
Today is International Invention/Innovation Day! Our toy and game industry certainly stands out on this day. You'll soon have a chance to celebrate your innovative colleagues - next week we open nominations for the TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Awards and on June 1st we open all the TAGIE Awards categories! We celebrate all the innovative people along a product's journey from conception to retail.
Six weeks ago, if you told me we would all be relieved to have a 30% tariff in the toy category, I would not have believed it. But here we are. Continue to share your stories through your networks and share the stories others post. Most importantly, share your personal story with your elected officials— that’s what truly moves the needle. Our Senators and Congressional Reps should hear from us in every state and district. www.congress.gov/members And don’t stop there—send your story to local news outlets, too. The more voices we amplify, the stronger our impact.
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
Bloom Report Subscribers Say...
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"Mary, I'm building a wholesale distribution business in Australia. Another wholesaler told me about you and said it would be invaluable to get the Bloom Report." - Scott McCall, mishmashed
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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 w/o telling me you're in the toy industry: Friday Morning = a cup-a-Joe & Bloom Report!" -Tim Walsh, The Playmakers
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Person of the Week - Elenco's Anthony Trani
We’re not just Selling Products—We’re Creating Moments of Wonder, Learning, Discovery, and Joy
Hi Anthony, thank you for taking time for this interview, inviting me to your offices last year and sharing your new packaging and products! Love that we have such fun successful companies here in Chicago. Please share with our readers what your role is in our industry.
I am the CEO of Elenco Electronics, a dynamic STEAM toy company best known for our flagship brand, SNAP CIRCUITS®. Snap Circuits has been sparking curiosity and creativity in kids for over 20 years.
What’s the best part about working in the toy industry?
Honestly and without hyperbole, it’s the magic. Every day, we get to blend fun with learning, which is incredibly rewarding. Whether it's a child building their first working circuit or a parent watching their kid light up with pride, those moments are priceless. There’s real purpose behind the play and I get a front row seat in guiding that purpose.
I’ve also found the toy industry to be incredibly welcoming. When I was new to the industry just a few years ago, I reached out to CEOs, industry icons like you and Rick Derr, and of course The Toy Association. Without fail, everyone was generous with their time, insights, and support. This is a community that wants you to succeed. In the toy industry relationships matter, handshakes matter. If you show up with energy and a willingness to listen and learn, doors open for you.
Person of the Week: Sky Castle Toys' Lev Nelson
Listening to Your Customer
Toy ideas can come from anywhere—viral trends, nostalgia, late-night brainstorms, even an obscure take on everyday household items. But sometimes, the most valuable ideas come from the kids themselves.
Part 1: Jumbo Stickies – The Accidental Blockbuster
Flashback to VidCon 2024. We were gearing up for Sky Castle’s biggest brand debut yet: Sticki Rolls. The first-ever wearable, shareable sticker bracelets—50 holographic, Kawaii-themed stickers ready to be dispensed directly from a fashionable bracelet.
We’d spent months prepping. As toy people reading this well know, proper planning of an exhibition show is absolutely crucial. Hyper-analyzing how your booth looks, flows, and functions is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between “cool booth” and “talk of the show.”
We’d gone viral three weeks before the show with millions of YouTube views validating our content-first launch strategy. But there’s a difference between comments online and a line of screaming kids IRL.
By noon on Day One, we had a line wrapped around the booth. Kids swarmed our custom-built, 8-foot-tall Gacha machine like this brand had existed for years. But that wasn’t the only surprise.
What caught us off guard was what happened with the booth design. READ MORE...
Temporary Showroom Space Now Available for Rent at LA Toy Building
As toy companies continue to navigate a shifting business landscape and cost pressures from tariffs, The Toy Association™ is now offering flexible showroom leasing options at The Toy Building in El Segundo, California. Effective immediately, temporary showrooms are available for the September 2025 LA Fall Preview® at the same competitive 2024 pricing ($29 per square foot for Association members and $40 per square foot for non-members), offering a solution for companies that require a presence in LA without a long-term commitment. Read More...
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: "Everybody has the choice of being a hero or not being a hero every day of their lives." - George Lucas
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!
Financial and Legal
Fillip, a holding company focused on scaling and revitalising iconic and disruptive properties in the sports and entertainment industries, announced that it completed the acquisition of Tycoon Enterprises, the leading brand licensing agency in Latin America, at the end of 2024.
This acquisition marks a decisive step in building a robust ecosystem of properties across the region.
*** The above was posted after tBR circulated May 16th ***
News from CNBC’s David Faber: Warner Bros. Discovery Moving Towards Splitting Company. What would that split look like? Well, most likely, or almost definitely, it’s the linear cable networks and then you have the studio coupled with Max.
The net worth of Diamond Comic Distributors has declined over $2 million in the last two months, according to operating reports filed with the court. The operating reports were filed late, after the bankruptcy trustee filed a motion last month asking the judge to convert the case...
FTC loses appeal to stop Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal that already happened. In 2023, the FTC requested a preliminary injunction to prevent the companies from finalizing the deal while its legal challenge to the acquisition from 2022 was in progress.
Congress votes to pull funding for free Wi-Fi hotspots at schools and libraries. The Senate has voted to end a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that used federal funding to cover Wi-Fi hotspots that could be used outside of school and libraries.
The FTC puts off enforcing its ‘click-to-cancel’ rule. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was set to start enforcing the remaining provisions of its “click-to-cancel” rule on May 14th, requiring that subscriptions be as easy to cancel as to start.
