Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
There is just so much going on right now. Let's keep our chin up, continue sharing how tariffs affect our industry with the media and elected officials, and support one another whenever and wherever we can.
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People of the Week - The Sound Game's Nat and Cam
Creators of That Sound Game with 350,000 Units Sold... So Far!
Q: Nat, great to meet you at our TFNY Connolly's POP Pub party! Nat and Cam, I loved your story, please share a what you are known for in our industry.
A: We are the creators of That Sound Game, a sound-based party game that launched in 2023.
Q: Have you developed any other games, or did you have previous experience in the toy industry before That Sound Game?
Nat: Haha, no! I was a taxidermist, and Cam worked as a project manager in construction. Our experiences couldn’t have been more distant from the world of games.
Q: That’s quite unusual! How did you end up creating a party game?
Nat: Owning a taxidermy business meant that I often travelled internationally to teach and work on projects or exhibitions. This all came to a standstill when COVID hit, and living in Melbourne, Australia, meant that we experienced the longest and strictest lockdown in the world—262 days in total. During this time, my business took a massive financial hit, and although we pivoted to pet preservation, which was considered an essential service, I had to use all my savings to keep my team employed. About a year into the lockdowns, I was very broke, feeling down, and uninspired, so I started thinking about creative projects I could throw myself into. I had talked to my partner about writing children's books and floated a couple of other ideas when, out of the blue one night while playing Articulate, the idea for That Sound Game came to me. Read More...
Toy Industry Commentary - Design Edge's Matt Nuccio
Tariffs and the Independent Inventor: What You Need to Know
Tariffs aren’t exactly the sexiest topic in the world of invention. They don’t spark the same excitement as a great new product idea or the buzz of a toy hitting the shelf. But make no mistake, tariffs have a real impact on inventors, especially those trying to bring their ideas to life through self-production or those licensing into categories heavily reliant on overseas manufacturing.
In recent months tariffs, particularly those tied to imports from China, have shifted from background noise to a front-and-center issue for many in our industry. As someone who’s spent decades developing, manufacturing, and launching products for both inventors and brands, I’ve seen firsthand how these policy changes ripple through the entire creative ecosystem. …and here’s the truth, inventors often get hit the hardest.
Hidden Costs, Big Impact
Many inventors operate on tight budgets. Whether they’re self-producing small runs or managing early-stage licensing deals, their margins are already razor thin. Tariffs, essentially taxes on imported goods, can add anywhere from 10% to 30% (at one point 145!!!!) to the cost of goods. That’s not just a line item, it’s a game changer.
For a large company with deep pockets and flexible pricing strategies, tariffs are a headache. But for an independent creator trying to bring a $20 retail product to life, that added cost could mean the difference between profit and loss, or whether the product gets made at all. Read More...
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: This week we have an original cartoon from Steven Meyer, VP Design at Mary Meyer Stuffed Toys! Thank you, Steven!
Memorable Quotes: “I have a theory about the assists we get in life. Only rarely can we repay those people who helped us, but we can pass that help along to others." - Lucille Ball
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
WOW! Stuff announced a major investment deal with Troy Companies, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. WOW! Stuff MD Dawn Lavalette will continue to lead day-to-day operations. The co. targets more than 200% growth over the next two years, fueled by increased manufacturing capabilities, global infrastructure, and new licensing deals.
Sanrio acquires shares in anime powerhouse IG Port. Joint projects are on the horizon as Hello Kitty's owner will now be the fourth-largest shareholder in this Japanese animation/manga conglomerate.
Trump approves U.S. Steel merger with Japan’s Nippon after companies sign national security agreement. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday approving U.S. Steel's merger with Japan's Nippon Steel, after the companies signed a national security agreement with the government.
April Was a Big Month for Fees. April was a big month for professional fees in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., not a surprise since April included several dramatic events following the auction for Diamond's assets in late March.
Trump is giving TikTok another ban extension. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed in a statement Tuesday that Trump will sign an executive order this week extending the deadline another 90 days, landing the new deadline in mid-September.
