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PAW Patrol, Star Wars and LEGO Nintendo among Argos’ top 12 Toys for Christmas 2020 picks

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Argos has revealed its top 12 toys for Christmas 2020 in anticipation of the Christmas toy shopping season and a nation that ‘has rekindled its love for toys,’ through more time spent at home throughout lockdown. Among the top toys, PAW Patrol, Star Wars, and LEGO’s Super Mario collection all feature.

With less than 200 days to go until December 25th, the British store predicts LEGO Lamborghini, Baby Yoda and a pooping flamingo to be among its top sellers this Christmas, while this season will see consumers tap into nostalgia-fuelled shopping driven by the lockdown and time spent at home.

According to research carried out by Argos, more than a fifth of parents plan to gift their child something that conjures memories of their own childhood this year. It goes some way to explain why the likes of Star Wars and LEGO’s Nintendo Super Mario range are among the predicted top sellers for 2020.

Juliet Ward, head of toy buying at Argos, said: “With so much time spent inside during lockdown, the nation has rekindled its love for toys, turning to them now more than ever to keep themselves entertained during what has been a difficult time for many.

‘This year’s top toys list offers a huge variety of new products, ranging from toys inspired by the biggest TV and gaming franchises to bizarre – but crucially, fun – pooping animals.

‘When we craft the list of our top toy predictions for the year, we always try to accurately gauge the “toy crazes” that are set to make thousands of wish lists.

‘This year it’s heartening to see so many toys that will encourage families to spend time together, whether that’s putting together a LEGO Lamborghini or reminiscing over the Mario games of the 80s and 90s.”

An animatronic doll of The Child from The Mandalorian – affectionately known as Baby Yoda – is expected to be one of this year’s biggest hits, joined by the LEGO Adventures with Mario Starter Course, enabling fans to recreate the iconic platform game in brick form.

As Argos’ research goes on to suggest that 40 per cent of parents are set to purchase more toys that encourage active and imaginative play this year, the retailer is firmly tapping into the trend with its Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo that tells kids when it has to sit on its potty. Joining it is the Poopsie Dancing Unicorn.

Familiar faces come in the form of new toys from LOL Surprise and PAW Patrol. Spin Master’s PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller is joined by the LOL Surprise OMG Fashion Dolls Series 3.

The £350 LEGO Technic Lamborghini denotes a desire for the high-end toy lines this year, while the £60 KidiZoom Studio reflects the youth’s lean in to the world of TikTok and YouTube. The list is rounded out with the Hatchimals Pixies Crystal Flyers, and Laser Battle Hunters, promoting active play.

Spin Master and Warner Bros partner to launch Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game to Nintendo Switch

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Spin Master, Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, and WayForward have detailed the upcoming launch of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia. a new role-playing video game that will arrive exclusively on Nintendo Switch later this year.

The new video game is the latest extension of the Bakugan franchise that already spans its anime adventure TV series, innovative toy line, card game and more. The game will centre on an new original story and the franchise’s signature Bakugan brawls.

“We’re pleased to partner with Spin Master and WayForward to bring the brawling action of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia to Nintendo Switch,” said Kevin Kebodeaux, senior vice president, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The global popularity of Bakugan is undeniable, and this game is sure to excite players everywhere.”

“Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia expands the popular brawling franchise with a new exhilarating, interactive game format with customization, competitive action, deep strategy, and anime-style characters and worlds that all gamers and Bakugan fans will love,” said Simonetta Lulli, vice president, Spin Master Studios. “Whether playing solo or against Bakugan brawlers online, the game offers endless hours of play at home or on the go.”

“The brand new, action-packed video game and our partnership with Nintendo Switch and WayForward is so important to the Bakugan franchise as it continues expand globally,” said James Martin, SVP Brand Marketing and GBU Lead of Bakugan. “Now, a whole new generation of fans can experience the excitement and skill of Bakugan in more ways than ever before.”

Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, produced by Spin Master and developed by WayForward, the Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game will take players on a journey through an original story expanding on the hit TV series and toy franchise. They can create and fully customize their Brawler to fight side-by-side with the mysterious alien Bakugan as their human partner in battle.

The game features a fully navigable 3D world divided into different districts each with dedicated battle arenas. Players can interact with other characters, go on quests, and explore with their Bakugan friends. They can also test their brawling skills online in head-to-head multiplayer against friends or players from the around the world to become a true Champion of Vestroia.

A physical Deluxe Edition pack, featuring the video game, an exclusive Ultima Dragonoid toy which transforms into a fierce Bakugan, Ultima Dragonoid trading card, Ultima Dragonoid metal gate card, plus two powerful BakuCores™ will also be available at launch.