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Financial Reporting, Tariffs
A Video to President Trump. TOY TOP 10: Reasons to #KeepToysTariffFree. If you've wondered why toys are being discussed so much in relation to this administration's tariff policy with China, I hope you'll take a look at this video. And if you know someone, who knows Kevin Bacon, who knows someone, who knows Donald Trump, I'd appreciate you sharing this video with them
*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 16th ***
The Character Group has announced its unaudited results for the six months ended 28th February 2025. Despite the harsh conditions, it maintained pre-tax profits £2.1m on turnover of £53m.
Walmart Sees Growth in Toys but Cautions Tariff-Related Price Hikes Amid Q1 Earnings. The retail giant reported $165.6 billion in first quarter revenue for fiscal year 2026, up 2.5% — or 4% in constant currency.
Toy stocks rally after Chinese tariffs slashed to 30%. Shares of major toy makers rallied on Monday after the U.S. agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs on China.
Walmart US eCommerce Sales Jump 21%; McMillon Cites Tariff-Proof Factors. Walmart’s strengthening position in eCommerce can help blunt at least some of the impact from tariffs.
U.S. & China Reach 90-Day Trade Agreement to Lower Tariffs & Suspend Retaliatory Measures. The U.S. and China have announced a new trade agreement that will reduce tariffs and temporarily pause retaliatory actions for 90 days, effective May 14.
Maersk CEO: Trump’s Supply Chain-Related Tariff Goals ‘Very Unrealistic’. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said President Donald Trump’s vision of a reordered global supply chain can’t happen overnight.
Businesses Sue Trump to Halt ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs. A group of American small businesses is suing President Donald Trump over his tariffs.
U.S.-China trade war pushed global supply chain near breaking point, new data shows. Global supply chain and manufacturing anxiety was near a breaking point, ahead of the U.S.-China trade war de-escalation.
Shipping demand set to explode as firms rush to exploit US-China tariff pause. Transpacific shipping routes are set to witness a dramatic uptick in container traffic over the coming weeks.
Trump praises 'friendly, constructive' US-China trade talks. The US president claims there has been a "total reset" in trade relations following a day of talks between the nations.
China, US sign duelling deals after agreeing to trade war truce. China and the United States have agreed to a temporary, partial truce in their unprecedented trade war, but their rivalry is far from over.
U.S.-China tariff reprieve is enough to get products on the shelves in time for Christmas. Nearly a fifth of U.S. retail sales last year came from Christmas shopping.
Relief on China's factory floors as US tariffs put on hold. A surprise deal in the trade war gives businesses breathing room - but many now want to find new markets.
Tariffs Drive Smartphone Manufacturers to Boost US Inventory, Shift Sourcing to India. United States smartphone shipments leaped 30% year over year in March as manufacturers raced against tariffs.
China moves to protect small traders from US trade war. China is ramping up its efforts to support businesses and workers affected by the trade war.
Trump wants Apple to stop making more iPhones in India. President Donald Trump told Apple CEO Tim Cook that he doesn’t want the company to move iPhone production to India.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon says recession is still on the table for U.S.. Dimon's comments come after the U.S. and China announced that they were reducing tariffs on one another for 90 days.
LA’s Oldest Toy Store Feels The Heat. Kip’s Toyland in the Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles is feeling the heat.
Shares of Mattel, Hasbro, Jakks and Funko rallied on Monday after the U.S. agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs on China. The agreement will pause most tariffs and other trade barriers for 90 days, including reducing the 145% levy President Donald Trump had in place on Chinese imports to 30%.
Oldest toy store in Los Angeles fights to survive in face of tariffs. Kip’s Toyland has sold toys to children in Los Angeles for almost 80 years, through wars, recessions and a pandemic. But now tariffs of 145% on most Chinese imports threaten the livelihood of the city’s oldest toy shop, considering that nearly 80% of toys sold in the United States are made in China.
This US-owned factory in China made toys for Walmart. Tariffs put it on life support. The emails started pouring in on April 9, the day President Donald Trump’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports took effect. Clients were canceling orders for toys from Huntar Company’s factory in Guangdong Province, China.
President Donald Trump has threatened to place a 100 percent tariff on Barbie maker Mattel, after the company's CEO said it would continue to manufacture outside the U.S. but would be reducing its reliance on Chinese imports. "I've heard [Mattel] said: 'Well we're going to go counter, we're going to try going someplace else,' " Trump said in the Oval Office on Thursday. "That's OK, let him go, and we'll put a 100...
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 16th ***
Which Podcasts Rule YouTube? A New List Comes With Surprises. YouTube, now the most popular platform for consuming podcasts, is introducing a chart ranking shows by watch time.
Creators Are Building Their Own Supersized Studio System As Hollywood Cuts Back. YouTube stars now reach as much people as legacy media — and they’re poaching some of the top players to grow even bigger.
Board game publishers brace for shipping price hike, delays as US drops tariffs on China to 30% in 90-day ‘truce’. Elevated tariffs continue to threaten the board game industry despite a 90-day ‘truce’ between the US and China.
34 Best Toys and Gifts for 6-Year-Old Girls Who Love Everything. What's trending with 6-year-old girls this year? The Good Housekeeping Institute has done lots of toy testing this year in advance of its Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards, getting feedback from real kids, parents and Lab experts.
The “Labubu Imperial Crown” trend is turning collectibles into China’s smallest emperors. While Labubu fans in the U.S. are still chasing base-level collectibles, their Chinese counterparts have launched a new trend.
Plushie power: More brands are dropping plush toys aimed at collectible-crazy Singaporeans. Big brands in Singapore have started pushing their own limited-edition plushies out.
What Comes After the Labubu Craze? A Labubu Doll Protector. The trending plush toy has inspired an assortment of compatible clothes, accessories and storage solutions, specifically protective cases.
Playmakers in Recovery: How Small Toy Shops Can Rebuild and Thrive. The toy business has always been equal parts whimsy and grit, but for many, recent years have tested that balance.
