Tag Archives: toys

Nickelodeon and toy maker WowWee partner on new digital animated brand, The Squish

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WowWee, the international toy maker and team behind Fingerlings and the Got2Glow Fairy Finder has struck up a new partnership with Nickelodeon Digital Studios to turn its My Squishy Little Dumplings characters into an animated brand.

The project will see the characters from the My Squishy Little Dumplings line come together as The Squish – a new, digital, K-pop inspired band devised to bring a new genre of music – called S-pop (aka Squish Pop) – to kids.

The partnership will see Nickelodeon Digital Studios produce a suite of digital content starring The Squish, kicking off the activity with a featured song and music video on the Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. YouTube Channels. Titled ‘Can You Resist the Squish?!,’ the song and video focus on the unique personalities of each of the characters: Doe, Dip, Dee and Dot.

The song will be available on all digital streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, and more. Additional pieces of content will be released throughout the year on Nickelodeon’s YouTube Channels, including music videos, behind the scenes content, and House Party Tour.

“Kids and families from all over the world will adore ‘My Squishy Little Dumplings,’ the same way we do,” said Ashley Kaplan, senior vice president, Digital Studios, Nickelodeon.

“We are so excited to create an environment where these characters can evolve and thrive, and kids can fall in love with them in a whole new way.”

“When WowWee first showed us My Squishy Little Dumplings we immediately knew these fun, surprising and loveable characters were a natural fit for the Nickelodeon portfolio,” said Jamie Drew, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Americas Licensing, ViacomCBS. “We’re thrilled to work with such a creative and innovative partner to launch this digital-first execution.”

Sydney Wiseman, vice president of brand development and creative strategy at WowWee, added: “We know kids everywhere are going to love the My Squishy Little Dumplings digital content on Nickelodeon’s digital platforms just as much as we do.

“Nickelodeon is the perfect partner for us to bring the Dumplings into this next phase of fandom around the world.”

Dr Seuss catalogues and Clangers audio adventures are landing on the Tonies platform

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Still fresh from its latest portfolio extension with Disney earlier this week, the children’s audio storytelling platform, Tonies, is continuing to roll out the classics, having welcomed the popular works of Dr Seuss as well as the British preschool sensation Clangers to its content library.

In a new partnership with Dr Seuss Enterprises, Tonies is introducing a series of five bundles showcasing the most beloved Seuss characters and stories, kicking off with The Cat in the Hat in early 2022. The deal arrives as Dr Seuss Enterprises details a new major focus on building more audio-first experiences for children.

In time for its 65th anniversary, The Cat in the Hat will be the first Dr Seuss Tonie to debut, and will feature original audio productions of some of the most iconic characters and stories, including The Cat in the Hat, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, and There’s a Wocket in My Pocket.

Further titles will be unveiled in the coming months.

Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said: “Audio continues to be on the rise as parents look for new ways to entertain their kids beyond screen time, whether its audiobooks or podcasts, or something as innovative as tonies.

“The tonies team has created an experience that is verbal, tactile and inspirational for kids’ imaginations. As our team continues to bring our properties further into the world of audio, we see tonies as a cornerstone partnership.”

Christoph Frehsee, president of Tonies USA, added: “The Dr. Seuss library is filled with timeless and universally loved stories that appeal to imaginations of so many youngsters. Beginning with The Cat in the Hat, we are looking forward to bringing this whimsical world of characters to the Tonies universe in 2022 and beyond.”

But the new additions to the Tonies platform don’t end there. The system has also welcomed the popular preschool property, Clangers, to the portfolio. Narrated by Sir Michael Palin, the new Clangers Tonie figurine can be placed on top of the Toniebox to take listeners to the unique and imaginary world on the little blue planet, somewhere out in space.

Billed by the company as ‘a great introduction to the CBeebies TV show for little ones’, the new Tonie plays six adventures that take children on an exploration of the Clangers’ planet under the stars, where they will be joined by Small, Tiny, Mother, Major and Granny Clanger.

As well as encouraging independence, the stories told by the new Clangers Tonie will inspire conversations and the development of emotional bonds with parents.

Jeremy Banks, CEO of Coolabi Group, rights holders to the Clangers IP, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be announcing this new partnership and the Clangers Tonie release. The partnership celebrates all the fantastic music and sounds that make Clangers so magical and unique.”