Spin Master and Warner Bros partner to launch Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game to Nintendo Switch

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Spin Master, Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, and WayForward have detailed the upcoming launch of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia. a new role-playing video game that will arrive exclusively on Nintendo Switch later this year.

The new video game is the latest extension of the Bakugan franchise that already spans its anime adventure TV series, innovative toy line, card game and more. The game will centre on an new original story and the franchise’s signature Bakugan brawls.

“We’re pleased to partner with Spin Master and WayForward to bring the brawling action of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia to Nintendo Switch,” said Kevin Kebodeaux, senior vice president, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The global popularity of Bakugan is undeniable, and this game is sure to excite players everywhere.”

“Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia expands the popular brawling franchise with a new exhilarating, interactive game format with customization, competitive action, deep strategy, and anime-style characters and worlds that all gamers and Bakugan fans will love,” said Simonetta Lulli, vice president, Spin Master Studios. “Whether playing solo or against Bakugan brawlers online, the game offers endless hours of play at home or on the go.”

“The brand new, action-packed video game and our partnership with Nintendo Switch and WayForward is so important to the Bakugan franchise as it continues expand globally,” said James Martin, SVP Brand Marketing and GBU Lead of Bakugan. “Now, a whole new generation of fans can experience the excitement and skill of Bakugan in more ways than ever before.”

Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, produced by Spin Master and developed by WayForward, the Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game will take players on a journey through an original story expanding on the hit TV series and toy franchise. They can create and fully customize their Brawler to fight side-by-side with the mysterious alien Bakugan as their human partner in battle.

The game features a fully navigable 3D world divided into different districts each with dedicated battle arenas. Players can interact with other characters, go on quests, and explore with their Bakugan friends. They can also test their brawling skills online in head-to-head multiplayer against friends or players from the around the world to become a true Champion of Vestroia.

A physical Deluxe Edition pack, featuring the video game, an exclusive Ultima Dragonoid toy which transforms into a fierce Bakugan, Ultima Dragonoid trading card, Ultima Dragonoid metal gate card, plus two powerful BakuCores™ will also be available at launch.

Spin Master updates financial outlook for 2020 following coronavirus pandemic

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The global entertainment company, Spin Master – the home of brands including the popular PAW Patrol and Bakugan franchise – is to withdraw its 2020 outlook in connection to projected product sales, stating that the potential impact of the developing COVID-19 situation on the firm is as yet unquantifiable.

The firm previously provided a 2020 outlook on March 4th this year, but, as the global coronavirus pandemic continues to deepen, will issue no further guidance in the near term due to the uncertainty surrounding it.

It is anticipated that the spread of COVID-19 and global measures to contain it, will have an impact on the company, however it is challenging to quantify the potential magnitude of such impact at this time. Spin Master is regularly assessing the situation and remains in contact with its customers and suppliers to assess any impacts and risks. It will provide a further update when it reports Q1 2020 results on May 6, 2020.

The 2020 outlook provided by Spin Master on March 4, 2020 reflected the information available to the Company at that time. This information included factory capacity in China, Vietnam and India, labour return rates, tooling availability, raw material and component availability, the ability to shift production between various geographies and products and customer acceptance of modified delivery dates.

Since that time, production levels have increased significantly and are approaching normal levels. However, due to the current market disruptions and heightened uncertainty caused by the spread of COVID-19 in global customer markets, the company is withdrawing such guidance.

“Since early March we have seen a substantial improvement in our Asian supply chain, particularly in China, as expected. However, the disruption we are now seeing in key customer markets resulting from the impact of COVID-19 is significant and we are withdrawing our fiscal 2020 guidance statement as a result thereof,” said Mark Segal, Spin Master’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“Our balance sheet remains strong, with cash on hand and committed credit lines available, which provides us with significant financial flexibility. Spin Master is known for its resiliency and entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in our ability to withstand any issues and continue to succeed.”

PAW Patrol is bounding onto the big screen with its first animated movie in 2021

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PAW Patrol is bounding onto the big screen with the launch of the first animated feature film produced by Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies.

The film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and is slated to hit theatres by August next year.

The movie will be directed by Cal Brunker (Escape from Planet Earth), with Spin Master Entertainment’s EVP Jennifer Dodge producing. Ronnen Harary, co-CEO of Spin Master, will executive produce along with the company’s EVP of strategic partnership and franchise development Adam Beder.

PAW Patrol The Movie is set to be the first of multiple feature films in the works by Spin Master’s entertainment division.

PAW Patrol first launched in 2013 and now airs in 30 languages in more than 160 countries. The series was Spin Master’s first original pre-school property and went on to become a ratings smash. For years PAW Patrol was also a driving force behind sales for the company’s pre-school and girls segment (up seven per cent to US$493 million in fiscal 2017 and up five per cent to US$517.5 million in fiscal 2018).