The Billion-Dollar Toy: How the Labubu Doll Became a Luxury Phenomenon in China. At first glance, the Labubu doll looks like something that escaped from a Halloween decoration aisle; a fluffy creature with jagged teeth, bugged-out eyes and a devilish grin.
‘Adult’ toy trend taking over Australia. It’s no secret that adults are becoming obsessed with toys that are designed for children — but one brand has taken that to the next level.
APRIL 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS.
APRIL 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
Stories, Comments, and Advice
“The secret of the Muppets,” Brett Goldstein explains, “is they’re not very good at what they do. Kermit’s not a great host. Fozzie is not a good comedian. None of them are actually good at it. But they love it. They’re like a family. They like putting on a show. And they have joy. And because of the joy, it doesn’t matter that they’re not good at it.” “And that,” concludes Goldstein, “is what we should all be like: Muppets.”
*** The above posted after May 16th when tBR circulated ***
John Baulch, Toy World. Still stuffed (just less stuffed than last week) … it’s the Friday Blog! Tariff watch, day 45: all change (again). Huzzah – the US and China have agreed a temporary deal to ‘roll back tariffs’. But wait, there is a sting in the tail: there is still a 30% tariff on Chinese made goods entering the US market, while the deal is only agreed for 90 days. The art of the deal strikes again!
Inside Target’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year. The mega-retailer has been battered by boycotts and tariffs in 2025. But the company’s woes go back longer than you think.
Park district compromises with parents to allow hand-me-down toys back in city playlots. Last summer, Chicago Park District swept toys left by parents for other children to use. After parents advocated to bring them back, toys can now stay in designated boxes.
Is Barbie’s Empowerment Tied to the Angle of Her Feet? Researchers in Australia found that the doll’s feet have, over time, gone from arched to flat — a shift that correlates with each Barbie’s designated career or hobby.
Mike’s Tariff Update: A 90 Day “Reprieve”. Overlooking Lake Geneva and nestled on cushy sofas, the smart people agreed that for the next 90 days, the tariff would drop to 30%. So, what does this all mean for all of us in the Toy & Game Industry?
World’s First Mass-Produced Flying Car Prototype Unveiled. Eager teens reaching driving age in the next few years may be able to take their inaugural spin in a car … in the sky. The world’s first mass-produced flying automobile prototype has been unveiled, and we’re ready for a ride.
New Lego-building AI creates models that actually stand up in real life. Carnegie Mellon "LegoGPT" system uses physics checks to ensure models don't collapse.
When does a kid become an adult? Not everyone grows up at the same pace, even though U.S. law holds that you reach adulthood when you turn 18. This is the age where you are treated like an adult in terms of criminal responsibility. However, states differ on the “civil age of majority,”...
How curiosity rewires your brain for change. The brain often responds to change and uncertainty by activating the amygdala, triggering the same stress responses as physical danger. Curiosity helps reframe uncertainty as an invitation, not a threat. Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff shares five ways to cultivate curiosity in times of change.
Emily Horgan on content performance success. Emily Horgan is an independent kids’ media consultant and author of the Netflix Kids Content Performance Report. Here she looks at girl-targeted animated shows on the platform.
Elmo LinkedIn Post About Being Laid Off Because of Trump Budget Cuts Is Fake, but It’s Pretty Funny. A LinkedIn post purportedly written by the lovable red Muppet — in which Elmo says he “was recently laid off because of the federal budget cuts” — has gone viral on social media.
ToyWorld - In this month’s Viewpoint, Nick Gibbs-McNeil, publisher/editor at Kidzcoolit.com and youthgottit.com, discusses the current media landscape and the overuse of Content Creators. Before the pandemic there were always challenges, but by and large, the toy and media markets had a symbiotic relationship and were relatively successful – and profitable. Then came Covid...
It ‘keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered’: Imagineers defend new Walt Disney robot. “Walt Disney — A Magical Life,” a new show debuting at Disneyland in July, will feature a robotic Walt Disney. Walt Disney Imagineering says it will be one of the most lifelike figures it has ever created. The animatronic has raised ethical questions and debates on whether such creations are exploitative.
Four up-and-coming designers win expenses-paid Gen Con trip in latest Diana Jones emerging designer program. The Diana Jones Award committee has unveiled this year’s winners of its emerging designer program, who will each receive a $6,500 prize package that includes an all-expenses trip to Gen Con.
Blast Off with the new LEGO Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft – a Legendary Aerospace Adventure Awaits. Get ready to embark on a journey through aviation history as the LEGO Group announces the new LEGO® Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
Lego switches on Pixar Luxo Jr. model. Synonymous with classic Pixar movies and heralding from 1986 when Luxo Jr. first appeared in a short Pixar film, fans will be able to recreate Luxo Jr’s. signature bouncing, hopping and rotating movements in bricks for the very first time.
People Co. Creates Toys for Curious Children. Japan has a long tradition of toy-making that fuses artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation, earning a global reputation for precision and creativity. Japanese toys often incorporate storytelling and cultural influences, seamlessly blending tradition with ingenuity.
Curious Toys for Early Development. Curiosity is the catalyst of early childhood development. As children experience the world for the first time, their curiosity drives them to learn” through their senses and play.
Touring the Hot Wheels Design Center Showed Me the Complex Process Behind the Toy. I was invited to visit the Hot Wheels design facility in El Segundo, CA, back in October 2024. Getting in required several steps, and the tour group was always kept under a watchful eye.
Jay Foreman’s Blog: Shared Responsibility. The fact that we kept up a drumbeat of “tariffs are taxes and will raise prices” helped the administration understand the reality and the facts and moved for a settlement.