Senate passes GENIUS stablecoin bill in a win for the crypto industry. Eighteen Democrats joined the majority of Republicans in passing the bill, which is the first to establish a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins, crypto tokens that are pegged to the value of the US dollar.
U.S. Treasury yields slide after retail sales tumbled in May, raising recession fears. U.S. Treasury yields fell on Tuesday after retail sales narrowed more than Wall Street economists had expected, lifting bond prices and raising concern that the economy is headed for a slowdown or even a recession.
Japan exports fall at sharpest pace in 8 months as U.S. shipments plummet. Exports from Japan in May declined 1.7% year over year, marking the sharpest decline since September 2024 as the country continues to grapple with trade uncertainties.
These are the sticking points holding up a U.S.-EU trade deal. The U.S. and European Union are running out of time to strike a deal on trade tariffs — and analysts say several key sticking points could make an agreement impossible.
Fed holds key rate steady, still sees two more cuts this year. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept interest rates steady amid expectations of higher inflation and lower economic growth ahead, and still pointed to two reductions later this year.
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Financial Reporting, Tariffs
An Illinois toy company challenged President Donald Trump’s tariffs in front of the Supreme Court on Tuesday in a long shot bid to press the justices to quickly decide whether they are legal. Learning Resources Inc. filed an appeal asking the Supreme Court to take up the case soon rather than let it continue to play out in lower courts. The company argues the Republican president illegally imposed tariffs...
Learning Resources' Stephen Woldenberg joined Ray Cortopassi on WGN-TV to share the latest on Learning Resources’ legal fight against sweeping tariffs that continue to harm small businesses, the Toy Industry, and the families we serve.
Pop Mart made $410 million selling Labubus; Here's why they're everywhere.
The toymaker Hasbro, one of the largest U.S. toy companies, has announced it will lay off 150 workers in a cost-cutting move designed to offset some of the bite associated with increased tariffs. Hasbro’s decision continues an alarming trend of layoffs. Through May this year, over 696,000 people have been laid off, up 80% from last year.
Consumer Sentiment Rebounds but Remains Below Pre-Tariff Levels. There has been a moderate rebound in consumer sentiment, but overall, consumers’ attitudes are below pre-tariff levels.
Importers Face Mounting Tariff Bills From Trade Policies. American importers are facing yet another complication from White House trade policies.
China May retail sales grow at fastest pace since December 2023 on trade-in program, holiday impact. Growth in industrial output slowed to 5.8% year on year in May from 6.1% in the prior month.
'Tariff engineering' is making a comeback as businesses employ creative ways to skirt higher duties. Global manufacturers are rethinking their products, looking to tap into a lesser-known legal technique.
Nintendo's Switch 2 has powered a $39 billion rally this year. Nintendo shares hit a fresh record high continuing a massive rally this year that has been fueled by demand and hype around its Switch 2 console.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
YouTube Shorts Now Averages 200 Billion Daily Views.
Back-to-School 2025: Youth Influence Shapes Global Spending Trends
Toymakers Team Up With Artists for Tariff-Proof Toys. Seeking adult fans with money to spend, companies like Mattel and Lego are working with artists to make exclusive — and expensive — versions of their products.
Gen Z’s ‘emotional consumption’ fuels surge in consumer stocks like Pop Mart. Stock investors are capitalising on the spending power of China’s Generation Z consumers.
From China to Nigeria, how Labubu doll has taken over fashion trends globally. Labubu, the quirky, toothy doll was originally created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and produced by Pop Mart.
Labubu emerges as China’s cultural ambassador in global toy market dominance. The queues snaking through London Westfield Stratford bore resemblance to Apple product launches of yesteryear.
Toy industry booming with 239% rise in exports in FY23 over FY15; toy biz international expo expecting buyers from 25 Countries in July. Spotlighting India's rising stature in toy manufacturing.
How Labubu Skyrocketed Pop Mart Stock 1,200%. Chinese toy company Pop Mart’s stock exploded over 1,200% in the past year thanks to its success it built off blind box collectibles like Labubu.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Juli Lennett, U.S. toys industry advisor at Circana, reflected on this growth (kidult) and cited a lipstick effect-like response from consumers while dealing with the country’s turbulent economic state. “In 2025, I expect we will see the toy industry move from consistency to creativity; we have a stronger lineup of highly anticipated toyetic movies coming in 2025 and 2026 to stimulate growth for the industry.”
