Tag Archives: news

Blizzard Entertainment taps Erve Europe for Overwatch and World of Warcraft roll-out

Posted on by

Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with Erve Europe to bring its two giant gaming franchises, Overwatch and World of Warcraft to its gaming portfolio. Under the new deal, Erve will serve the European market with an onslaught of Overwatch and World of Warcraft products, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, pyjamas, shorts, socks, hoodies, and more.

Since its launch over 25 years ago, World of Warcraft has proven itself to be a gaming phenomenon, boasting as dedicated fanbase that has helped fuel the success of its five game series, theatrical release, and licensing programme that continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Overwatch has been a fan-favoured franchised since its 2016 debut. The team-based first-person shooter has its own esports league, and its sequel, Overwatch 2, is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming games to date.

“We couldn’t be happier with these two games in our portfolio,” said Tom Fabes, Erve Europe’s gaming license manager. “As I am a fan myself, I know how dedicated the players are to these games. I know people who have been playing World of Warcraft for ten years or more.

“We know our customers are open for these two games, whilst we always keep the target audience in mind. Together with Blizzard, we have set some targets and things are looking promising! Knowing what’s coming up with both games, we are very confident that this is a huge deal for us.”

Activision Blizzard’s vice president of international consumer products, Phillippe Bost, added: “Erve has a great understanding of our DNA and Blizzard fans’ expectation. We are so proud to work with Erve to bring the magic of Blizzard to our community in Europe.”

The first collections will launch in Spring Summer 2021.

Blizzard Entertainment taps Erve Europe for Overwatch and World of Warcraft roll-out

Posted on by

Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with Erve Europe to bring its two giant gaming franchises, Overwatch and World of Warcraft to its gaming portfolio. Under the new deal, Erve will serve the European market with an onslaught of Overwatch and World of Warcraft products, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, pyjamas, shorts, socks, hoodies, and more.

Since its launch over 25 years ago, World of Warcraft has proven itself to be a gaming phenomenon, boasting as dedicated fanbase that has helped fuel the success of its five game series, theatrical release, and licensing programme that continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Overwatch has been a fan-favoured franchised since its 2016 debut. The team-based first-person shooter has its own esports league, and its sequel, Overwatch 2, is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming games to date.

“We couldn’t be happier with these two games in our portfolio,” said Tom Fabes, Erve Europe’s gaming license manager. “As I am a fan myself, I know how dedicated the players are to these games. I know people who have been playing World of Warcraft for ten years or more.

“We know our customers are open for these two games, whilst we always keep the target audience in mind. Together with Blizzard, we have set some targets and things are looking promising! Knowing what’s coming up with both games, we are very confident that this is a huge deal for us.”

Activision Blizzard’s vice president of international consumer products, Phillippe Bost, added: “Erve has a great understanding of our DNA and Blizzard fans’ expectation. We are so proud to work with Erve to bring the magic of Blizzard to our community in Europe.”

The first collections will launch in Spring Summer 2021.

Melissa & Doug will continue to evaluate licensing as ‘an area of growth for the firm’

Posted on by

The global toy maker, Melissa & Doug has expressed its plans to continue to evaluate licensing “as an area to grow its reach”, as it looks for the right platforms through which to reach more parents and children.

The traditional toy specialist hit a major milestone last month when it revealed the details of its ‘biggest push into the licensing space to date,’ through a partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a range of PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You co-branded toys.

The move was billed by the toy maker as its latest steps towards international expansion, offering the firm a ‘larger platform to reach more parents and children’ with the messaging around the benefits of hands-on, open-ended play that has become somewhat synonymous with the Melissa & Doug portfolio.

Speaking with Licensing.biz, the firm has stated that licensing will be an area the company will continue to monitor and evaluate as an area of growth wherever its supports the core mission statement of Melissa & Doug to promote play.

“Right now, we’re focused on and excited about the roll our of the products with Nickelodeon in Fall 2021,” said Dave Henderson, chief commercial officer at Melissa & Doug.

“As a company, we seek opportunities with brands that align with our core values, and like Melissa & Doug, PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! are grounded in fostering imaginative play, problem solving, and creative thinking.

“The partnership affords us a larger platform to reach more parents and children with our message about the benefits of hands-on, open-ended play. If a child’s love for Marshall or Blue is what introduces them to our brand and the joys of imaginative, tangible, unstructured play, I will consider that a win.”

With licensing representative of around 44 per cent of the global toy category’s revenue, and ViacomCBS – Nickelodeon’s parent company – itself, a top ten toy licensing company, the partnership is certainly more than a little appetising.