Tactile Play Meets Mental Fitness. May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the need for mental health support—especially for our children. With 1 in 6 U.S. kids facing a mental health challenge and only half receiving the treatment they need, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
How Moose Toys used Substance 3D Stager to transform their packaging design. Happiness is at the heart of everything Moose Toys does. Known for brands like MrBeast Lab, Bluey, and Little Live Pets, the Australian-based toy company wants kids to jump for joy when they experience its toys and games.
History and Nostalgia
Top-10 Most Valuable! How Much Are My Halo Funko Pop! Figures Worth. Created in 2001, Halo is a military science fiction video game franchise featuring the likes of Master Chief, Spartan Warrior and beyond. And as a result, their Funko Pop! figures can be quite valuable. hobbyDB takes a look at the most valuable among them.
The Sudoku Cube, which was based on Rubik's Cube, was invented in 2006 by Jay Horowitz. But that's only part of the story! Jay told us about the role that both stuntman Evel Knievel and Luck played in this creation, a series of "wonderful coincidences" that led to a smash hit toy! Stick with this episode to the very end for an exciting announcement that you won't want to miss!
Vintage Game Demonstration: Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee from Milton Bradley (1995). Watch Dave from Lucky Penny Shop demonstrate how to play the Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee game from Milton Bradley.
Wild Wheels from Cragstan. In 1968, Cragstan released Wild Wheels, a line of friction-powered plastic model cars and trucks. Each Wild Wheels replica was approximately 4-inches long and incorporated a gyro-powered motor, allowing the toy to move forward when pushed.
Choo-Choo Charlie from Milton Bradley. Released in 1968 from Milton Bradley, the Choo-Choo Charlie board game was a brand extension of Good & Plenty candy. The game board was illustrated with the brand’s mascot, Choo-Choo Charlie, along with his train and two companions.
Star Trek Starships Library from Master Replicas. The Star Trek Starships Library from Master Replicas pairs beautifully crafted diecast models with detailed reference guides for an in-depth look at a trio of ships of the Star Trek franchise.
Bild-A-Set Junior Girls in Uniforms from D.A. Pachter Co. (1943). In the 1940s, Chicago’s D.A. Pachter Co. introduced Bild-A-Set, a line of paper-based premiums designed for children. One release in the series, Junior Girls in Uniforms (#80), featured 10 paper dolls with mix-and-match outfits.
Celebrating 25 Years of The Sims: Josh Contreras. Commemorate The Sims 25th Birthday with a look back at its most impactful updates, according to the team behind the games.
Licensing and Entertainment
Nickelodeon and Spin Master Entertainment’s pre-school powerhouse has a brand-new slate of five original hour-long specials. Each of the animated specials centres on a different pup, with the first featuring jungle rescuer Tracker set to premiere this autumn, followed by a holiday event focusing on construction-savvy Rubble.
The CW has renewed Scrabble for a 30-episode 2nd season and has recruited Craig Ferguson to take over as host. Trivial Pursuit featuring emcee LeVar Burton has also been picked up for 30-episode 2nd season. Both series that are based on the classic board games will return in 2026 and are produced by Hasbro Entertainment alongside Lionsgate Alternative Television, with Mattel Television Studios co-producing Scrabble.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 16th ***
Official Superman trailer is now live. Hitting cinemas on 11th July, Warner Bros. has unveiled the official trailer for the new Superman movie, full of action, heart and suspense for what’s to come.
Formula 1 drivers are ready for any challenge, but building a LEGO set in a wind tunnel isn’t in the driver’s manual! In The LEGO Group’s latest video, Scuderia Ferrari HP stars Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc put their speed and creativity to the test. Under the watchful eyes of the team principal, Fred Vasseur, the Formula 1 racers take on building the LEGO Technic Ferrari set in the middle of a LEGO wind tunnel.
MAGNA-TILES is amplifying its reach in the United States and Canada through a strategic new partnership with Beanstalk, the global licensing agency. Driven by its commitment to Meaningful Play, MAGNA-TILES aims to dive into new product categories in addition to its well-known magnetic building items.
Toy World caught up with Luca Bonecchi, VP of Licensing for Europe at Miraculous Corp, to discuss upcoming partnerships and product launches, and how the brand will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Miraculous has thrived over the past decade due to its captivating storytelling and visually stunning animation that continues to thrill audiences of all ages.
When it comes to licensing, ESPN isn’t playing the field. The iconic sports brand scored IMG Licensing as its exclusive global partner ahead of this year’s Licensing Expo. Under this agreement, IMG Licensing will develop new products and experiences that further ingrain ESPN into fans’ everyday lives. The agency already sports a wide roster of upcoming collaborations, including...
The irresistibly adorable Squishmallows brand from Jazwares is continuing to make its mark worldwide with its licensing program, which includes both fresh and renewed partnerships. Following a groundbreaking year in 2024, in which License Global named Squishmallows the No. 2 Global Licensor, Squishmallows will continue its reach in 2025 across collaborations in the collectibles...
Fallout’s second season premieres in December and will be followed by a third. Get ready for more Fallout. The second season of the hit Prime Video show will premiere in December, and the show has already been renewed for a third.
Rediscovered Thomas & Friends pilot to be released. A rediscovered and restored version of the pilot episode of Thomas & Friends, the animated children's steam train series narrated by Sir Ringo Starr, is set to be shown for the first time since it was filmed in 1983.
Amazon's Most Exciting New Superhero Show Finally Released A Teaser. Sony has partnered with Amazon MGM to bring Spider-Man Noir into live-action. His solo series is reportedly set in 1930s New York, following Cage as an “aging, down on his luck” private investigator running from his past.
'Ironheart' Trailer Reveals Marvel's Unique New Hero. Riri Williams was a breakout character from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her MIT-trained skills allowed her to fit right in with Shuri and the rest of the Wakandan geniuses, but we haven’t seen any sign of her since.