Amazon Prime Day is back — this time for 4 days. After teasing the event in April, Amazon Prime Day is back — but this time it is running for 96 hours. Prime members can also access three weeks of early deals across some categories including grocery, household and swimwear.
Exclusive: Models for Heroes on the healing power of kit building. Models for Heroes (M4H) supports former and current Armed Forces and Emergency Service Personnel through model making, offering a safe space in which they can socialise, learn new skills and rebuild their confidence.
Sweet and Shelf-Worthy: 9 New Must-Have Dolls. From the sassy Bratz to fearless Moana, and more, these adorable, fashionable, and adventurous dolls and accessories bring style and pizzazz to the playroom.
Discover Squishmallows-Level Comfort with SquishPillow Launch. Jazwares‘ Squishmallows are all things soft, snuggly, and comforting. It only makes sense that the company’s next move in its growing portfolio was a pillow line.
Jeremy Clarkson's parents made a fortune by designing very famous toy. Jeremy Clarkson's mum always believed her son would not have had the TV career he did without Paddington Bear after the family played a big part in creating the iconic character.
The whiz designer behind toy and game products for people with disabilities. When afforded time, Joseph and Angela Ferraris of Cedar Knolls enjoy playing “Influence Avenue: The Game.”
Play-Doh Barbie Is The Crossover We Didn't Know We Were Missing. When you think of quintessential childhood toys, few brands have more clout than Barbie and Play-Doh. Mattel and Hasbro, the makers of the childhood favorites, have come together to create a Play-Doh-Barbie line of toys.
Mattel and Mastercard Execs on Building Brand Trust and How Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Broadened Appeal. Mattel’s chief brand officer Lisa McKnight and Mastercard’s CMO’s Raja Rajamannar shared insight on how they’re building brand trust.
Designing Calm: Toys That Help Alleviate Anxiety in Modern Times. In a fast-paced and often stressful world, toys have emerged as more than just a source of entertainment for children. They are increasingly recognized as tools to promote emotional well-being and battle anxiety.
History and Nostalgia
7 Facts About Calico Critters. The 1980s brought us the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Walkman, Transformers, and … adorable animal figurines? Looking back, the decision to launch Calico Critters—a line of wholesome mammal figures sporting 1950s-style outfits—in an era when toys increasingly lit up and plugged in seems like quite the gamble. But that’s exactly what Japanese gaming company Epoch did.
Mattel Toys and Hobbies Catalogue (1972). 1972 was a pivotal year for Mattel, as it balanced continued commercial success in core lines like Barbie and Hot Wheels against growing financial instability and the early signs of a forthcoming major corporate crisis that would erupt in 1974.
Vintage Toy Restoration – Star Wars Darth Vader Collector’s Case from Kenner. Released by Kenner in 1980, the Darth Vader Collector’s Case was part of the toy company’s The Empire Strikes Back collection. The case was a three-dimensional moulded likeness of Lord Vader’s sleek but menacing mask.
Twirl-O-Paint from Ohio Art (1970s). Released in the 1970s by Ohio Art, Twirl-O-Paint was a battery-powered spin-art toy that allowed kids to create colourful designs using centrifugal force. Early versions featured a heavy gauge lithographed metal base, with later models produced in plastic.
Monster Squad from Milton Bradley (1977). Released in 1977 from Milton Bradley, the Monster Squad board game was a roll-and-move game that challenged players to race around the board and be the first to arrive back home.
Hot Wheels 'Sizzlers' are the '70s electric cars you never heard of. It took until the twenty-teens to commercialize full-scale electric cars, but their pint-size battery-powered counterparts have been delighting children and hobbyists alike for at least 50 years.
Licensing and Entertainment
First My Hero Academia season 8 trailer teases the end of an era. My Hero Academia season 8 will be the final season of the series, and as such, the latest trailer that has just been released marks the end of an era for the popular anime based on the manga by Kohei Horikoshi.