The toys designed under the partnership – for both PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You – will be developed to educate and empower pre-schoolers through active engagement, with a focus on problem solving and creative thinking.

Henderson, said: “Both toy lines will showcase the same exceptional quality, attention to detail, and unexpected twists on classic play patterns that have made our brand a favorite of parents and children alike for more than 30 years.

“By partnering with these established properties, we are able to reach 350MM families worldwide, connecting with new audiences and introducing them to the Melissa & Doug brand.

“We will continue to evaluate licensing as an area to grow our reach where it makes sense and only if it supports our message about the benefits of hands-on, open-ended play,” he added.

Keep an eye out for the full interview feature with Melissa & Doug’s Dave Henderson in ToyNews soon.

Stern Pinball partners with Led Zeppelin to launch new range based on the band and its music

Posted on by

The lifestyle brand, Stern Pinball, has struck up a new partnership with the iconic rock band, Led Zeppelin, to launch a range of themed pinball machines each inspired by the brand and its music.

Formed in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin consisted of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. Together they became one of the best-selling bands with estimated record sales of 300 million units worldwide.

In 1995 Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their innovative and influential impact on the entire music industry.

In this high energy rock and roll pinball concert experience, pinball and music are fused together. Players are transported back to Led Zeppelin’s early days and tour the world from 1968-1980. As if players were members of the band playing its music, their play updates game features at the start of each verse and chorus of ten iconic Led Zeppelin songs:

  • Good Times Bad Times
  • Whole Lotta Love
  • The Song Remains the Same
  • Rock and Roll
  • Trampled Under Foot
  • Ramble On
  • Kashmir
  • Immigrant Song
  • Black Dog
  • Communication Breakdown

“There is nothing more energizing and fun than bringing pinball and music together,” said Gary Stern, chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “Partnering with Led Zeppelin, we created a one-of-a-kind pinball experience. It’s our dream goal to create a pinball machine with this iconic rock band.”

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature a custom-molded Hindenburg Zeppelin toy, based on the iconic imagery from the Led Zeppelin I album. When lit, the Zeppelin toy scores speed locks on the player’s musical journey to Zeppelin multiball. A custom Swan Song Records trademark Icarus sculpted leaper toy takes flight when smashed by the chaotic pinball.  A three-bank of drop targets, three custom steel ramps, and three flippers keep the pinball action rolling.

The Premium and Limited Edition models feature an innovative interactive Electric Magic toy.  This device is a unique motorized toy which rises from below the playfield to create different magical pinball experiences.

An optical spinner charges the Electric Magic magnet, capturing and making balls disappear.  The Electric Magic device also converts into a physical pinball bash toy capable of locking a ball or launching a ball aroundthe playfield.

In true rock concert fashion, the Expression Lighting System with 96 intelligent RGB LED’s enables full color spectrum control. Positioned in pockets cut into the cabinet sides to provide color themed full playfield illumination, this integrated playfield lighting system is synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events.

Only 500 Limited Edition games will be made for sale throughout the world.  This limited version includes an exclusive Icarus themed full color mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, custom high gloss Paradise Shimmer Blue powder-coated armor, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.

Stern Pinball partners with Led Zeppelin to launch new range based on the band and its music

Posted on by

The lifestyle brand, Stern Pinball, has struck up a new partnership with the iconic rock band, Led Zeppelin, to launch a range of themed pinball machines each inspired by the brand and its music.

Formed in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin consisted of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. Together they became one of the best-selling bands with estimated record sales of 300 million units worldwide.

In 1995 Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their innovative and influential impact on the entire music industry.

In this high energy rock and roll pinball concert experience, pinball and music are fused together. Players are transported back to Led Zeppelin’s early days and tour the world from 1968-1980. As if players were members of the band playing its music, their play updates game features at the start of each verse and chorus of ten iconic Led Zeppelin songs:

  • Good Times Bad Times
  • Whole Lotta Love
  • The Song Remains the Same
  • Rock and Roll
  • Trampled Under Foot
  • Ramble On
  • Kashmir
  • Immigrant Song
  • Black Dog
  • Communication Breakdown

“There is nothing more energizing and fun than bringing pinball and music together,” said Gary Stern, chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “Partnering with Led Zeppelin, we created a one-of-a-kind pinball experience. It’s our dream goal to create a pinball machine with this iconic rock band.”

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature a custom-molded Hindenburg Zeppelin toy, based on the iconic imagery from the Led Zeppelin I album. When lit, the Zeppelin toy scores speed locks on the player’s musical journey to Zeppelin multiball. A custom Swan Song Records trademark Icarus sculpted leaper toy takes flight when smashed by the chaotic pinball.  A three-bank of drop targets, three custom steel ramps, and three flippers keep the pinball action rolling.