HBO Is Walking Back Its Worst Decision. HBO CEO Casey Bloys announced that Max would revert to its previous name, HBO Max, starting this summer. The “Max” name lasted a little over two years since the company dropped the “HBO” in an attempt to underline how varied its content truly was.
The next Mario movie’s title got accidentally announced. Universal appears to have confirmed that the next Mario film will be titled Super Mario World. The title was included in a press release about upcoming movies, but apparently by mistake, since it was removed shortly after publication.
Licensing Horrors: Striker Entertainment Enters Licensing Agreement for Jason Universe. Striker Entertainment enters a licensing agreement with Horror, Inc. and Friday 13th LLC. In this partnership, the licensing agency will oversee global consumer products for Jason Universe.
WildBrain Teams Up with Licensing Partners for Strawberry Shortcake Berry Besties Campaign. WildBrain is preparing to celebrate the world of Strawberry Shortcake with a year-long campaign, Berry Besties.
Disney and TF1 acquire Miraculous Chibi. Miraculous Corp has locked down a launch plan for Miraculous Chibi that will see its new take on flagship series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir roll out on YouTube first in Q4, and then on Disney Branded TV platforms and France’s TF1 in 2026.
Wigston Global teams up with MGA. Wigston Global has announced a new licensing agreement with MGA Entertainment (MGA), to develop and launch exciting new Arts & Crafts and Stationery ranges for two of its top global brands: Rainbow High and MGA’s Miniverse.
Eolo inks global licensing deal with The Tattoo Zoo. Consumer Product Connection (CPC) has secured global licensing rights for the bold new IP, The Tattoo Zoo, founded by Tyler Stover, and is partnering with Eolo Toys as the exclusive master toy partner.
Lights, Camera, CoComelon: ‘CoComelon: The Movie’ Hits Theaters in 2027. Moonbug Entertainment reveals new content for fans of the CoComelon series with CoComelon: The Movie. The first-ever CoComelon film, greenlit by Moonbug Entertainment and Flywheel Media, will hit theaters in 2027.
Relatable Unveils Licensed Launches Before Licensing Expo. Relatable is growing its Generation Z-focused reach with exciting product launches coming this summer and fall, collaborating with significant companies and internet personalities.
Jazwares Revives Its Squishmallows Happy Meal Promotion. Jazwares collaborates with McDonald’s once again to announce the return of the Squishmallows Happy Meal. This promotion will feature 12 collectible characters, a never-before-seen plush, and a new gaming experience.
Go Go POWER RANGERS! Hasbro Debuts All-New Shorts Series “Mighty Morphin Minute”. Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, announced today a brand-new short-form series, Mighty Morphin Minute, based on the beloved classic POWER RANGERS show.
Hamee Brings Sanrio Summers to Its Building Blocks Series. Hamee builds on the Sanrio universe with new building block sets inspired by Hello Kitty and Friends. The Japanese toy and accessory company reveals two sets featuring Sanrio favorites: Summer Wunderland sets and Me Time sets.
Funko Expands Sports Licensing with WNBA Pop! Line. Funko is expanding its sports licensing portfolio with a new agreement to produce Pop! figures featuring top athletes from the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Richard Scarry’s ‘Busy World’ Stays Busy with New License Deals. What was once known as a remarkable children’s book line has now become a brand of its own. This year at Licensing Expo, which begins next week in Las Vegas, various brands and products will bring the classic stories to life.
Disney Fans Can Now Wear Their Favorite Characters as Ears with New Customizable Headbands. The park-ready accessories can be personalized with playful plushes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, the emotions of 'Inside Out 2' and more.
‘A Minecraft Movie’ Releases on Digital, Sets DVD/4K Ultra HD Steelbook Release Date. “A Minecraft Movie” took home more than $909 million at the worldwide box office when it released in theaters in early April, but many may prefer to watch the action adventure comedy from home instead.
Blippi, Disney, Come Together for Grand Park Adventure. The children’s entertainment personality and character, Blippi, has teamed up with Disney to release special content that includes a 45-minute extended episode alongside four brand-new episodes, all Disney-inspired.
Zigazoo Partners with Hangry Petz Ahead of Licensing Expo. Zigazoo, a social media platform designed for Generation Alpha, joins a licensing deal with Hangry Petz, a social media franchise that originated on the platform in November of last year.
Nickelodeon orders five hour-long PAW Patrol specials from Spin Master. The companies have only revealed the titles and details for two so far. Launching this fall, Valiente: A Tracker Story follows along as one of the pups heads into the jungle to stop a new villain.
Ultra PRO Reveals 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered' TCG Accessories. Oblivion Remastered has taken social media by storm. This has reignited enthusiasm in The Elder Scrolls' fan base, and now Ultra PRO looks to capitalize on this trend with new TCG accessories.
Disney Debuts New ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Merch Ahead of Live-Action Remake — Get A Sneak Peek at the Adorable Toys, Clothing and More (Exclusive). Disney Consumer Products offers a sneak peek at the latest lineup of toys, clothing, accessories and more.
Pokémon’s Cross-section of Licensing and Pop Culture. Amy Sachtleben, senior director, licensing and promotions, The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) and Mathieu Galante, senior director, licensing, discuss the approach to engaging a growing audience of diverse, global and multi-generational fans.
On a Roll: Paramount, Brigit's Bakery Partner for 'PAW Patrol' London Bus Tour. Paramount Consumer Products and Experiences U.K. teams with London patisserie Brigit's Bakery to launch a "PAW Patrol" themed afternoon tea bus tour starting July 1.
