Maurizio Distefano Licensing announces the arrival of Bluey toys in Italy

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, Italian agent for BBC Studios’ property Bluey, has announced the arrival at retail of new Bluey toys from Giochi Preziosi, the Italian distributor of master toy licensee Moose Toys.

Bluey toys are now available in large-scale retail shops and major toy shop chains across Italy.

Bluey has been a massive success in Italy on Disney+, Rai YoYo and YouTube, and this timely collection of toys inspired by the colourful world of the little blue heeler is a real treat for fans of Bluey, her family and friends.

The line includes 20cm plush toys of Bluey and sister Bingo and six sets of action figures, four of which consist of two characters from the animated series (Grannies, Cousins, Pool Time, Skateboard) and two of which highlight four characters (Bluey’s Family, Bluey’s Friends). There will also be two mini playsets (Bingo’s Playroom and Bluey’s Playground) and, of course, the Heeler 4WD Family Vehicle.

The promotion and launch of the collection have left nothing to chance – inside 70 Toys Center shops there is a dedicated shelf, with an eye-catching layout and logo and a luminous sign. Supporting the launch, the rich media plan will include commercials on all preschool target TV stations. There will also be an integrated launch plan on the social channels of both Bluey and Giochi Preziosi.

Bluey has enjoyed excellent results in terms of views, registering an incredible 10.38% share on RaiYoYo in the 4-7-year-old range, taking second place on the podium on RaiYoYo for total time spent and occupying third place for the most viewed series by children on demand on Rai Play.

Further confirmation of the extraordinary success of the little Aussie dog in Italy comes in the form of the many licensing agreements already secured by Maurizio Distefano Licensing. Several products will be launched in the market in the coming months. Multiprint will produce a collection of stamp sets inspired by the series, Dulcop will offer a range of soap bubbles dedicated to the characters and Diramix plans a sticker album. Grabo meanwhile will bring Bluey to its inflatable balloons, Halantex will bring out Bluey bedding, and finally Dolfin, looking to 2023, will sweeten the Epiphany with a dedicated selection of Epiphany stockings.

Maurizio Distefano says: “As soon as I saw Bluey, I knew that it had strong potential in the Italian market but even this may be an understatement. The success of the animated series in Italy has encouraged many Italian licensees to partner with the property already and this success looks like continuing for some while.”

 

Universal Brand Development taps Moose Toys for Trolls collectibles

Moose Toys has entered a multi-year global partnership with Universal Brand Development for DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster Trolls franchise. Under the agreement, the toymaker will develop a range of collectible figures to arrive at retail in autumn 2023, to support the highly anticipated release of the newest Trolls movie in cinemas on 17 November 2023.

In addition to creating the official Trolls collectibles for the movie, the agreement allows for cross-collaboration with original brands from Moose.

“Universal Brand Development tapping us to create collectibles for the Trolls franchise is an extraordinary opportunity,” says Menal McGrath, vice president global licensing, Moose Toys. “We cannot wait to infuse our Moose magic into movie collectibles and to bring the vibrant, colourful, diverse and inclusive Trolls into several of our key original brands.”

Moose has built a reputation for its hyper-creative collectibles and for delivering a depth within each of its brands that keeps the narrative fresh and ever-expanding. As the popularity grew for its original brands, licensing became the next logical step for the toymaker. The licensing agreement with Universal Brand Development will include an expansive line of Trolls collectible figures highlighting new characters introduced in the new film, plus evergreen movie favorites like Poppy and Branch. The line will feature a deep variety of colours, finishes and hair and range of products that will be supported by a robust marketing campaign.

“Moose is an incredible partner with a keen understanding of what makes the Trolls franchise so beloved by fans,” says Joe Lawandus, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Toys, Hardlines and Publishing, Universal Brand Development. “Throughout the process, they demonstrated a clear and creative vision for not only our movie-inspired collectibles, but some truly innovative thinking about how to infuse Trolls into their popular brands. Extending the Trolls narrative beyond the film and collaborating with Moose is a tremendous value-add. We could not be more delighted about this new partnership.”

The addition of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls expands Moose’s licensed portfolio, which already includes Bluey, Octonauts and Strawberry Shortcake.