Tubi launches digital creator videos on its streaming platform. Hailing from Vimeo, new GM Rich Bloom will head up the Tubi for Creators program, which is focused on bringing YouTubers onto the streamer and funding new productions.
Imagination Gaming appointed as new global partner for Matchify. PikyKwiky, the creator of the popular playing card game Matchify, has appointed Imagination Gaming to represent and manage the gaming property on a global basis.
Magic: The Gathering Launches Secret Lair Drop, Nuestra Magia. Wizards of the Coast is partnering with the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) for a brand-new Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair drop, Nuestra Magia, available through July 13 online.
Disney Consumer Products Takes First Steps with Fantastic Four Partnerships. Disney Consumer Products reveals new merchandise ahead of the theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps. With the movie’s debut July 25, consumers can stock up on collectibles, apparel, and more.
Pixar unveils new original film, Gatto. Pixar Animation Studios is teaming up with Luca director Enrico Casarosa again for the summer 2027 feature film Gatto, which blends a 2D-handpainted style with CG animation.
Family film Arco takes home Annecy’s top prize. Another edition of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival drew to a close on Saturday with its annual prize ceremony—and a number of kid-friendly films are among this year’s winners.
Chuck E. Cheese holiday special underway at HappyNest. Helmed by Phineas and Ferb creative duo Zac Moncrief and Jon Colton Barry, this marks the American entertainment dining chain's latest strategic content expansion.
Baboon Animation and Custom Nuts are financing a two-season toon. New York’s Baboon Animation and Custom Nuts in Tokyo/LA have joined forces to co-produce a new 2D-animated series called Ibn Battuta that’s already fully funded for two seasons with the help of private equity partners.
BBC Studios Digital Brands signs Bing as its first third-party IP. The Beeb division will manage YouTube ad sales and partnerships for Acamar's preschool brand, and it wants to forge more of these deals going forward, says Jasmine Dawson.
Nicholas Galitzine Teases He-Man Costume After Wrapping ‘Masters of the Universe’. On Sunday, the Masters of the Universe star celebrated wrapping production on the Travis Knight-helmed Amazon MGM Studios/Mattel live-action film while teasing a look at his portrayal of He-Man.
Rise from the Dead with Hasbro's Star Wars Halloween Night Trooper. Inspired by their eerie appearance from Star Wars: Ahsoka, the Night Troopers are resurrected Stormtroopers by Dathomir magic for Grand Admiral Thrawn.
‘A Minecraft Movie’ Gets Max Streaming Release Date. Based on the sandbox “Minecraft” game that was first developed by Sweden’s Mojang Studios in 2011, “A Minecraft Movie” stars four misfits — played by the likes of Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks and Sebastian Hansen.
‘Easy Would Be Boring’: ‘Zootopia 2’ Director Jared Bush on His High-Profile Sequel and Disney’s Cultural Legacy. Screenwriter Jared Bush offered the studio’s most comprehensive look yet at its hotly anticipated “Zootopia 2,” coming to theaters on Nov. 26.
Box Office: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Lifts Off With Fourth-Biggest Opening Day of 2025, ‘Materialists’ Serving Third Place Debut. Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon” spread its wings across Friday and preview screenings with $35.6 million from 4,356 North American locations.
‘Land of the Lost’ Reboot Eyed at Netflix. The streamer is in the first stages of development on a reboot of the 1970s series, about a father and his two kids who, after “the greatest earthquake ever known,” are transported to a world where dinosaurs still exist and other fantastic creatures abound.
Animaj raises US$85 million in funding. New Jersey-based investment firm HarbourView Equity Partners led this latest capital drive with France’s Bpifrance Large Venture, and JP Morgan, Bootstrap Europe, Left Lane Capital, XAnge, Daphni and Marquee Ventures were among the participants.
‘Doctor Who’ Showrunner Casts More Doubt Over Series’ Future As UK Ratings Plummet: “We Don’t Know What’s Happening”. Davies said the BBC’s iconic sci-fi series will never end, but he was less certain about its immediate future following Season 15.
