By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Konami Cross Media NY has secured a series of new licensing deals for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise across the European market.
The new licensing partners for the franchise include Forbidden Planet, Fine Chaos, Clementoni, Finesse Skateboards, Gatherers’ Tavern, Hiya Toys and Pernigotti.
Spanning multiple categories, the new licensees will begin introducing their products to market later this year.
“We are pleased to conclude these new licensee partnerships that will introduce many must-haves Yu-Gi-Oh! products for the first time, giving us access to important retail distribution channels in key territories around the world,” said Konami Cross Media NY SVP, Jennifer Coleman. “The new Yu-Gi-Oh! merch will begin to roll out by third quarter this year.”
Forbidden Planet will release a wide selection of collectible Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise across its e-commerce website and network of in-store locations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Fine Chaos has signed on to develop a range of licensed apparel for the anime property.
The apparel collection is scheduled to debut during the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2025 in Paris.
The Italian toy company Clementoni is creating a series of Yu-Gi-Oh! themed puzzles which will be distributed to retailers across Europe.
Finesse Skateboards has signed on to introduce a line of themed skateboards and skate decks for children and youth.
For fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game, Gatherers’ Tavern will bring to market a selection of licensed plush accessory bags.
Hiya Toys is developing a range of high-end action figures inspired by characters from the franchise.
The global toy company will support the collection’s debut through promotions across its official social media accounts.
Lastly, Konami Cross Media NY’s Italian sub-agent, Starbright Licensing, secured a partnership with Pernigotti to launch a line of Yu-Gi-Oh! Chocolate Easter eggs in time for Easter 2026.
First launched as a manga series by Kazuki Takahashi, Yu-Gi-Oh! follows a young boy named Yugi Mutou who is possessed by an ancient spirit after activating an artifact called the Millennium Puzzle.
Throughout the series, Yugi and his friends have to face numerous challengers who wield other Millenium artifacts through card-based Shadow games.
Since its debut, the Yu-Gi-Oh! IP has expanded into a global multi-media franchise that includes numerous manga volumes, anime series, feature films, trading card games, licensed consumer products and more. Konami Cross Media NY is responsible for handling the licensing rights for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise outside of Asia.
Photo courtesy of Konami Cross Media NY and Forbidden Planet.
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