Moose Toys to create more Magic at Licensing Expo

Moose Toys has found ‘magic’ in the licensing of its popular brands, and it is poised to do so again with Magic Mixies Mixlings, a collectible line based on global sales phenom Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, as well as The Legend of Akedo, an action-packed line of collectibles that represents the toymaker’s biggest boys’ brand launch to date.

WildBrain CPLG, licensing agency for the two brands, will be hosting the toymaker at its booth (#E154) during the Licensing Show in Las Vegas, May 24-26, 2022, for vendors interested in partnering with the brands. WildBrain CPLG represents Magic Mixies Mixlings in the U.S. and Canada from its dedicated North America office; the company has the global licensing rights for The Legend of Akedo.

“We are looking to WildBrain CPLG to work its magic with both of these brands to create imaginative, clever products that incorporate the inherent brand personalities of Magic Mixies Mixlings and The Legend of Akedo,” says Menal McGrath, vice president, global licensing, Moose Toys. “We’re thinking outside the ‘cauldron’ for ways to incorporate the surprise and delight of Magic Mixies. For The Legend of Akedo, with its impressive array of collectible action figures and action-packed content that brings them to life, licensed products are the logical next step and something fans of the brand will be looking for Moose to bring to the experience.”

Magic Mixies Mixlings, a mesmerising line of more than 40 collectible figures, each with their own interactive wand and magic feature, will be supported by original content on the Moose TubeSquad YouTube channel. The 11-minute Mixlings mini movie debuts on May 13; two teasers were previously released. Additional episodes can be expected in June and throughout summer.

Working together, Moose and WildBrain CPLG will develop a range of products for Magic Mixies Mixlings that infuses innovation and real magic to continue the momentum and excitement of the Magic Mixies product, which was so successful it was the No. 1 item in Special Feature Plush in December and the Fall season and continued to be through March ’22 as per NPD. Mixies also was recognised as The Toy Foundation’s Creative Toy of the Year in 2021.

The Legend of Akedo, with its epic warrior figures, provides an expansive gallery of unique characters from which to draw ‘wild’ inspiration, including ninjas with swords, a teddy bear with a chainsaw and a big baby ruling with his gavel, as well as robots, gladiators, Vikings, dinosaurs and clowns. For both brands, the initial focus for the consumer products roll out will be on apparel, sleepwear, publishing, accessories and homeware categories.

“Moose Toys delivers incredibly imaginative toys, and we have the pleasure – and fun – to develop products that are complementary in style, form and function to the distinctive characteristics that make these two brands immensely popular,” says Jasen Wright, VP North America, WildBrain CPLG. “They are a wonderful collaborative partner, and we are delighted to work with them to deliver very special products for Magic Mixies Mixlings and The Legend of Akedo.”

Licensed merchandise for Magic Mixies Mixlings will weave in key spellbinding features of the brand that will bring magic to the clothes kids wear and the everyday accessories they use.

“While we still are in the development stage, I can say for Magic Mixies Mixlings there are plans for hidden reveals, secret compartments, colour change and many more magical touches,” says McGrath.

Since launching in autumn 2021, Magic Mixies has become a global sales phenomenon. In the U.S., Magic Mixies is the #2 brand in Total Plush YTD, as per NPD. The toy is continuing to grow in popularity with demand for Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron at retail staying high, and it has new-found celebrity on social media. The recently introduced line of Mixlings collectibles and a newly released content about the magical creatures coupled with several upcoming new product releases have the brand poised to catapult to even greater success.

WildBrain CPLG/Moose will be at Licensing Expo, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, from 24-26 May 2022. 

Silvergate Media announces new episodes of Octonauts: Above & Beyond

Silvergate Media has confirmed that a second season of Octonauts: Above & Beyond will make its global debut on Netflix on 2 May 2022. The new episodes follow the debut of this Octonauts spin-off last September where the intrepid crew proved themselves as heroes on land as well as underwater.  

In the new episodes, the Octonauts will continue to explore dynamic landscapes, experience new climates, rescue animals and protect the land they live on. Highlights include a 22-minute special, Rainforest Rescue, which sees the Octonauts embark on an adventure through the Amazon rainforest canopy to rescue a baby eaglet. Fans will also be thrilled by the introduction of three new Terra Gups to the Octonaut’s land-based vehicle fleet, based on a Giraffe Weevil, Turtle and Centipede. 