WildBrain Grows Global Fandom for ‘Teletubbies’ with New Licensing Partnerships. New collaborations announced worldwide across multiple product categories as the franchise heads to Licensing Expo and looks forward to its 30th anniversary in 2027.
New 'How to Train Your Dragon' Products Land. In anticipation of the "How to Train Your Dragon" live-action remake releasing June 13, a hoard of dragon merch has arrived. From toys and playsets to games and collectibles, some items are ready to swoop into hands right now.
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People of Play
He took the title for “Best Pitch” at Toy and Game Fair’s Young Inventor Challenge. For his one-of-a-kind game! Kidpreneur, Elliot Anderson joins WGN with a look at “Aliens vs Cows”.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on May 16th ***
How did Hasbro’s biggest campaign ever come together across channels, teams, and continents to earn over 13 billion impressions?
Meet Kristin McKay: SVP and GM – Global Brands – Fashion & Preschool, and the leader of the teams behind Mummy Pig’s recent pregnancy announcement.
Mattel names CFO amid tariff pressure. Mattel named Paul Ruh, the current CFO of the consumer health product company Kenvue, as its new finance chief, effective May 19. The leadership change comes as the California-based toymaker lands squarely in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump’s tariff push.
INTERVIEW: RAVENSBURGER NA CEO STEPHANE MADI. "For the remainder of 2025 (in the United States only), Ravensburger has decided to internalize and subsidize the tariff costs on our non-China-produced products that make up about 75% of our portfolio. As for our China-produced items, there will be pricing impacts as you have heard from our recent trade communication. We are committed to using lower tariff...
Nicola Bergot seeks new opportunity. With the Country manager role having been made redundant at Magicbox, Nicola is now looking for a new role within the toy industry, where she has worked for over 30 years.
Roz Nowicki’s miraculous next play. Leveraging past experience with mega-brands like Peanuts and Barbie, the consumer products maven dishes on her plans to expand Miraculous as it starts a new decade in the market.
WizKids Hires Mike Webb. Mike Webb is a well-known games industry veteran that had spent over two decades with Alliance Game Distributors, ending his tour of duty there as their Vice President of Marketing and Customer Service.
Companies and Brands
‘Lilo & Stitch’: How a Fuzzy Blue Alien Became a Disney Cash Cow. Step aside, Moana, Elsa and Simba. In recent years, Stitch has quietly become one of Disney’s most popular — and most merchandised — characters.
Peppa Pig’s new baby sister: could Evie Pig become a billion dollar brand? Her birth has been welcomed by everyone from fashion magazines to the TV show Good Morning Britain. Here’s why everyone is making such a big deal of it ...
Uno plays into game night trend with themed social clubs. To kick off the campaign, the Mattel-owned brand plans on decking out a Las Vegas suite in themed decor.
Relatable announced a strategic shift in its international distribution business. The company has entered into new partnerships with leading distributors in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand to expand its global reach and accelerate growth in key markets.
Konami is establishing a new branch of the company starting in June, set to focus entirely on the iconic studio's lineup of arcade games. Konami Arcade Games will split from Konami Amusement, which will shift its focus solely on pachinko games, due to the "changing environment" in the arcade market.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 16th ***
Goliath is proud to announce that its patent-pending Jelly Blox Creative Kit, an innovation in preschool sensory play, has achieved MESH Accreditation, the industry’s benchmark for toys and games that strengthen children’s resilience through play.
License Global speaks with Pierre Ortolan, SVP, interactive business development and licensing, Asmodee Group about the evolving board game market, strategic licensing partnerships and how the company is expanding its iconic games beyond the tabletop into entertainment, digital spaces and lifestyle categories while celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Toys R Us Asia launches Live Toyful campaign. The Live Toyful campaign expands the Toys R Us brand’s appeal to embrace kidults, celebrating play as a vital part of everyday life for all ages.
Thomas & Friends, the beloved children’s franchise that has captured hearts for generations, marks 80 years of storytelling this year. Since its debut in 1945, created by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry for his son Christopher Awdry, the Thomas & Friends show has delighted audiences worldwide through books, toys, content, theme parks, experiences and more.
Microsoft is laying off more than 6,000 employees. Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it’s laying off more than 6,000 employees, around three percent of the company’s entire workforce. These are the biggest job cuts at Microsoft since it laid off 10,000 employees in 2023.
Just Play and Universal team up for DreamWork’s Shrek. A Global Master Toy Partnership has been announced, rolling out through 2025 and beyond, to celebrate the entire Shrek universe including new feature film, Shrek 5.
Hot Wheels Debuts Speed Snap Track System. This fall, little Hot Wheels racers can put the die-cast pedal to the metal, without calling in the parental “pit crew” for an assist. Mattel is updating its iconic orange tracks to make designing, building, and zooming a snap.
The LEGO Group Celebrates World Play Day with New Initiatives and Resources. Next month, The LEGO Group is inviting builders of all ages to celebrate its first World Play Day, honoring the United Nations’ International Day of Play.
A New KidSuper-Inspired Ken Doll Hits the Barbie Runway. Fashion-forward families will soon have a special Ken doll to add to the lineup. Mattel is teaming up with iconic Brooklyn-based artist and designer Colm Dillane, also known as KidSuper, for a trendy new doll.
New Lego Icons The Simpsons: Krusty Burger set is served. Ideal for fans of The Simpsons, this highly detailed recreation of the iconic Krusty Burger fast-food restaurant invites builders to step into the world of Springfield like never before.
Commotion unveils new Tickit SiliSoft range. Launched at Spielwarenmesse earlier this year, the range includes colourful toys suitable from birth up to pre-school age, including teethers and rattles, sensory balls and water squirters, stacking and nesting toys, puzzle and logic games, and tactile toys.