Spin Master shakes things up for Etch A Sketch with Hasbro, NASA and Stan Lee partnerships

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Spin Master is shaking things up for its iconic red-framed drawing toy, Etch A Sketch in 2020, as the crafty brand celebrates its 60th anniversary with a swathe of new collaborative projects.

As part of its celebrations, Etch A Sketch has teamed with a number of other big names in the toys and entertainment space – including Hasbro’s Monopoly, and the iconic Stan Lee – to deliver a raft of new launches for the year ahead.

For 2020, the Etch a Sketch brand is joining forces with the Monopoly brand, space exploration leader NASA, heritage toy Rubik’s and comic book marvel Stan Lee. Through these collaborations, each will have its own limited-edition Etch A Sketch drawing toys.

“The Etch A Sketch drawing toy is one of only a handful of breakthrough toys that’s popularity spans generations,” said Arlene Biran, VP of marketing for activities and building sets, Spin Master.

“It is a timeless toy that encourages creativity on a magic screen that doesn’t need WIFI. Our series of limited-edition collaborations with other inspiring and imaginative classics honours 60 years of unplugged creativity.”

The Etch A Sketch Monopoly Edition will launch in the US this March and will retail at $19.99. It will be joined by the Etch A Sketch NASA Inspired Edition, launching in April.

The results of a collaborative effort between Spin Master and Rubik’s will see the Etch A Sketch Rubik’s Edition land in May, while the Etch A Sketh Stan Lee Edition will be available to all comic book and toy fans from July this year.

“We’re thrilled to work with the team at Spin Master to bring the Etch A Sketch Monopoly Edition to market,” said Casey Collins, GM & SVP of entertainment and licensing at Hasbro.

“As we honour major milestones for both brands this year, we hope fans of all ages will treasure this release for years to come.”

The Etch A Sketch limited edition collaborations will be released in limited quantities throughout the year on EtchASketch.com as well on Etch A Sketch Day, July 12, 2020, marking the official day the first Etch A Sketch toy was sold.

In addition to the collaborations with iconic classics, Spin Master is unveiling a new limited-edition Diamond Edition Etch a Sketch featuring a sleek black frame and custom crystal knobs available in limited quantities on EtchASketch.com.

The company will also release new innovation with Etch a Sketch Revolution in August, the first Etch A Sketch with a spinning screen that allows you to make circles.

Spin Master Entertainment’s new animated series Mighty Express lands Netflix deal

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Spin Master Entertainment’s new CG-animated series Mighty Express has been picked up by Netflix to debut globally (excluding Canada) in September this year.

The 52 x 11-minute series is executive produced by Spin Master Entertainment’s EVP Jennifer Dodge and co-CEO Ronnen Harary, alongside the Canadian outfit, Atomic Cartoons, providing animation services.

Owned by Spin Master, Mighty Express is a series that follows the adventures of a group of kids who run a train station and work together with the Mighty Express train. The Netflix deal marks the first time Spin Master has launched a series straight to a streaming platform.

Spin Master will also launch a toy line and a consumer products licensing programme in 2021.

The new series joins Spin Master’s existing line-up of pre-school animated shows, which includes the hit Nick Jr series, PAW Patrol.

“Spin Master Entertainment has deep experience developing compelling stories and endearing characters for preschool audiences worldwide,” Dodge said. “We have the unique ability to take classic, beloved themes for kids, add innovation, combined with amazing storytelling and high-end animation to deliver fresh, new content.”

Spin Master’s Super Dinosaur eyes new territories with Animaccord distribution

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Spin Master has tapped the international media and licensing specialist, Animaccord, to distribute the first season of the Super Dinosaur – the entertainment company’s latest animated property – across a number of international territories.

26 episodes of Super Dinosaur will be distributed to Russia & CIS, Eastern Europe, Baltic countries, MENA, Turkey, Italy, and France. Animaccord will also manage and develop the property’s consumer products and promotional campaigns.

Super Dinosaur is the latest animated property to be developed by Spin Master in partnership with the multi-platform content company, Skybound Entertainment.

Animaccord is also on board to produce and distribute the IP’s apps and games, as well as replicate its successful experience in content management on YouTube, to release the official “Super Dinosaur” YouTube channels worldwide.

Based on a comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) and Jason Howard, the CGI action-adventure series for six- to 11-year-olds follows 10-year-old genius Derek Dynamo and his genetically engineered T-Rex best friend as they protect the planet against evil.

Thom Chapman, senior director sales and distribution, said: “We are very excited to be partnering with Animaccord on Super Dinosaur and building the brand’s European presence after its launch in North and South America.”