The launch of Octonauts: Above & Beyond Series 2 is perfectly timed to support the roll-out of the highly anticipated new toy range from global master toy licensee Moose Toys. Set to launch this summer, the new collection will bring the show to life with figures, vehicles, playsets, plush and more. Octonauts: Above & Beyond will feature alongside classic Octonauts lines adding depth to the growing consumer products programme.

“The expansion of the Octonauts and the broadening of the much-loved universe onto land creates a wealth of exciting new opportunities for our consumer products programme,” says Ron Allen, EVP Commercial at Silvergate Media. “We’re delighted to be continuing partnering with Netflix and are wholly committed to working with our partners, including Moose Toys, to entertain and educate young children about the wonders of the natural world.”

Moose Toys partners with Silvergate Media for new Octonauts toy line

WildBrain CPLG partners with Moose Toys for Magic Mixies licensing programme

Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG is partnering with Moose Toys to handle representation of the global toy company’s mega-hit Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, as well as planned line extensions for the brand.

Under its dedicated North America office, WildBrain CPLG will represent Magic Mixies in the U.S. and Canada to build a cross-category merchandise offering, targeting kids aged 5–8 years old. The initial focus for the consumer products roll-out will be on the apparel, sleepwear, publishing, accessories and homeware categories. Moose will be building the brand’s presence even further with a comprehensive content plan later this year.

Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “As we continue building our successful relationship with Moose Toys, it’s fantastic to add yet another of their exciting brands to our remit. Magic Mixies has captured the attention of kids and retailers alike, as demonstrated by the stand-out sales since launch. The brand has significant potential beyond the core toy range, and we look forward to forging partnerships that extend the wonderment of Magic Mixies for kids across the U.S and Canada.”

Menal McGrath, Vice President, Global Licensing, Moose Toys, adds: “WildBrain CPLG has proven itself to be a dynamic and creative partner for our brands in the U.S. and Canada. Furthering our relationship with them by adding Magic Mixies to their portfolio was both the best and the right choice to solidify Mixies’ success. We look forward to seeing them work their ‘magic’ to expand the brand’s presence in lifestyle categories for the ultimate Magic Mixies fans.”

WildBrain CPLG also handles the global licensing programme for Moose Toys’ biggest boys’ franchise to date, Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors. Additionally, the agency recently secured a partnership with Moose for a range of toys and playsets based on a fresh iteration of WildBrain’s Strawberry Shortcake brand and its new animated series, Berry in the Big City.

WildBrain CPLG partners with Moose Toys for Magic Mixies licensing programme

Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG is partnering with Moose Toys to handle representation of the global toy company’s mega-hit Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, as well as planned line extensions for the brand.

Under its dedicated North America office, WildBrain CPLG will represent Magic Mixies in the U.S. and Canada to build a cross-category merchandise offering, targeting kids aged 5–8 years old. The initial focus for the consumer products roll-out will be on the apparel, sleepwear, publishing, accessories and homeware categories. Moose will be building the brand’s presence even further with a comprehensive content plan later this year.

Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “As we continue building our successful relationship with Moose Toys, it’s fantastic to add yet another of their exciting brands to our remit. Magic Mixies has captured the attention of kids and retailers alike, as demonstrated by the stand-out sales since launch. The brand has significant potential beyond the core toy range, and we look forward to forging partnerships that extend the wonderment of Magic Mixies for kids across the U.S and Canada.”

Menal McGrath, Vice President, Global Licensing, Moose Toys, adds: “WildBrain CPLG has proven itself to be a dynamic and creative partner for our brands in the U.S. and Canada. Furthering our relationship with them by adding Magic Mixies to their portfolio was both the best and the right choice to solidify Mixies’ success. We look forward to seeing them work their ‘magic’ to expand the brand’s presence in lifestyle categories for the ultimate Magic Mixies fans.”

WildBrain CPLG also handles the global licensing programme for Moose Toys’ biggest boys’ franchise to date, Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors. Additionally, the agency recently secured a partnership with Moose for a range of toys and playsets based on a fresh iteration of WildBrain’s Strawberry Shortcake brand and its new animated series, Berry in the Big City.

Moose Toys partners with Silvergate Media for new Octonauts toy line

Moose Toys has partnered with Silvergate Media, the producers of Octonauts, on a new line of toys launching August 2022.