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People of Play
Sally Beauty Holdings, a $865 million beauty supplies retailer announced the appointment of Max Rangel to its Board of Directors. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company currently appears undervalued based on its Fair Value assessment. Rangel, who currently serves as Global President and CEO of Spin Master Corp., brings over 30 years of consumer products industry experience...
Top D&D designers join Critical Role after quitting Wizards of the Coast. Christopher Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, previously the creative director and the game director respectively for Dungeons & Dragons, have joined forces with Critical Role.
Asmodee brings in David Preti, one of the architects of CMON’s Kickstarter strategy, to head up its own crowdfunding and miniatures operations. Preti spent eight years at CMON from 2016 and was an architect of its growth into one of board gaming’s biggest crowdfunding-focused publishers.
Bonkers Toys Signs Global Master Toy Deal for YouTube Star PrestonPlayz. Under an exclusive global master toy agreement, Bonkers will bring the world of PrestonPlayz to life through plush, roleplay items, mystery merch boxes, and more.
Amy Takahara’s Sigma Girl Media signs a pact with Tiny Island. The former Netflix director's company is joining forces with the Singaporean studio to help IP owners and brands develop bite-sized animated content made in an AI-assisted pipeline.
BBC Studios recruits Chapman Maddox. Boat Rocker alum Chapman Maddox has joined BBC Studios Kids & Family as an animation development exec, reporting to Gráinne McNamara (VP of development for live action and animation).
Companies and Brands
Midjourney, one of the most popular AI image generation startups, announced on Wednesday the launch of its much-anticipated AI video generation model, V1. V1 is an image-to-video model, in which users can upload an image — or take an image generated by one of Midjourney’s other models — and V1 will produce a set of four five-second videos based on it.
Hasbro has unveiled a ‘furb-ulous’ new addition to its Furby portfolio, with three times the plush of any of its predecessors. DJ Furby brings kids music, games, lights, jokes and much more. From upbeat jams and fun games to chill beats and lights, kids can choose their perfect vibe with this Furby and its soft, huggable body. With five modes, over 20 games, songs and activities, and over 1,000 possible play...
Hootenanny Games is adding to its lineup of family-friendly card games with the release of Early Bird. Early Bird is an action-packed card game filled with challenges that keep the energy high; it mixes the classic elements of the game Speed with some physical twists.
Oni Press, the acclaimed Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher, will release First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth in February 2026. The graphic novel honors the remarkable life of Dr. Opal Lee, a social impact leader whose decades-long activism helped establish Juneteenth as a national holiday.
Amazon CEO says it will cut jobs due to AI’s ‘efficiency’. In a memo to employees on Tuesday, Jassy writes that Amazon expects the change due to “efficiency gains from using AI extensively across the company,” without specifying how many employees would be affected.
Studiocanal Kids & Family announces Paddington partnership with Build-A-Bear. The brand-new Paddington plush, developed by Build-A-Bear, offers a fresh and interactive way to make cherished memories with the iconic and much-adored character.
Asmodee unveils latest addition to Altered TCG. Ideal for both new and returning players, Whispers from the Maze is the newest addition to the Altered TCG, bringing even more mystery, strategy and discovery to the gameplay.
Mattel Gives Hoo-Rah to She-Ra with First-Ever Barbie Doll. The Barbie brand expands with a commemorative doll honoring the legendary heroine from Masters of the Universe. This She-Ra collectible features Adora’s likeness and celebrates the 40th anniversary of her iconic appearance.
SDCC: Hasbro Pulse Brings the Heat with Its Latest Wave of Star Wars Figures. Hasbro Pulse unveiled a stellar wave of action figures for its Star Wars Black Series and Vintage Collection, including San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) exclusives and limited-edition Halloween collectibles.
The LEGO Group Adds Shelby Cobra 427 to Its Icons Collection. Celebrating the iconic sports car’s 60th anniversary this August, The LEGO Group is launching a 1:10-scale set geared specifically to adult collectors and vintage sports car fans.