The Premium and Limited Edition models feature an innovative interactive Electric Magic toy.  This device is a unique motorized toy which rises from below the playfield to create different magical pinball experiences.

An optical spinner charges the Electric Magic magnet, capturing and making balls disappear.  The Electric Magic device also converts into a physical pinball bash toy capable of locking a ball or launching a ball aroundthe playfield.

In true rock concert fashion, the Expression Lighting System with 96 intelligent RGB LED’s enables full color spectrum control. Positioned in pockets cut into the cabinet sides to provide color themed full playfield illumination, this integrated playfield lighting system is synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events.

Only 500 Limited Edition games will be made for sale throughout the world.  This limited version includes an exclusive Icarus themed full color mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, custom high gloss Paradise Shimmer Blue powder-coated armor, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.

The Insights People continues growth plans with new appointments and a head office move

Posted on by

The kids, tweens, and teens market intelligence expert, The Insights People, has appointed four new team members in the form of Claire Garner, Lewis Townsend, Sam Nguyen, and Joseph Newton. With the latest swathe of appointments for the firm also comes a move of offices to accomodate the expanding business.

The Insights People specialises in research and insights on children aged three to 18 and their ecosystems. It surveys more than 5,000 children each week across five continents and 13 countries; more than 277,000 children a year.

Claire Garner joins to lead the bespoke research team and lead the company’s media effectiveness analysis service. Garner has extensive research, insight and media experience having worked at MediaCom for 17 years as associate director, and more recently running Manchester based More Insight.

Nick Richardson, founder and CEO, said: “Claire has been a great friend to the business, pretty much from day one, as she has worked with us on a number of projects. I am delighted that Claire has joined the company, in what is a key role for us, not only oversee our bespoke research team, but also to lead our media analysis and evaluation services, which we will be launching early next year.”

Garner said: “It’s so exciting to be part of a team again, and a team which is so focused on innovation and solutions. Working with Nick in the past, it’s always been clear that The Insights People is a dynamic business. With insight being a long-time passion of mine, being able to work with like-minded, forward thinking people is a fantastic opportunity.”

The company also welcomes Lewis Townsend as account manager, Sam Nguyen as research executive and Joseph Newton as junior developer.

Townsend added: “After spending my first few days with Nick, and the rest of the team it is abundantly clear how passionate and dedicated everyone is in this business. The company is at an extremely exciting stage where we are seeing growth across the globe, and I am delighted to join the ever-expanding team.”

In addition to the new recruits, The Insights People has promoted Beth Bleathman to the role of senior research executive. She said: “I am delighted to be promoted, and so proud to be a part of such a fast expanding business. I am really looking forward to continuing to grow with The Insights People, and to pass on my knowledge and support to the new research executives who join the team.”

CEO Richardson, said: “I am continually humbled by the quality of people applying for roles at The Insights People, and am absolutely delighted to have Claire, Lewis, Sam and Joseph on board, who all bring incredible skills, energy and a collaborative way of working to our team. And a huge congratulations to Beth on her well-deserved promotion.”

These appointments come after the recent appointments of ex-Reach Plc executives Richard Roycroft and Sarah Mitchell who join as commercial director and group account director.

The company also continues its recruitment activity with it recruiting for roles in research, marketing, tech development and data science. For further information on careers visit: https://kidsinsights.com/careers/

Hachette Children’s brings Enid Blyton to the Fonetti app in digital first for the children’s author

Posted on by

Hachette Children’s Group – the revered children’s publishers and publishers of author Enid Blyton, as well as owner of Enid Blyton Entertanment – ha teamed with the Department for Education’s approved reading practise app, Fonetti.

The deal will see a selection of Blyton’s stories uploaded to the Fonetti library, a resource that allows children to practise their reading skills and improve their literacy by listening to them reading aloud and checking their accuracy.

This is the first time ever that Enid Blyton has been part of a digital literacy platform.

Blyton is one of the world’s best-selling children’s authors with sales of her books in excess of 500 million copies, translated into over 40 languages. In the UK she sells more than one book a minute and many of her books have been adapted into films and TV series.

As well as being regularly voted the UK’s best-loved author, according to UNESCO, Enid Blyton is the most translated children’s author in the world.

Children will now be able to access the Blyton stories, which are grouped into three categories: summertime stories, animal stories and magic and mischief stories, using the Fonetti App (fonetti.com), with each bundle of stories costing £7.99.

Fonetti’s Kim Antoniou, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our Fonetti readers these stories, from one of the best loved children’s authors of all time.  