Moose will release a range of vehicles, figures, plush and playsets based on the popular animated TV property and its latest series, Octonauts: Above & Beyond, to preschool toy aisles nationwide.

Moose will continue the Octo-fun with line expansions, including new characters, vehicles and more, in late 2022.

“Anticipation for the new line of Octonauts: Above & Beyond toys has been building since we announced our partnership,” says Belinda Gruebner, chief marketing officer, Moose Toys. “We simply could not contain our enthusiasm and desire to share this first look at the line any longer.

“Moose’s strength and expertise in the preschool aisle shines with these toys designed to capture the hearts and imaginations of young Octo-fans. Widely regarded as one of the top preschool properties, Octonauts is action packed, educational and anchored in learning through problem solving and teamwork, and our toy line continues this outside of the episodes.”

The first wave of the range includes:

Playsets

  • Octoray Transforming Headquarters Playset [pictured above]: The ultimate transforming playset that goes from flying Octoray transporter to Headquarters. The large-scale playset comes with Captain Barnacles, three cute creatures and a collectible mission card for kids to create and play their own adventures and rescue missions. SRP $69.99
  • Octopod Action Playset: The command centre of the Octonauts world that’s featured in every Octonauts episode. The Octopod Action Playset includes Captain Barnacles, three creatures and a collectible mission card. SRP $34.99

Vehicles and Figures

  • Octonauts Deluxe Vehicles: This lineup of vehicles includes new vehicles from the latest Octonauts: Above & Beyond series as well as must-have vehicles from the original hit Octonauts show. Each vehicle comes with an Octonauts crew member, creature, and a collectable mission card. SRP $16.99
    • Gup-A and Captain Barnacles: The most iconic Octonauts Gup, the Gup-A is a submarine that is perfect for all underwater missions and adventures.
    • Gup-B and Kwazii: This shark-inspired vehicle comes complete with a chomping jaw feature.
    • Terra-Gup 1 and Dashi: Based on the new Octonauts: Above & Beyond content, the Terra-Gup 1 and Dashi are ready for land adventures.

Figures

  • Adventure Packs: Collectible packs that include one figure, an environment, a creature and a mission card to take kids on their own Octonauts adventure.  The packs feature four of the most popular Octonauts and their companion creatures, including Panni and Reindeer, Barnacles and Puffin, Kwazii and Tiger and Peso and Salamander. SRP $8.99

Gup Racers

  • Gup Racer Assortment: The debut assortment includes six collectible favorite Octonauts characters and their vehicles. With an assortment of sea and land vehicles, each vehicle comes with rolling wheels and a fixed figure. SRP $4.99

Plush

  • Plush and Talking Plush: Super-soft and cuddly Octonauts plush featuring four of the series’ most popular characters, including a talking Captain Barnacles who delivers some of his signature phrases. SRP $9.99 (plush figures); $24.99 (Captain Barnacles talking plush)

The toys will be available nationwide wherever toys are sold beginning August 2022. The launch of the new Octonauts line will be supported by a 360-marketing campaign including national television, digital media buys, influencer partnerships and in-store point-of-sale features.

There are five seasons and a trio of Netflix Original movie-length specials currently available on Netflix. The series is a ratings hit with leading broadcasters worldwide including CCTV, BBC, ABC and Super RTL. The Octonauts official YouTube channels have delivered more than 2 billion lifetime views, with in the region of 2 million subscribers.

The property’s newest series Octonauts: Above & Beyond takes the much-loved crew of intrepid explorers beyond the sea and onto land with an exciting array of new locations, vehicles and storylines to enjoy.

 

 

New licensing opportunities for hit animation Bluey as it launches in Italy and Greece

Produced by Ludo Studio and co-commissioned by BBC Studios and ABC Children’s, the much-loved global-hit animation Bluey will make its free-to-air debut on 27 December in Italy on Rai Yoyo, the public broadcast service’s preschool channel. The series will also air on ERT in Greece.

BBC Studios will also launch a new Italian language YouTube channel in January 2022 featuring clips and bonus content from the series.

Master toy partner Moose Toys will lead the product launch this coming Easter with their highly successful toy range via their distributor Giochi Preziosi. Other products from partners including global publishing partner Penguin Random House will follow. Maurizio Distefano Licensing was recently announced as BBC Studios’ licensing agent for Italy.

