News

Mad Engine Global Bruce Cameron
Licensing News
Mad Engine Global Signs Merchandizing Deal with ‘ A Dog’s Purpose’ Author W Bruce Cameron

#1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author W Bruce Cameron has announced that he has inked a deal with licensed apparel maker Mad Engine Global to have his line of dog-lover branded apparel online and in major retailers. Cameron is the most successful author of dog-related fiction worldwide. He, with his wife, Cathryn Michon, is co-screenwriter of all three of the major motion pictures made from his books told from the point of view of very good dogs. The film of his book A Dog’s Purpose was a major international hit, reaching #1 status in many countries, including China.

Ageless Innovation Hasbro
News
Hasbro Announces First-Ever Licensee Focused on Older Adults: Ageless Innovation

Ageless Innovation, a global company devoted to reimagining how we positively live and age together through the power of play, has been tapped by global branded entertainment leader Hasbro, Inc. to create new gaming experiences specifically for older adults and their families. Ageless Innovation will be the first-ever Hasbro licensee dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults through classic gameplay. Building off Ageless Innovation’s extensive knowledge in creating play experiences for older adults – paired with Hasbro’s unmatched expertise in the branded entertainment industry – the partnership will aim to create fun and playful social interactions through intergenerational play via a collection of unique yet familiar games. The line-up, which will reimagine iconic Hasbro properties, will feature entirely new components and play experiences specifically designed with older adults in mind, including easy to grasp pieces, easy to read content, and intergenerational storylines.

Toys for Tots Logo Campaigns 75th
News
Toys for Tots Reaches Tremendous Milestones in 75th Year

Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere Community Action Program, distributed 24.4 million toys, books, and games to a record 9.9 million children in need in 2022. “We were astounded by the support provided by the American Public and our Corporate Sponsors. They helped us not only accomplish the mission, but greatly exceed ALL expectations,” said Lieutenant General Laster, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. He continued, “these unprecedented numbers were an incredible milestone to celebrate the Program’s 75th year of supporting underprivileged children in 833 communities across the Nation.”

Toy Foundation Toy of the Year 2023 TOTY Turkey
Events News
The Toy Foundation Secures Toy Donation & Financial Aid Channels for Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief

In anticipation of the toy industry’s collective interest in responding to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, The Toy Foundation (TTF) has secured partners for toy donation deliveries and for bringing direct financial aid to on-the-ground organizations. Tragically, fatalities from the catastrophic magnitude 7.8 earthquake this week surpassed 21,000 men, women, and children in Turkey and Syria. Tens of thousands more are injured and without housing and other essential items as cold weather continues to sweep the area. Immediate support is needed to provide access to food, clothing, and shelter.

Daniel Tiger at the Dentist
Entertainment Gaming News
PBS Kids Launches ‘Daniel Tiger: At the Dentist’ to Educate Young Ones on Dental Health

Going to the dentist is a big “first” for preschoolers, and Daniel Tiger is once again is here to help prepare kids for these milestone moments with “Daniel Tiger: At the Dentist.” It’s a fun, replay-able game that, alongside Daniel Tiger and Dr. Plat, prepares children for a positive experience when going to the dentist.  Through relaxing, interactive gameplay with Daniel and Mr. Dino, kids will familiarize themselves with a dentist visit by experiencing the sights and sounds of various instruments and processes utilized by the dentist! Additionally, the game will encourage little ones to brush their teeth for two minutes, as recommended by the AAPD.

YuMe Disney 100 Capsule
News
YuMe Celebrates 100 Years of Disney Magic with a Special Surprise
YuMe Toys, the global toy company whose inspired approach to product design continues to make waves in the marketplace, unveils its celebratory Disney 100 Surprise Capsules. Packed with hidden surprises that will ‘wow’ Disney fans and families worldwide wanting to celebrate the landmark anniversary. The range commemorates Disney’s most iconic and loved characters from its 100-year legacy.  Retail demand for this product range is set to be high since the collection…
JAKKS Mario
Licensing News
JAKKS Pacific Reveals New Line of Toys Inspired by Illumination and Nintendo’s ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’

JAKKS Pacific, Inc (NASDAQ: JAKK) is excited to reveal more from the line of toys coming to retail on Feb 26 for the highly anticipated new film from Illumination and Nintendo, The Super Mario Bros Movie, arriving in theaters April 7, 2023. Bring home the excitement of The Super Mario Bros Movie. with these officially licensed toys and plush from JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Fans of all ages will enjoy recreating moments from the movie with movie-inspired mini figures and playsets, 5” premium figures, 7” feature Bowser, pull back karts and plush.

Bumpas Uglydolls
News
Co-Founder of Uglydolls Debuts Weighted Plush Bumpas Dolls

We all need hugs, perhaps now more than ever, and Bumpas dolls have launched to solve the problem and give us a weighted, plush doll that can hug us back. Drew Matilsky, co-founder of the brand Uglydolls created Bumpas dolls to give people of all ages a product that can Love, Hug, and Protect. “Giving and getting a hug is a sign of trust and love,” says Matilsky. “Parents love that their children feel comforted by Bumpas hugs after school and at times when they can’t give hugs themselves.”

Minecraft Disguise
Licensing News
Disguise Announces Multi-Year Minecraft Contract Extension with Global Rights

Disguise, Inc, the costume division of leading toy and consumer products manufacturer, JAKKS Pacific, Inc (NASDAQ:JAKK) has announced their partnership renewal with Microsoft, making them the only costume partner for the world’s most popular and number one downloaded game, Minecraft. Disguise will retain worldwide rights to continue to design, market, manufacture and distribute Halloween costumes and Halloween costume accessories for the Minecraft brand commencing in 2023. In addition to the game being one of the most downloaded games of all time, it is also one of the most popular brands for costumes and dress up in the world. With an already full line of Minecraft that continues to grow year after year, Disguise has plans to grow the business even more internationally bringing additional styles and versions to retail all over the world.