Pinky Laing, UK partnerships at Tonies, added: “Tonies is committed to helping children through the power and magic of storytelling. We are delighted to be working with Coolabi Group to release our new the Clangers audio Tonie for families.

“Telling the nostalgic, loveable and iconic tales of the pink, knitted creatures that live together on a little blue planet, we hope that the new Tonie will develop bonds amongst parents and their little ones.

“Fostering a love of narrative and adventure, the launch of our new Tonie continues our commitment to engage the next generation by introducing them to beloved classic stories, such as The Clangers.”

But hold on a minute. The thing about Tonie figurines is – they’re like buses. And indeed there is a whole trail of new releases for the month of August, including the new How to Train Your Dragon Tonie boasting 35 minutes of adventure with the young dragon trainer Hiccup and his loyal dragon Toothless, as well as Trolls, following the adventures of Poppy, Branch, and the residents of Troll Village, and Super Wings – a full 72 minutes of quests with Jett as the plane sets off to deliver packages to children around the world.

Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

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Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

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Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

Sony’s Funimation completes $1.175bn acquisition of anime platform Crunchyroll

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The Sony owned Funimation Global Group has completed its acquisition of the anime platform, Crunchyroll from AT&T in a deal that closed out at $1.175bn.

Finalising a deal that was first detailed in December 2020, it now sees the Crunchyroll business welcomed into the Funimation fold – a partnership made up of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

The deal – valued at $1.175bn – arrives in recognition of the pace at which the popularity of anime is growing among audiences the world over.

“The alignment of Crunchyroll and Funimation will enable us to get even closer to the creators and fans who are the heart of the anime community,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, chairman, president, and chief executive officer, Sony Group Corporation.

“We look forward to delivering even more outstanding entertainment that fills the world with emotion through anime.”

Crunchyroll is an anime direct to consumer service that boasts more than five million SVOD (streaming video on demand) subscribers, offering mobile games, manga, events merchandise and distribution to over 120 million users worldwide.

“Crunchyroll adds tremendous value to SOny’s existing anime business, including Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Mucis Entertainment Japan,” said Tony Vinciquerra, chairman and chief executive officer, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“With Crunchyroll and Funimation, we are committed to creating the ultimate anime experience for fans and presenting a unique opportunity for our key partners, publishers, and the immensely talented creators to continue to deliver their masterful content to audiences around the world.

“With the addition of Crunchyroll, we have an unprecedented opportunity to serve anime fans like never before and deliver the anime experience across any platform they choose, from theatrical, events, home entertainment, games, streaming, linear TV – everywhere and every way fans want to experience their anime.

“Our goal is to create a unified anime subscription experience as soon as possible.”

Shelf space is the final frontier as Playmobil and ViacomCBS launch the Starship Enterprise

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Shelf space: the final frontier. Oh yes, it’s happened; toy maker Playmobil is bridging time and space to release the fruits of a new collaborative alliance with ViacomCBS, for a whole new voyage for the Starship Enterprise this September.

Yet another play for the kidult and collectors space – following a very successful Back to the Future range of vehicles and play-sets, and the teased The A-Team collaboration – the Star Trek universe has joined forces with the German toy company to deliver The 70548 Star Trek – USS Enterprise in toy form.

The new launch – the first Playmobil model of the Starship Enterprise ever developed – is not approaching this collaboration lightly, boasting authentic details and numerous features to inspire fans. In fact, this one-metre long Constitution class vessel promises ‘plenty of mesmerising detail’ that will make it ‘the pride of the Starfleet.’

The Starship Enterprise will be displayed using the specially designed mounting, while lights, sounds, and other technical features will all star alongside a unique AR tie-in app which will act to expand the authentically detailed Star Trek experience ‘much further than the physical product.’

The ship arrives with a total of seven crew members from the original cast, including the first Playmobil Mr Spock, all of whom fit into their traditional places on the bridge of the Enterprise.

“To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations, to boldly go where no one has gone before… And now, with the authentic U.S.S. Enterprise and original crew from Playmobil, there will be plenty more space adventures to come,” read a statement from the toy company.

The Star Trek – USS Enterprise will launch worldwide on September 8th this year.

Funko eyes international growth after record second quarter and major executive moves

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Funko’s president, Andrew Perlmutter is to be appointed the firm’s new CEO as Brian Mariotti transitions to the newly created role of chief creative officer, detailing the top level moves the same week the firm delivered ‘its largest topline quarter in company history.’