In Greece, Bluey will air on public broadcaster ERT, with transmission dates to be confirmed shortly. BBC Studios are in the process of finalizing the appointment of Partner Plus to act as licensing agent for Bluey in Greece and Cyprus. Giochi Preziosi will also handle distribution of Moose Toys in Greece and Turkey.

This marks further expansion in EMEA for the award-winning animation which has recently launched on free-to-air TV in Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and France. Bluey is also available on YouTube in French, Spanish and Danish and English with more than 950,000 subscribers.

The series follows Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog who loves to play and turn everyday family life into extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family, friends and community into her world of fun.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018, and has quickly become a global hit.

In Australia, Bluey is the number one kids show on broadcast television in 2020 and is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview. In June 2019, BBC Studios struck a global broadcast deal with Disney to premiere Bluey in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China; it now screens in over 60 countries.

In the UK, it was the most viewed show on CBeebies in August and is also available on Disney+. In the US, across Disney Junior and Disney Channel in Q2 2021, the show was the #1 most watched TV series with kids ages 2-5.

Bluey has also won multiple awards, such as the International Emmy Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020, and its second AACTA Awards for Best Children’s Program that same year. The accolades continue in 2021, with Bluey winning four Kidscreen Awards in February.

Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

Moose Toys fast-tracks licensing and entertainment programmes for global sales phenom Magic Mixies

Moose Toys’ interactive Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron has eclipsed its previous smash-hit Shopkins to become the highest-grossing SKU per week in Moose Toys’ history.

The demand for the product has prompted the company to accelerate a global consumer products licensing programme with top agents in key territories, as well as a robust content plan via strategic entertainment partnerships.

“The worldwide excitement surrounding Magic Mixies has been extraordinary,” says Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “We planned an incredibly aggressive forecast, but sales have far exceeded what we imagined. We tripled our forecast knowing this product was going to strike a chord with kids and their parents. Seeing the response and faced with current shipping challenges, we mobilized quickly to find a work-around, even air shipping goods to meet demand.

“While we expect Magic Mixies to be available during the holiday selling season, given the velocity in preorder and early sales, we expect a complete sell-out.

“Magic Mixies will be the next mega franchise to launch from a hit toy. We’re looking forward to seeing the magic our partners bring to a vast array of consumer products through our world-class global licensing and entertainment programmes.”

In the month since its October 1 launch, Magic Mixies has consistently appeared as the number-one bestselling toy on Amazon and has been named on all major retailer top toy lists, including Walmart Top Rated for Kids, Target and Amazon’s Toys We Love. It has achieved nearly 100,000 units sold by online and instore retailers for the week of Oct 17 nationally, and won top toy accolades in France, Spain and Canada.

Moose Toys will kick off a “very robust” consumer product programme at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) on November 17. A licensing agents announcement is forthcoming.

“Magic Mixies is a great example of how Moose Toys continues to diversify its brand portfolio,” says Menal McGrath, Vice President, Global Licensing, Moose Toys. “Magic Mixies has strong licensing appeal. Across the board and around the globe, reception to the brand has been so positive we fast-tracked the licensing programme for Fall/Holiday 2022.”

 

 

Moose Toys delivers knockout new franchise Akedo Ultimate Arcade Warriors with WildBrain CPLG and Nickelodeon

Moose Toys is delivering a knockout new launch this summer and its ‘biggest boys’ launch to date’ with the arrival of Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors, a battling action figure series that will launch with a new animated series, a licensing programme managed by WildBrain CPLG, and a special tournament hosted by Nickelodeon.

Derived from the Japanese word for arcade, Akedo has a retro gaming look and combines it with kids battling one-on-one with 39 unique warriors including ninjas, robots, gladiators and Vikings, alongside teddy bears, a dinosaur and clowns, using skill and strategy to claim victory over their equally well-equipped opponents.

Building excitement for the action-packed game play of Akedo, Moose is making its largest ever investment in content with WildBrain. Moose also is partnering with Nickelodeon to create a branded “as live” event ― The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament ― on Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel which garners over 50 million views each month.

