While the exact count can vary depending on how broadly “toy and game companies” are defined, a select group of companies shaping the world of play has been recognized on the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list since its inception in 2021.

Time's 2026 list includes Learning Resources, The Walt Disney Company, Sesame Workshop, and Jellycat—each representing a different dimension of play.

New Honorees

• Learning Resources: Recognized for its educational advocacy and standing up for small businesses. The company challenged U.S. tariffs to protect the affordability of essential classroom tools and was noted for its commitment to screen-free STEM learning for young children. LR was also named to the inaugural TIME100 Companies: Industry Leaders list.

• Sesame Workshop: The 57-year-old nonprofit has made emotional literacy central to its flagship programming, weaving research-backed lessons on anxiety, self-regulation, and resilience into the world-famous children’s show while offering free online resources for families on grief, loss, and parental addiction.

• Jellycat: The luxury plush toy brand was a new addition to the list in 2026.

Returning and Past Honorees

• The Walt Disney Company: TIME highlighted Disney’s competitive strengths in the entertainment industry and noted the company’s focus on achieving profitability in its streaming businesses.. Disney has been featured annually since the list’s inception in 2021.

• Mattel: A frequent honoree, appearing on the inaugural 2021 list and returning in 2023. It was recognized for its transformation into an IP-driven powerhouse with brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Uno.

• The LEGO Group: Named to the list in 2021 and 2025, where it was honored with the inaugural TIME100 Companies Impact Award in Culture.

• Jazwares: Best known for the Squishmallows craze, this global toy maker was named to the 2024 list for reinvigorating the plush toy category.

• Nintendo: Recognized in both 2021 and 2025 for its enduring influence and innovation in the digital toy and video game sectors.

• Epic Games: The creator of Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, named to the list in 2021 and 2024.

• Roblox: Honored in 2021 for its massive user-generated social gaming platform.

• Scopely: A leader in mobile gaming (developer of Monopoly Go!), it earned spots in 2024 and 2025.

• Tencent: Recognized as a global gaming giant and "Titan" in 2026 for its massive portfolio and pivot toward AI.

• Pop Mart: A Chinese collectible toy company known for its "blind box" and "ugly-cute" character culture, named to the 2025 list.

• Ludo Studio: The Australian production company behind Bluey, recognized in 2024 for its cultural impact on family play and imaginative games.

If we broaden the definition:

• Nex: A new entry for 2026, highlighted as a leader in "safer gaming." Their motion-activated console, Nex Playground, is noted for being controller-free and focused on active, non-violent play for families.

• Beast Industries: While categorized under Entertainment, Beast Industries (led by MrBeast) was recognized in 2026 for its rapid expansion into high-engagement media and games, including the massive Beast Games production.

• Discord: Included in the 2026 list, it remains a critical infrastructure for the global gaming community, serving as the primary hub for player-led social interaction.