The Pokémon Company Shares 2025 Pokémon World Championships Merchandise. Fans can purchase an event-exclusive Pikachu plush wearing a red letterman jacket adorned with a lightning bolt and the letter “P.”
The LEGO Group Launches New Activities to Encourage Family Connection and Positive Digital Play. The LEGO Group is committed to ensuring a safe and meaningful online community, as demonstrated by the launch of three free interactive online activities aimed at caregivers and children.
Atomic Mass Games Announces Price Adjustment Due To Trump Tariffs. Atomic Mass Games released a statement about an upcoming price adjustment. AMG isn’t calling out the Trump Tariffs by name. But you can read between the lines and know exactly what “import situation” they are referring to.
Roku and Amazon forge an advertising partnership. Amazon will integrate Roku's streaming channels and operating systems into its DSP service in Q4, giving ad buyers access to a user base of more than 80 million US households.
Fantasy Flight Games Increases Prices About 15%. The company cited that the increase in prices is due to "rising production and import costs" that are beyond the company's control. These "import costs" likely include tariffs and increased container costs due to shipping demand as a result of tariffs.
Fly into Fun with Hootenanny Games’ New Early Bird Card Game. Hootenanny Games is taking flight with a new fast-paced, family-friendly card game: Early Bird. Early Bird joins the company’s lineup of silly, high-energy games such as Disco Island Escape, Feelin’ Cute, and more.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
The Atlantic is making a big push into games. The publication is launching a new hub for its growing game offerings, including already available games like Bracket City and Caleb’s Inferno Crossword Puzzle, as well as some new puzzles.
Take-Two Interactive extends partnership with NBA, NBPA, WNBA, and WNBPA. In its latest financial report, Take-Two confirmed that NBA 2K25 and NBA 2K24 were some of the largest contributors in terms of net bookings across the 2025 fiscal year.
Studio Camelia shuts down a year after raising €300,000 on Kickstarter to fund JRPG. The French studio broke the news in an update to backers and explained it has been unable to secure the necessary funding to keep the project afloat.
Turkish studio Bigger Games nets $25 million to expand flagship mobile title. The company shared the news in a short blog post and explained the investment round was led by Goldwater Capital with additional backing from Arcadia Gaming Partners, Index Ventures, and Play Ventures.
US: Nintendo shifted over 1.1 million Switch 2 consoles. This figure would be even bigger if sales from the My Nintendo Store were taken into consideration, so we don’t know the full extent of hardware sales in the USA.
Ubisoft assures fans Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake is still coming. The original remake was canned due to a lack of polish and a strong negative reaction from players and development was rebooted by another team at Ubisoft.
Nintendo is apparently looking into reports of expanded Switch 2 back panels. As with any new video game hardware launch, reports surface fairly quickly online of any faults or deficiencies online The latest is reports of Nintendo Switch 2 console swelling which is caused by the lithium-ion batteries.
Switch 2 Joy-Con drift is already haunting Nintendo. Stick drift comes for everyone, but Nintendo Switch hardware has a reputation for being particularly prone to failure. Naturally, everyone is wondering if the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new Joy-Con controller is any better than its predecessor.
Bungie delays Marathon indefinitely. Bungie has delayed Marathon indefinitely, scrapping the game’s previously scheduled Sept. 23 release date. The company offered no new release date or window in a development update on Marathon.
Microsoft: Future 'Xbox experiences' won't be 'tied to one device'. The news comes via an announcement today from Xbox president Sarah Bond that the company has entered into a "strategic, multi-year agreement" with hardware and chip manufacturer AMD to "co-engineer" a number of devices.
US: 2,800 Nintendo Switch 2’s stolen from a delivery truck. A delivery truck driver had a nasty surprise earlier today in Colorado when he discovered that someone had broken into his truck and stolen the cargo which was 2,800 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Hades 2 marches closer to full release with the Unseen Update. Supergiant Games released the next major update for Hades 2 on Tuesday — and that means the developer is on the final stage of development for Hades 2 as it marches toward its v1.0 launch.
‘Roblox’ Kicks off the FIFA Club World Cup with an Epic Soccer Crossover. In this takeover, kids can step onto the pitch as their favorite clubs, compete in unique challenges, unlock exclusive gear, and even check updates about the real-life tournament.