To create full franchise opportunities for the new brand, Moose and WildBrain Spark are co-producing a new animated series bringing the world of Akedo to life. The action-packed series trailer can be viewed on the MooseTube Mania YouTube channel, a mini movie will premiere on July 2 and full episodes will roll out shortly thereafter.

Episodes also can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video Direct. In Canada, WildBrain also will debut the new Akedo series on its leading television network beginning this fall.

Alongside the robust content offering, Moose also has partnered with WildBrain CPLG, to manage a global licensing program for the Akedo brand across all categories to follow the toys’ launch. WildBrain will handle global distribution for the new series.

Action-packed gameplay is created by figures that are attached to individual coin bases that are reminiscent of arcade play. Using the included controller, figures deliver a unique split strike action that literally splits the other Akedo figure in half. Players’ skill and strategy increase as they move through the collection of 39 warriors, including Classic, Epic, Ultra Rare, Legendary, Exclusive Ultra Rare and the very Limited Edition Mythical Stormstrike, a glow-in-the-dark Viking.

For the ultimate battle experience, players can match up in the ’90s retro style Ultimate Battle Arena, a play-set that emulates an old-school arcade game complete with its own theme song. The arena comes with two exclusive Ultra Rare warriors, Turbo Chux and Screen Shot, both with double battle accessories.

Included are two interchangeable backdrops, two deluxe controllers and detachable training punching bag. Adding excitement, and a bit of humor, to the battles, the arena plays more than 35 real battle sound effects.

“Our success in the boys’ aisle with the Treasure X and Heroes of Goo Jit Zu lines established Moose as a toy super innovator in the category. We are pulling out all of the stops with the Akedo launch,” said Ronnie Frankowski, chief marketing officer, Moose Toys.

“Combining our expertise in collectibles, WildBrain’s cutting edge approach to content and licensing and Nickelodeon’s ability to create on-trend interactive events for its highly engaged and loyal audience, Akedo is positioned to deliver a knock-out hit.

“It’s the most dynamic battling toy ever, and with deep collectability and engaging entertainment, we are delivering a fully-rounded experience that meets kids where they are. It’s a bold move that is consistent with Moose WOW innovation. Akedo is the next global boys’ action franchise mega hit.”

Rachel Taylor, commercial director, WildBrain Spark, added: “Having successfully managed Moose’s YouTube strategy for a number of years at WildBrain Spark, we know just how incredibly engaged kids are with their content online. As more and more kids’ brands move to digital-first launch strategies, it’s a natural step to extend our Moose partnership across WildBrain’s integrated offering of production, distribution and licensing for the amazing new Akedo franchise.

“Moose has an excellent track record of delivering toys kids love, and we’re confident Akedo is going to be a big hit both on and off screen.”

Frankowski added: “Working with Nickelodeon we’ve created an action-packed interactive component to the product launch, The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament, that literally brings to life the Akedo experience in a way no other partner could.

“Moose has had a long-standing relationship with Nickelodeon, but this is the first time we’ve partnered with them for a branded “as live” event. Tapping into Nickelodeon’s group of top-level influencers to introduce kids to Akedo and this absolute next level game play will be entertaining as well as demonstrate how the game is played by enthusiasts that kids can relate to.”

April L. McKenzie, Vice President, Kids & Family Activation, Velocity, ViacomCBS, said: “Through this collaboration with Moose Toys, Nickelodeon continues to push the envelope by creating innovative content and experiences that appeal to fans of all ages.

“The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament not only spotlights the exciting launch of this new action-based toy, but also offers kids and families an opportunity to be at the center of the action.”

The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament will tap the power of Nickelodeon’s 35 million social reach, and enlist its talent and influencers to reach kids and parents. The event will match up 16 competitors made up of kids and top influencers in an exclusive bracket-style tournament, with each competitor battling for their warrior to win the title and become the Ultimate Akedo Champion.

Leading up to the event, influencers including Ninja Kidz, Onyx Kids, Kyle’s Toys & Games and Ohana Boys will be sharing content that showcases how they are training for battle.

On Aug. 15, the event goes live on Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel hosted by digital creator and YouTube star Nathan from Unspeakable calling the action through Aug. 21. Catch it after Aug. 21 on Moose’s YouTube channel, MooseTube Mania.

Akedo will launch on Walmart.com and Amazon in July and in stores at all major retailers in August.