Vladimir Gorbulya, CEO Animaccord, added: “It’s great to extend our partnership with Spin Master with the deal on such an exciting and high-quality animated brand as Super Dinosaur – we have been longing to have a boy’s property in our portfolio and now thrilled to represent it.”

Spin Master goes retro with Jaws, ET, and The Breakfast Club on National Puzzle Day

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Spin Master is celebrating National Puzzle Day today with the unveiling of a slate of new puzzles that will take fans back to the golden age of video rentals thanks to its latest retro offering.

The Breakfast Club, Jaws, and E.T. are each making their return to store shelves this year, as a line of retro-inspired puzzles each packaged in high-quality, plastic cases inspired and designed after Blockbuster’s old VHS cases.

Each features durable pieces that snap together firmly to ensure a most satisfying build. These puzzles feature vibrant art that pops, making each puzzle perfect for framing. Each Puzzle measures 18″ x 24″ when complete.

To celebrate National Puzzle Day, Spin Master is running a Twitter Competition all day giving followers the chance to win some Prize Puzzle Sets.

Gail Fisher, senior brand manager for Spin Master Games, said:” These long winter evenings and wet weekends are ideal for getting the family together to enjoy a bit of puzzle making. National Puzzle Day is the perfect day to bring puzzles to everyone’s attention.”

Spin Master taps WildBrain CPLG, Tycoon and Haven for global licensing efforts

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Spin Master has entered into strategic agreements with three international licensing agents in order to build out consumer product campaigns across its portfolio of brands, including Hatchimals, Bakugan, Toca Life, Zo Zo Zombie, Etch A Sketch, and Tech Deck.

The global toy company has tapped WildBrain CPLG for EMEA, Tycoon for Latin America, and Haven for Australia and New Zealand.

These international licensing agents will work with Spin Master to initiate and drive licensee activity across apparel, accessories, back-to-school, food and beverage, gift and novelty, health and beauty, home décor, party goods, publishing, seasonal, sporting goods and promotional partnerships.

Global licensing efforts are already underway for Bakugan, Spin Master’s ninth television series, complete with an innovative toy line, card game and mobile app.

The licensing program leverages the key attributes of the brand – battling, gaming, and collectability with a style guide based on anime-styled art, building on the brand’s rich heritage and adapting to a new generation of fans.

In 2019, Spin Master unveiled the significant licensing potential behind Toca Life with a back to school programme at H&M featuring a fashion collection for both girls and boys. The capsule collections combined the characters of Toca Life with fashion by channeling the spirit of the game.

Based on its successful performance, the collaboration will be further expanded on in Spring 2020. With over 13 million downloads of Toca Life, there exists an exciting pipeline of global opportunities.

“Evergreen global properties combined with new IP have established Spin Master as a leader in content creation, toy development and franchise building,” said Juli Boylan, vice president of franchise development and outbound licensing at Spin Master.

“We are thrilled to join forces with WildBrain CPLG, Tycoon and Haven, all with stellar reputations and proven track records in their respective markets. Each share our entrepreneurial spirit and are sure to accelerate our global licensing efforts by bringing our brands, characters and stories to consumers in new and unique ways.”

“Spin Master is globally known for its innovative toys and brands and we are excited to be aligning our complementary skills and expertise across these core properties, seeking fresh new opportunities to grow their presence with both new and established fans worldwide,” added Maarten Weck, executive vice president and managing director, at WildBrain CPLG.

The news arrives just as Spin Master celebrates another successful London Toy Fair this year, where the firm was recognised at the annual Toy Industry Awards with a slew of wins, presented by the BTHA and the Toy Retailers Association.

In a ceremony held on the first day of the London Toy Fair, Spin Master was named Global Supplier of the Year and PAW Patrol Pre-School Range of the Year for a second year in a row.

Additionally, the BTHA named Spin Master’s newly launched DC toy Batman 12inch Deluxe Figure with Rapid Change Utility Belt as one of the ‘Toy Fair Heroes’.

“It’s a great honour for Spin Master to once again be recognised with these important industry awards, a true reflection of our team’s dedication to both product innovation and partnerships,” said Ben Gadbois, Spin Master’s global president and COO.

“Spin Master is committed to continuous innovation and we are excited to unveil our 2020 line up that is sure to encourage creativity and ultimately make life more fun.”

“We’re delighted to be recognised at this prestigious industry event, an amazing start to another new year in this fantastic industry,” said Hedley Barnes, general manager Europe. “In addition to accolades for our brands, it is wonderful to be acknowledged for Spin Master’s part within the global toy industry, something we take pride in achieving.”