By Karina Masolova As traditional linear entertainment falls by the wayside, new technologies emerge that make it possible for us to interact with brands. Thus, for example, Internet TV is making on-demand the norm for TV viewing. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality are also among the technologies changing the rules of engagement. Know Your Headsets Google Cardboard … [Read more...] about New Frontiers in VR
Interactive/Online
Activision Latest to Launch TV/Movie Studio
By Karina Masolova Activision Blizzard made its latest move in a series set to position the company as a multi-platform entertainment franchise power. The video game development company launched its own TV and movie studio, Activision Blizzard Studios. It joins companies like Mattel and Hasbro, whose in-house studios are set grow their overall business. On the other side of the … [Read more...] about Activision Latest to Launch TV/Movie Studio
Star Wars Demonstrates Power of Franchises for Licensing, Theaters
By Marcy Magiera As this story was being written and The Licensing Letter’s semi-annual chart of movies with licensing potential compiled, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was breaking advance ticket sales records two months ahead of its Dec. 18 opening. Online ticketing sites Fandango and MovieTickets.com reportedly crashed for some users under the heavy traffic when tickets went … [Read more...] about Star Wars Demonstrates Power of Franchises for Licensing, Theaters
Video Games in Court
This chart was first published Oct. 21, 2015 in conjunction with an in-depth analysis of the unlicensed use of trademark brands in video games. … [Read more...] about Video Games in Court
Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit
BY MARCY MAGIERA Yo-Kai Watch, the hottest kids’ property in Japan over the past 18 months, will land in North America on Oct. 5, when cable’s Disney XD will begin showing the animated half-hour five days a week. The TV premiere marks the beginning of a licensing campaign that will see a legion of mischievous Yo-kai spirits unleashed across video games, comic books, toys, … [Read more...] about Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit
Licensed Products Figure Prominently in Season’s First ‘Hot Toys’ List
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Yesterday, 105 days before Christmas, Toys 'R' Us unveiled its Holiday Hot Toy List for 2015. As you'd expect, licensed brands from Disney, especially Star Wars, figured prominently, capturing four of the coveted "Fabulous 15" spots. At least six of the Fab 15 were licensed, including (in the order listed by TRU): Doc McStuffins Take Care of Me … [Read more...] about Licensed Products Figure Prominently in Season’s First ‘Hot Toys’ List
Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market
By Marcy Magiera Yo-kai Watch is arguably the hottest kids' property in Japan. Now the franchise, about a young boy who uses a special watch to summon spirits who are causing pesky problems for people, is about to hit the U.S. In November, Nintendo will launch a Yo-kai Watch game for its handheld 3DS, about the same time that Viz Media's Perfect Square imprint will introduce … [Read more...] about Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market
Coming Video Games More Original; Sequels & New IP Ripe for Licensing
The video game industry, like the movie business, relies heavily on sequels and established franchises to fill its coffers. It takes only a glance at the roster of top-selling titles to tell why: In games, like movies, sequels sell. Vintage Games & Their Progeny Dominate 2014 The NPD Group's ranking of Top 10 video game titles for 2014 contains two Call of Duty titles … [Read more...] about Coming Video Games More Original; Sequels & New IP Ripe for Licensing
Sega Expands Sonic Boom
Sega of America unveiled a host of new licensing and promotional deals involving its Sonic Boom game property, including: World Tech Toys for remote- controlled helicopters; Bulls I Toy for erasers, stickers, trading cards and other novelties; teNeues Publishing Group for wall calendars; Rubie’s Costume for costumes; Bakery Crafts/Jack Guttman for cake decoration kits. … [Read more...] about Sega Expands Sonic Boom
Bad Year for Angry Birds
Rovio Entertainment, creator of Angry Birds, saw its consumer product licensing revenues fall from €71.3 million in 2013 to €41.4 million in 2014, according to company financial reports. Disappointing Angry Birds’ licensed goods sales took down not only Rovio but the entire video games/interactive/online property type category, which fell 4% in U.S. and Canada, according to … [Read more...] about Bad Year for Angry Birds