Remastered ‘Backyard Baseball ’97’ Heads to Switch, PS5 (Gaming News Roundup). A remastered version of the classic ’90s kid game “Backyard Baseball ’97” made its console debut across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 on June 12.
Warner Bros. Games restructures around Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC. Warner Bros. Games has announced a restructure that will usher in a raft of leadership changes to help the company refocus its business around Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC.
Blue Prince is coming to Mac. Blue Prince, the architectural mystery puzzle roguelite, is coming to a Mac near you. In a press release from the game’s publisher, Raw Fury, it was announced that Blue Prince is getting an update that will add Mac support (via Steam) coming “later this year.”
Nintendo launched the Switch 2 in a tariff storm; Now comes the difficult part. When Nintendo unveiled details about its highly anticipated Switch 2 console on April 2, little did it know the day would be a turning point in global trade.
Sonic Team’s Yui Karasuno reveals Sonic x Persona artwork. SEGA and Atlus are readying Persona 5: The Phantom X for mobile devices and PC and to celebrate the upcoming release Sonic Team artist, Yui Karasuno, has produced a lovely new piece of art.
Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct roundup. Launching July 17 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, Donkey Kong Bananza is an all-new 3D platforming game that lets DK punch, grab, toss, climb, smash and flex his strength as he explores the depths of this wild action adventure!
Beat Saber is abandoning PlayStation VR. Starting this month, Oculus Studios will no longer be releasing Beat Saber content for PlayStation VR on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and plans to end multiplayer support for PS4 and PS5 in early 2026.
Highlighted Press Releases
($100/week/press release in this highlighted section and on newsletter sent Friday)
ALPHA TOYS TAKES INFINITY NADO FOR A SPIN IN NORTH AMERICA
Overseas Animated Sensation Infinity Nado is Bringing its Stylish Brand of Spinning Top Battle Toys to the US! Fontana, CA (June 19, 2025) – Spinning Top battling is all about your spirit, both the one within yourself and the one within the Nado! Infinity Nado from Alpha Group is bringing its toy line stateside, courtesy of Alpha Toys. Now on its sixth season, interested fans can catch up on the series through Amazon Prime Video and learn about the latest characters like the ambitious and kind-hearted Lin, plus the vast array of friends and rivals.
CHECK OFF YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL LIST IN STYLE WITH PAPERAGE!
PAPERAGE Has Everything a Student Needs, All on One Convenient Landing Page! Charlotte, NC (June 16, 2025) – Back to School season is closing in, so students and parents alike are looking for supplies that can withstand fervent-notetaking, packed scheduling, and many days of jostling around in a bookbag. PAPERAGE combines quality, style and value pricing, a rare combination in paper goods and back-to-school supplies. PAPERAGE journals, pen and planner enhance everyone’s writing time. Why settle for basic when you can have fabulous?
Safety and Counterfeiting
The Toy Association™ Shares Essential Summer Safety Tips. With the first day of summer right around the corner, The Toy Association™ is sharing its top tips for outdoor play with parents and caregivers to ensure kids are playing safely while having fun in the sun.
Hobby Toy Hammer Ball Sets Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking Hazard; Violation of Federal Regulation for Toys with Small Balls; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by Shantou Haochengheng Technology
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Set Yourself Up for Success at Toy Fair® with Upcoming Exhibitor Academy Sessions. Toy Fair® 2026 exhibitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for several upcoming Exhibitor Academy sessions, which will provide valuable insights and practical tips for a successful show.
World of Toys Pavilion Returns to Tokyo Toy Show with Expanded Presence. Spielwarenmesse eG brings 27 global companies to Tokyo as part of its international trade initiative.
Autumn Fair 2025 to showcase the power of licensing in retail. As retail prepares for the crucial golden quarter, Autumn Fair will spotlight the power and profitability of licensing across the gifting, homeware and fashion sectors.
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America (BNTCA) is on the road again with the 2025 Gundam Base Mobile Tour. This is the event’s third U.S. tour, and it will bring GUNPLA activities to 12 states throughout the summer.