Last week, the pop culture specialist revealed that second quarter net sales had increased a massive 141 per cent to hit $236.1 million, with ‘broad-based strength’ in all of its markets, particularly Europe where sales increased 393 per cent.

In the firm’s move to maintain its creative leadership in the pop culture consumer products market while positioning itself for long-term growth, it has now detailed its executive leadership transition.

The changes are expected to come into effect from January 3, 2022, allowing both leaders to ‘uniquely contribute to the next phase of Funko’s growth.’ As COO, Mariotti will be able to concentrate on the creative decisions at the company, overseeing product innovation, fan engagement, business development, M&A, and Funko’s Digital product line.

It all follows some record results for Funko who has seen its flagship Pop! Brand grow 137 per cent on strong evergreen product sales, while Loungefly led its non-figure product sales which itself saw an increase of 136 per cent.

Further and more long-term growth is now fully on the cards for Funko as the firm readies to see Perlmutter take on the CEO role. Having first joined the company as senior vice president of sales in 2013, he was promoted to president in 2017 where he currently has oversight over key strategic and operational functions.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at Funko,” said Mariotti. “We built a small company into the leading pop culture platform, offering our fans across the globe a way to interact and connect with some of their most beloved icons.

“This transition will allow me to remain closely involved with the business while focusing more exclusively on the creating and fan-centric areas I am passionate about.”

On the company’s record Q2 financial results this year, he added: “Our teams delivered the largest top line quarter in company history.

“Second quarter net sales more than doubled versus a year ago and also eclipsed 2019 levels, reflecting broad-based strength across our products, channels and regions.

“We are pleased with our strong year-to-date performance in 2021 and our ability to deliver against our core operating and growth strategies despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“As we approach the second half of the year, we are continuing to navigate the uncertain macro environment, while remaining focused on delighting and engaging our fans around the world.”

Perlmutter, added: “I am honoured to assume the role of CEO in January, while maintaining the longstanding and fruitful partnership Brian and I have enjoyed for many years.

“With the transition, we plan to continue to pursue a four-pillar approach that focuses on leveraging our core Pop! Platform, driving additional revenue streams through product diversification, accelerating growth on our direct-to-consumer channel, and expanding our international business.”

PAW Patrol, Bakugan, and a strong preschool line up drive ‘exceptional’ Q2 performance for Spin Master

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Another global toy company and another ‘exceptional second quarter performance’ rings in this week, as Spin Master joins the ranks of those experiencing Q2 2021 revenue surges.

Total revenue for the Canada-based toy maker increased 39 per cent this past quarter to hit $390.8 million, up from the $281.1 million it posted in the same period last year, with gross product sales growing 27.2 per cent, driven by higher sales in preschool and girls and boys.

Broken down market by market, gross product sales across Europe grew 23.7 per cent on last year, 23.7 per cent in North America, and 58.2 per cent in its Rest of World market.

“Our strong financial performance this quarter reflects our success in creating exceptional play experiences for children and their families across toys, entertainment, and digital games,” said Max Rangel, Spin Master’s global president and chief executive officer.

“By leveraging this strength of each creative centre, we are differentiating Spin Master in the children’s entertainment space. We are well positioned for the second half with an amazing toy line up, growth in our digital games franchise, and the highly anticipated release of PAW Patrol: The Movie, our first foray into feature films.

“Looking to the future, we are focused on adapting to the changing dynamics of play through innovation, customer driven decision making, partnerships and relentless drive to reimagine where imagination can take us, all while delivering profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Driven primarily by preschool and girls and boys sectors, Spin Master’s gross product sales increased by $70.3 million to hit $352.9 million for Q2 2021. Preschool and Girls grew by 60 per cent thanks to increased sales of PAW Patrol, as well as Gabby’s Dollhouse and Present Pets.

Activities, Games and Puzzles, and Plush decreased by $1.8 million. The decline was driven primarily by the Games and Puzzles portfolio, offset in part by sales of Rubik’s, Influencer, GUND, and Orbeez.

Gross product sales in Boys increased by $23.6 million driven by sales of Bakugan, Tech Deck, and Monster Jam RC. This was partially offset by declines in DreamWorks Dragons.

The outdoor product sector decreased by $1.1million.

In first half of the year terms, total revenue at Spin Master has increased 39.1 per cent on the six months ended June 30th, 2020. Gross product sales have increased by $129.2 million to hit $653.7 million.

