By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Toikido’s Piñata Smashlings franchise continues its meteoric growth with a new kids series coming soon from Nelvana.
Toikido was only founded three years ago, but also has multiple successful brands, led by its Roblox hit gaming experience the Piñata Smashlings, which combines digital fun with the both physical and digital collectibles. The game has amassed an amazing ‘Like’ rating of over 97 per cent, and has enjoyed millions of plays on the Roblox platform.
Toikido and the Canadian animation studio Nelvana have very quickly turned that popularity into a new series, greenlighting a new 2D animated children’s series, with an initial run of 26 episodes.
The series is already available for international sale and already has confirmed placement with the YTV network in Canada.
“We are incredibly proud to announce the greenlight of the Piñata Smashlings™ full animated series in collaboration with Nelvana,” said Darran Garnham, CEO of Toikido Ltd. “This marks a significant milestone for us at Toikido, as we embark on an exciting journey to bring our vibrant world and beloved characters to screens worldwide.”
The partners say the new comedic adventure, tailored for kids age six to nine, complements previously unveiled Piñata Smashlings™ shorts currently streaming on Nelvana’s ‘Keep It Weird’ YouTube channel, with more shorts to launch soon.
Inspired by the immensely popular Roblox game, with a staggering ‘like’ rating of over 97 percent, the series will showcase characters from the game, each possessing unique personalities.
In Piñata Smashlings viewers will meet four friends who have been thrown together by fate to form a team of very, very unlikely Smashling heroes on a quest to save the Piñataverse from their evil foes, the Bashlings. Like the game, Nelvana says the new show is packed with over-the-top Roblox shenanigans, fast-paced comedy, and hilarious hijinks.
“Piñata Smashlings™ is such a unique brand and we’re excited to kickstart production on the TV series, diving deeper into the Piñataverse” said Mellany Welsh, VP of Nelvana Enterprises & Kids Can Press. “With multiple touchpoints through the successful Roblox game, toy and merchandise line, brand partnerships and animated shorts, the new series will broaden the fan experience and add a new way for kids to discover and engage with the brand worldwide.”
Garnham said his team was impressed with how quickly the show came together, and how well it portrays Toikido’s vision for the Smashlings. “Partnering with Nelvana has been a fantastic experience, and we’re thrilled to see Piñata Smashlings expand its reach globally, captivating audiences across different platforms and mediums,” Garnham said. “This series launch is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment and engaging experiences to children everywhere. We can’t wait to share the ongoing magic of Piñata Smashlings with the world!”
In addition to the game and the digital collectibles on Roblox, Toikido has also created a full line of physical toys and collectibles that will benefit from the new series.
Currently available for purchase nationwide in-store and online at Walmart in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia, fans can explore the Piñata Smashlings toy range comprising collectible figures, plush toys, and playsets. The collectible plush has earned recognition as one of Walmart’s “Top Toys” for Holiday 2023. Moreover, the brand’s achievements include significant collaborations, such as an immersive Chuck E. Cheese in-game and in-store experience and the creation of the official mascot, Albärt, for Euro 2024 in collaboration with UEFA.
Albärt will be integrated into the Piñata Smashlings Roblox game, alongside an exclusive Euro 2024 experience launching in May.
For broadcast opportunities, potential licensees can e-mail info@nelvana.com for more information.