Board Game Club readies Summer Special. Board Game Club will return for its Summer Special on Tuesday 8th July, once again transforming the stylish surroundings of London’s Century Club into a haven for game-loving grown-ups.
A.B.Gee’s second showroom now open to visitors. Billed as one-stop destinations for sourcing the hottest products and exclusive lines, the distributor’s showrooms showcase a dynamic, ever evolving range from the industry’s top brands, including Mattel, Hasbro, Zuru, Spin Master, Funko, and more.
Lego F1 family experience to arrive at Battersea Power Station. Taking place in Power Station Park at Battersea Power Station on Sunday 6th July, attendees will be able to catch all the Formula 1 British Grand Prix 2025 action live on the big screen, as well as take part in a whole host of fun Lego activities.
Halloween & Costume Association Announces Submissions for 2025 Spooky Awards. The 2025 Spooky Awards recognize the hard work that creators and manufacturers dedicate year-round to creating fresh, frightfully fun Halloween products.
The CoComelon: Sing-A-Long Live Tour Brings Tunes to New Towns. The new leg of the tour will kick off in September, with stops in Philadelphia, Boston, Louisville, Detroit, and Chicago. Featuring silly songs and surprises, this interactive show will have the family jamming, moving, and grooving.
Fans Immerse Themselves at Netflix House. At Netflix House, fans can experience some of their favorite shows in real life. Visitors will jump into fan-faves such as Wednesday, Squid Game, One Piece, Stranger Things, and the Knives Out franchise and encounter unique immersive experiences.
Hasbro and Baseball Lifestyle 101 Go Big with Life-Sized Monopoly Game. The leading toy company will take over Maimonides Park with Baseball 101 on Monday, June 23. The home of the Brooklyn Cyclones will host a giant, real-world Monopoly game.
First Look at the Kids Choice Awards 2025 Set Design: “We’re Throwing the Biggest Party in a Slime Warehouse”. "This year, we're doing away with the traditional award show tropes," says Paul Medford, vp unscripted, current series, at Nickelodeon.
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
Brian Wilson, Heart and Soul of The Beach Boys, Dies at 82. Brian Wilson, whose “teenage symphonies to God” made him the poet laureate of adolescent heartbreak as a founding member of The Beach Boys
Joe Morrison - Joe joined toy giant Mattel in 1978, heading up its Hot Wheels division. As Executive VP of Marketing in the early ’80s, he led the team that created the legendary He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toy line that was later developed into an animated TV series and movie. Award-winning actor Frank Langella has said that the Masters of the Universe movie gave him one of his all-time favorite roles, the supervillain Skeletor. Joe left Mattel to follow a longtime dream. He co-founded a toy company, Morrison Entertainment Group (now MEG Toys). The company went on to create Monster In My Pocket, Puppy in My Pocket, Stink Blasters and other “evergreen” brands that continue delighting new crops of kids, year after year.
Loretta Swit, who won two Emmy awards for her role on the popular comedy TV series M*A*S*H, died on Friday, according to her representative. She died at her home in New York at age 87, her publicist Harlan Boll told the BBC.
Jonathan Joss, King of the Hill voice actor has died after a shooting outside his home in Texas at age 59, the San Antonio Police Department has confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Renée Victor, the actress best known for her voice role as Abuelita in the beloved animated film Coco and arc as Lupita on Showtime’s Weeds, died surrounded by her family at her Sherman Oaks, Calif. home.
Judy Blau in NY Times. Judy was a lovely person and the article captures her spirit. I was honored to get to know her when she was the recipient of our 2017 TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Award and we kept in touch. Two researchers from the NY Times reached out to me for help on the article, including photos. Here is our article about Judy, written by Ruth Green Synowic that we ran in 2017.
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Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
We are honored to carry on Phil's 22 year legacy and continue the Bloom Report. Phil has been a mensch
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If you would like to reach Phil: philip.bloom100@verizon.net
Publisher/Editor: Mary Couzin, SVP Toy Association, Founder & Lead People of Play, formerly Chicago Toy & Game Group
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