Mark Segal, Spin Master’s chief financial officer, said: “We delivered very strong financials and operating performance this quarter.

“Our revenue trajectory continued to strengthen, driven by accelerating momentum in our Digital Games and Entertainment creative centres, which drove margin expansion and we are raising our total revenue outlook for the year.

“We remain committed to our financial framework for value creation, underpinned by our formula for innovation and global growth across toys, entertainment, and digital games.”

Return of live events helps WWE to 19 per cent growth in Q2 2021 as consumer products see marginal lift

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The return of live events has helped revenue increase 19 per cent at WWE, with knock-on effects prompting lifts across the business, including the consumer products business which saw slight increases fueled by this year’s WrestleMania.

Reported in its second quarter 2021 financials, WWE has seen revenue hit $265.6 million – a lift of $42.2 million – driven by increased monetisation of content in its Media segment, as well as increases in Live Event revenue and WrestleMania, the company’s first ticketed event since Q1 2020.

Operating income for the entertainment company, however, saw a dip of 17 per cent year on year, to hit $46.3 million. This was primarily driven by higher television and event-related production expenses, $8.1 million in severance expense, and the return of employees from furlough. 

It’s still a positive outlook for the company who is celebrating “solid financial results” as it continues to focus on fan engagement. WWE announced the return of its live event touring on July 16th this year. The five events that aired throughout July have been close to full capacity, with current demand for future events on “on par with 2019.”

Meanwhile, digital video views hit a record 11.2 billion – an increase of 13 per cent – as the total hours consumer hit a new record 394 million across digital and social platforms.

“During the second quarter, we generated solid financial results as we continued to focus on building fan engagement,” said Vince McMahon, WWE chairman and CEO.

“With the announced return to live event touring and robust ticket demand, we believe we can further consumption across platforms, maximise new business opportunities and drive long-term growth.”

Kristina Salen, WWE chief financial officer, added: “In the quarter, Adjusted OIBDA results reflected an increase in television production expenses to enhance the viewing experience of WWE’s fans.

“Although Adjusted OIBDA declined, key performance metrics demonstrated positive trends and we continue to realise better than expected television production efficiences, stronger sponsorship sales and heightened demand for our live events.”

In its consumer products segment, WWE saw Q2 revenue hit $22.5 million – an increase of one per cent on the year prior – as higher toy royalties and venue merchandise sales from WrestleMania offset lower e-commerce merchandise sales.

The decrease in e-commerce sales reflected ‘a tough comparison to elevated Covid-related sales in the year before.

Warner Bros.’ Batman vs Superman tops the John Lewis ten toys for Christmas list

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The Warner Bros. and DC Comics icon, Batman has swooped in on the first of the major retailers’ top Christmas toy predictions this year, having secured top billing within John Lewis’s Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2021.

It’s Warner Bros Consumer Products’ partnership with the leading hobby brand, Hornby’s own Scalextric that is tipped to excite Christmas shoppers this season, featuring not once but twice upon a list that otherwise sees licenses somewhat thin on the ground this year.

The Scalextric Batman vs Superman (exclusive to John Lewis) sits atop the list, followed by the retailer’s non-exclusive version. A read through the top ten, however, and it’s a sparse presence that the licensing department holds with the retailer’s selection this year.

A £59.99 Harry Potter Games Compendium features above the Tonies Soft Cuddly Friends – Hoppie Rabbit Audio Play line this year, while the seven items selected among this year’s top ten lean towards the traditional toy and play-sets trend, tipped to be a core element within the Christmas toy shopping scene this year by the retailer.

LEGO makes its appearance in the form of its LEGO Elf Clubhouse, while sustainability finds itself at the forefront as John Lewis places its FSC Wooden My 1st Train Set and FSC Wooden Waitrose Supermarket firmly within the top ten picks.

Elsewhere, Ravensburger secures two listing with its Space Puzzle and Gravitrax Pro Starter Extrme (another John Lewis exclusive), while the rundown is made complete by the Secret Garden Book and the Kaloo My First Doll.

Rachael Larkman, toy buyer at John Lewis, said: “This year we’ve seen a huge surge in the popularity of traditional toys and games that can be enjoyed by the whole family. We predict this trend will continue for Christmas 2021.

“The selection chosen by our panel includes toys suitable for all ages – a great variety that will guarantee excitement on Christmas day.”