“Literacy is the cornerstone of every child’s life.  Without it, children (and adults) are held back at every stage. The ability to read is a vital life skill and the Fonetti App aims to promote reading, particularly reading aloud, and language skills to children from four to nine years of age. Being able to offer Enid Blyton titles, alongside our many other authors, will help us to enhance and grow our reader base.”

Karen Lawler, head of brand strategy and licensed content, Hachette Children’s Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Fonetti to help ensure even more children have access to Enid Blyton’s world-famous stories. 

“Fonetti’s ability to recognise children’s words as they read aloud has the potential to build reading accuracy and fluency. Enid Blyton’s stories have been used to develop literacy skills for generations of children, so we felt it was the perfect fit.”

Wow! Stuff’s collectables range Wow! Pods tops the Amazon Best Seller Charts

Posted on by

Wow! Stuff’s recently-launched and hit collectable range, Wow! Pods has risen to in the sales ranking to top the charts on Amazon’s Best Seller list in two categories, a result that the company cites as ‘all the more impressive,’ given that the brand’s TV ads haven’t even aired yet.

“We have some super TV commercials waiting in the wings which were due to air across the usual TV channels in the UK,” said Richard North, Wow! Stuff CEO. “We had seen the sell-through success in other territories and now at UK retail without any promotions at all, so decided to launch with our social media campaign from the KidsKnowBest team.

“The sales at our retail partners has beaten everyone’s forecasts and we’ve now sold out several times and are ranked number one in two categories across Amazon: Kids’ Play Action figures and Collectables Figures and Memorabilia.

“Facebook comments are extraordinary, fans just love them and 2021 will reveal loads of new great brands and rare models for fans to add to their collections.”

Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, and Pixar brands are among the leading licenses within the Wow! Pods collection, while Facebook comments indicate that the Wow! Pods collection has already picked up a broad age range of fans and collectors.

One social media comment read: “See, you’re advertising with young kids which means I’m gonna feel stupid buying em… I’m still gonna. I’m 52 and a nerd so the hell with it.”

Disney and Keith Haring partner to celebrate Mickey Mouse with new product roll-out

Posted on by

Disney has embarked on a collaborative project with the globally revered artist Keith Haring to launch a new range of apparel and accessories featuring the artist’s own take on Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse. The range will be hitting the global retail scene throughout 2021.

In 1980, Haring created original works of art featuring Mickey Mouse in a new style unique to New York City street culture, taking inspiration from both Pop Art and urban graffiti. His love for Mickey Mouse was rooted in his childhood experiences.

Deeply influenced by Walt Disney and the incredible skill and mastery of American cartoonists of the 50’s and 60’s, Haring even aspired to be a cartoonist himself.

“I always wanted to work for Walt Disney when I was growing up, when I was a kid and in some ways I think he is one of the three most important artists of the 20th century along with Warhol and Picasso,” said Haring.

This collaboration is a continuation of Disney’s celebration of Keith Haring’s inspired artistic interpretations of Mickey Mouse which was commemorated in 2018 as part of the Mickey: The True Original Exhibition celebrating the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse.

Haring’s artwork featuring Mickey Mouse will be featured on an assortment of products across multiple brands, with Coach unveiling a new collection highlighting two artworks that will be exclusively launched with their collection.

“Keith Haring’s respect and admiration for Walt Disney, especially the beloved Mickey Mouse, served as an inspiration for some of his iconic pieces,” added the Haring Studio. “By collaborating with Disney, we are able to bring his artwork to life through a new medium and continue to celebrate his enduring influence on the art community and future generations to come.”

Semaphore Licensing celebrates global reach as pandemic fuels influencer evolution

Posted on by

Semaphore Licensing is celebrating a milestone anniversary, having continued to hit upon global success throughout a year that has been fraught with unease and uncertainty owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The company has said that it is now ‘well on its way to creating market disruption,’ despite those challenges.

Having worked with YouTube talent for over a decade through its sister company, Semaphore Business Solutions, the Semaphore Licensing team has secured deals for a portfolio spanning names such as Braille Skateboarding, Blogilates, SUperHero Kids, and Trinity and Beyond.

Following a year that has seen a ‘dramatic shift’ in the placement goal for product from in-store to online, Semaphore Licensing is priming itself to see the trend continue as ecommerce continues to grow ‘at a rapid rate.’

“The impact on influencers is rapidly evolving as well, as their roles and responsibilities as public figures take a new shape in our pandemic changed global community,” suggests the firm.

“We’re well on our way to creating market disruption despite the pandemic challenges of 2020,” said Michael Bienstock, founder and CEO, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

“We accelerated throughout a tumultuous time, and connected fans with their creators when the need for connection was at an all-time high.”