Moose Toys Unveils FANDROP — Captures Iconic Star Wars™ and Marvel-Inspired Moments in Elevated Collectibles to Fuel Fandom. Memorable matchups and epic battles from Star Wars and Marvel set the scene for elevated new brand blending art and collectibles.
The Puppet Company and ZSL partner on wild new puppet range. The Puppet Company, a family-run leader in puppets and soft toys, has introduced its newest arrivals – the Jumbo Friends puppets.
Sony Doubles Down On Anime As Crunchyroll Tops 17M Subs & Preps ‘Ghost Of Tsushima’ Series. Crunchyroll has topped the 17M subscriber mark and parent company Sony has said it plans to turbo charge growth at the anime streamer.
Care Bears to Unlock the Magic Across the Pond. CloudCo Entertainment brings Care Bears to the U.K. through a wave of new partnerships. The Care Bear Stare campaign expands the brand with high-impact retail across several categories.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
The upgraded VMU Pro turns the Dreamcast’s memory card into a handheld emulator. The Sega Dreamcast wasn’t the first home console to store game saves on a portable memory card, but its virtual memory unit (VMU) stood out with a built-in screen, controls, and playable mini games.
Valve will soon let you know if a game is compatible with your SteamOS device. As the name implies, the new SteamOS Compatibility system will rate how compatible games are with third-party devices, similar to how Valve already rates the compatibility of games for its own Steam Deck.
Nintendo Denies Using Gaming’s Most Controversial Technology. The rise of generative AI has made the already grim reality of the modern games industry even more complicated, threatening to accelerate layoffs, climate change, and theft from artists all in one fell swoop.
The Overwatch developer team has unionized. Formed under the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild is the latest wall-to-wall Blizzard union to be recognized by Microsoft since the World of Warcraft development team announced its union last July.
Nintendo will let you set an unlock PIN for the Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 will have an option to set a PIN to unlock your console when you turn it on. You can see the new “System Lock” option in a new video in the Nintendo Today app that’s actually about a battery-preservation feature.
SAG-AFTRA publicly releases its proposed AI terms to end strike. The labor union has responded to the April 30 offer from video game companies with new terms and language adjustments.
Most Best Buys will have extra Switch 2 stock on launch day. If you don’t have a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder, Best Buy might still be able to help you. For the retailer’s midnight openings for the Switch 2 launch, “most stores will have limited inventory of systems, games, and accessories for in-store purchase,”
Marvel’s WWII action game has been delayed. The game was originally slated to release this year but Skydance New Media, the studio developing the game, has announced it will instead come out some time in early 2026.
Sony considers PS5 price hikes to cover Trump’s tariffs. Sony just announced its financial forecast for the next year, and it’s expecting to be impacted by tariffs to the tune of about $680 million. The company says it’s considering options including moving manufacturing to the US and increasing prices for consumers.
25 years in, Havok unveils royalty-free pricing for budgets up to $20 million. For 25 years the logo of middleware tech company Havok has graced the loading screens of big-budget games from across the industry.
Monster Hunter Wilds drives quarterly net sales for Capcom. As noted in the company‛s fiscal report for the 12 months ended March 31, 2025, net sales increased by 11.3 percent year-on-year to $1.15 billion, with net income following suit by 11.7 percent year-on-year to $328 million.
Square Enix kills Kingdom Hearts game Missing Link as part of ‘quantity to quality’ shift. After years in development, beta tests, and delays, Square Enix has finally canceled the next Kingdom Hearts game, Kingdom Hearts Missing Link.
Switch 2 spec breakdown digs into its processor and GameChat. Nintendo’s Switch 2 specs page is light on details. However, Digital Foundry has shared what it says are “rock solid” specifications for the upcoming console in an article and a video.
Ubisoft says its Prince of Persia remake will finally arrive by early 2026. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake was originally supposed to arrive on January 21st, 2021. Since then, it’s been delayed three times, got shipped to a different studio, and reportedly started over from scratch.
Square Enix promises business 'reboot' after year-over-year dip in net sales. In annual financial results, the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest developer reported an 8 percent decrease in net sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, diving from about $2.5 billion to about $2.2 billion.
Persona 5 is getting a new spinoff on mobile and PC.It’s not the next mainline entry in the series, but Atlus did announce a new Persona game today. It’s called Persona 5: The Phantom X, and it’s a spinoff that’s launching on both mobile and PC on June 26th.
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii reconfirms Dragon Quest 12 is alive and well. It has been a very long time since we’ve heard or seen anything about Dragon Quest 12 from Square Enix. The project was announced as being in development back in 2021 as part of the series 35th anniversary celebration.
Media will not have Switch 2 reviews before launch due to “significant” day one patch. The Game Business has been doing some digging and the reason for the lack of pre-launch hardware reviews is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will require a “significant” day one update.
Roblox Unlocks Next-Generation Commerce with In-Game Shopping for Physical Items. Roblox is giving creators tools to create new shopping experiences that enable users to discover and buy across physical and digital spaces.
Highlighted Press Releases
BUILD THEN PLAY, OR BUILD AND DISPLAY, WISE BLOCK FROM ALPHA TOYS COVERS ALL PLAY PREFERENCES!
Whether you crave an exciting action element to your brick building experience, or just love to build and admire your handiwork, Wise Block has something for you! Fontana, CA (May 16, 2025) – There’s just something about brick construction toys that excites kiddos like nothing else! The intricate and involved building process, the wave of satisfaction upon completion of the set, or the rush of imaginative discovery while disregarding the instructions, this style of toy has something for everyone.
*** the above posted after May 16th when tBR circulated ***
TODAY’S ASSIGNMENT IS TO LEARN THROUGH PLAY WITH FUN IN MOTION TOYS!
