By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter ZAG has appointed James Nunziati as Head of Global Sales for ZAG Play's recently launched Toy Division. In his new position at ZAG Play, Nunziati will build on the Toy Division's sales operations by developing and executing new sales strategies and establishing sustainable relationships with both customers and retailers. He will also … [Read more...] about Who’s News: ZAG Makes Key Hire For New Toy Division
Traditional Toys/Games
Hasbro’s Releases Gelfire Blaster With World’s Top YouTuber
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro has released its much anticipated NERF Pro Gelfire blaster, in collaboration with YouTube star MrBeast. The latest licensed product from Hasbro is a testament to the growing commercial power of social media stars. Last week MrBeast surpassed the long-time record holder PewDiePie to become the most watched channel on YouTube, … [Read more...] about Hasbro’s Releases Gelfire Blaster With World’s Top YouTuber
Arcade1Up Literally Adds Some Risk To Your Gaming Life
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Arcade1Up and Hasbro have teamed up to add the classic strategy game Risk to Arcade1Up's Infinity Game Table. The Infinity Game Table is a hybrid touchscreen board game table that combines digital and tabletop experiences. Risk joins close to 100 other licensed games for the device, including Scrabble, Chutes & Ladders, Clue, and … [Read more...] about Arcade1Up Literally Adds Some Risk To Your Gaming Life
Spin Master Puts the Pieces Together To Acquire Puzzle Company
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has reached an agreement to acquire the Canadian-based puzzle company, 4D Brands International. "As part of our long-term growth strategy, we're focused on finding new, pathbreaking acquisitions that will further expand our presence in key categories of play, as well as expanding our reach and connection with consumers," said … [Read more...] about Spin Master Puts the Pieces Together To Acquire Puzzle Company
Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for 2022
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Toy Association has unveiled its Holiday 2022 STEAM Toy Guide, which includes 30 officially accredited STEAM-based toys. The STEAM Toy Guide features hands-on toys and activities that engage kids in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Each toy on the list has passed a strict product evaluation process to earn an official … [Read more...] about Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for 2022
MGA Makes a Half-Billion Move Into Animation, Acquires Pixel Zoo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA) has unveiled MGA Studios, an independent subsidiary backed with more than a half billion dollars in cash and assets. MGA also announced it has acquired Pixel Zoo Animation, a leading global digital animation studio, as MGA Studio's first acquistion. The company says the big move underscores MGA’s continued … [Read more...] about MGA Makes a Half-Billion Move Into Animation, Acquires Pixel Zoo
McFarlane Toys Spawns New ‘Phygital’ Collectibles For Fans
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The company that launched the Spawn franchise is now spawning a collection of new 'phygital' products. McFarlane Toys, the toy company founded by comic book creator Todd McFarlane, will be releasing its first-ever digital collection featuring classic McFarlane Toys' characters including Spawn, The Redeemer, and The Clown, with the first … [Read more...] about McFarlane Toys Spawns New ‘Phygital’ Collectibles For Fans
Prospero Hall Releases Long Awaited Jurassic World Board Game
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Prospero Hall has released a licensed board game called Jurassic World: The Legacy of Isla Nublar for Funko Games. Prospero Hall, previously known as Forrest-Pruzan Creative, is a board game developer that was acquired in 2019 by the pop-culture consumer products company Funko Inc. The developer is responsible for designing licensed … [Read more...] about Prospero Hall Releases Long Awaited Jurassic World Board Game
Toy Licensing: PhatMojo Appoints Mix Licensing For Global Representation
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter PhatMojo has appointed Mix Licensing Group to grow their licensing portfolio and form new master toy partnerships. Mix Licensing will be responsible for evaluating brands in the categories of entertainment, gaming, pop-culture and more to expand PhatMojo’s master toy programs and maximize retail impact. “It is exciting to work with such … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: PhatMojo Appoints Mix Licensing For Global Representation
Wizards of the Coast, Post Malone Team Up for Secret Lair Cards
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The three-time diamond selling musician Post Malone is designing art for Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair playing cards. Malone is partnering with Hasbro's Wizard of the Coast division mainly because he is a well-known Magic: The Gathering enthusiast, who will now be included in the game. Secret Lair is a direct-to-consumer, … [Read more...] about Wizards of the Coast, Post Malone Team Up for Secret Lair Cards