Fun In Motion EDU™ Bundles with Educator Resource Guides Give K-12 Teachers A Playful Way To Boost Learning in the Classroom
Ft. Lauderdale, FL (May 15, 2025) – Imagine being in a 4th grade math classroom and the teacher announces today’s lesson: open up the world’s most popular 3D magnetic puzzle cube that transforms into 100+ shapes and start exploring! As students play with their Shashibo® — a #1 best-selling toy on Amazon – they are on the hunt with their classmates, to find the right, acute and obtuse angles. That type of out-of-the-book thinking has just been launched by Fun In Motion Toys via their new Educational program called Fun In Motion EDU.
Safety and Counterfeiting
The Kids Online Safety Act is back. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bill imposing sweeping obligations on tech platforms to protect children that use them, has been revived in the Senate after a failed sprint to become law late last year.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Astra is so proud to publish this year’s curated list of play products chosen by Certified Play Experts. The nominees cover a wide array of play needs with finalists in 19 categories. A huge thank you to all of you who nominated this year. There were over 500 products for the Play Awards Committee to review. As usual, committee members took their responsibility seriously while also enjoying the play process!
*** The above posted after May 16th when tBr circulated ***
The Toy Association™ Launches Toy Fair® University Content Series this Summer. The Toy Association™ is making all Toy Fair® 2025 educational programming accessible to all toy industry professionals through on-demand videos captured from the Toy Fair University stage.
Pharrell Williams Hosts Post-Met Gala UNO Tournament for Kim Kardashian, Ciara & More. The night was emceed by Kai Cenat and featured several luxurious prizes for the winners.
Toy Association Members: Free Access to Ethical Sourcing Support. Enrollment will remain open through June for an initiative from The Toy Association™ and the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) that gives small and medium-sized toy companies access to a sourcing and compliance solution free.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) has announced it returns next week to Licensing Expo in 2025 to exhibit its robust slate of properties, which combines highly awaited content and programming and new additions to some of the world’s most iconic franchises. Amongst the diverse portfolio are timeless classics Jumanji, Ghostbusters, and Karate Kid, and contemporary fan favorites including The Boys,....
The Lumistella Company, the company behind the beloved and magical Santaverse and The Elf on the Shelf, is headed to Licensing Expo next week, and Christmas magic is showing to be true with the partnerships the company will debut.
Left Field Labs celebrates two wins at the 29th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet. Reinventing a classic, Left Field Labs infused augmented reality and AI into Twister to create "Twister Air," a fun new way for families to play and connect across generations.
Temporary Showroom Space Now Available for Rent at LA Toy Building. As toy companies continue to navigate a shifting business landscape and cost pressures from tariffs, The Toy Association™ is now offering flexible showroom leasing options at The Toy Building in El Segundo, California.
Reedpop Announces CGC as Official Grading Partner For Full Show Portfolio. ReedPop announced a multi-show, multi-year partnership with collectibles grading company CGC, to become the official grading partner of ReedPop’s New York Comic Con, Emerald City Comic Con, and Florida Supercon events.
Toys & Baby Milano 2025 concludes successful event. Toys & Baby Milano welcomed nearly 5,000 international buyers to a rich array of events, including seminars, conferences, workshops and the Gioco per Sempre Toys Awards.
‘Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!’ Musical Is Coming to the U.S. Ahead of First Film: Here’s When Tickets Go On Sale. See the full tour schedule and shop the best 'Gabby's Dollhouse' clothing, accessories, toys and gifts.
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
Steve Pepoon, who received an Emmy for writing an episode of The Simpsons as a freelancer, worked on other TV comedies like It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, ALF and Roseanne and co-created The Wild Thornberrys, has died. He was 68.
JUDITH BLAU - Renaissance woman, artist, author and illustrator: "The Bagel Baker of Mulliner Lane," toy designer: Baby All Gone, environmental educator: Treetures. A woman of unending creativity, light, and magic; she will be missed. Judy was honored with a TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Here is her story.
Jackson “Butch” Guice, a penciler whose 40-year career in comics included runs on Micronauts, Dr. Strange, The Death of Superman, and Ruse, died on May 1, 2025, at the age of 63. Guice began working in comics in 1981 with “Warlords of Light,” a sword-and-sorcery tale in Galaxia Magazine.
Geoff Smith. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Geoff Smith, a well-known and cherished figure in the toy industry whose career spanned an impressive 50 years. As a former director of A.B.Gee, Geoff played a central role in shaping one of the UK’s most enduring toy companies.
Rob Stull. Best known to comics fans as an inker whose work included Spider-Man, X-Force, JLA, and Vampirella, he was also the first Black Artist in Residence at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, and the creator of the traveling exhibit "Sequential Art: The Next Step," which debuted at Ohio State University in 1995.
Jack Katz, creator of the early graphic novel The First Kingdom, died on April 25, 2025, at the age of 97. During much of his career Katz was a journeyman artist, working under his own name and the pen names Vaughn Beering, David Hadley, and Jay Hawk.
David Strang, founder of Wicked Vision, sadly passed away unexpectedly, on Monday 21st April. Wicked Vision became well known for products like boomerangs, discs, high bounce balls and yo-yos, as David built the company into a global brand centred on active play. In 2024, the brands and intellectual property assets of Wicked were acquired by Eolo Toys, following a challenging period for the company.
Mike Wood, founder of Leapfrog and Smarty Ants to Achieve 3000. After selling his businesses, Mike went back to Oakland, CA schools to teach children how to read, three or four days a week. His passion and dedication to helping kids read is a great loss for our community. Read tributes from colleagues here.
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- New 'D&D Xanathar's Treasure' Packs Head to Retail
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- Rolling for Initiative -- Games Workshop Sues Online Sellers; More on Free Comic Book Day, Tariffs
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