CEO Rick Woldenberg discusses the new CBP tariff refund portal and shares his company's successful filing for over $10 million in refunds on 'The Claman Countdown.'

Vehicles, games, and action figures fuel gains while the company holds full-year guidance.

Monster Jam growth and Melissa & Doug stabilization highlight long-term positioning.

The new union is being formed by a supermajority of developers responsible for the online game Magic: The Gathering Arena, according to the announcement.

Rising oil and natural gas prices from the war in Iran are beginning to weigh on the Chinese economy.

"Some guy you never heard of can sue the most powerful person in the world,” he says. “And if that guy is right, he wins." —Alex Stone

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

A TikTok success story has a toy company that makes NeeDoh fighting the ‘curse of virality’

Six intriguing articles related to toys, games, and nostalgia that have hit the news this week.

In Part 1 of our two-part interview, ICv2 discussed the hobby distribution business in general, ACD’s place in it, and the major events of 2025.

In Part 2 of ICv2's two-part interview, they discuss the future of the hobby game business and ACD’s plans for the future.

Leslie Scott presents the case for describing a hobby as a form of play.

Julia DeKorte had the pleasure of checking out some of the new releases from Hape Toys, including a block set from their collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

While connected TV and online video deliver high attention and powerful storytelling, they have historically been optimized for reach rather than commerce.

Toy company founders, brand managers, and sales leaders know milestones should feel energizing, yet they often land as another pressure point.

“The closest thing to real racing.”

Whether you collect board games, action figures, or well-played favourites from your childhood, proper care makes a measurable difference in how vintage toys age.

The Classic Model Trains YouTube channel explores the model train hobby through vintage model trains from the 1930s through the 1990s.

Released in 1978 by Remco, the Spider-Man Sting-Ray Gun was a roleplay toy based on Marvel’s web-slinging superhero.

Nostalgia is back, and nowhere is that clearer than with toys of our childhood.

Merrythought, in Ironbridge, says it is an honour to have been asked to make Roo for the Queen.

Collectibles, interactive play sets and innovative role play toys bring Illumination's new chapter in the Minions franchise to life for fans.

The brand-new MGA’s Miniverse Real Music range features big hits that come to life in miniature form with a playable mini record player and collectable mini vinyl.

Spin Master is renewing its partnership with Feld Motor Sports, locking in the Monster Jam license for another 10 years. 

Nintendo has announced a new line of merchandise that it will selling at the official Nintendo retail locations in Japan.

Lego and Universal Products & Experiences are bringing Shrek and the world of Far Far Away to Lego brick form for the very first time.

Collection 2 reflects the continued growth of the Target and Star Wars partnership, echoing the evolving relationship between the Mandalorian and Grogu.

One Piece fans can now bring home Mini Cable Guys of fan-favourite characters Monkey D. Luffy and Buggy the Clown.

The Noble Collection has secured HBO Original Harry Potter series rights, renewed its Harry Potter film licence and extended its wider Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.

The new encapsulation format debuts with Upper Deck release, integrating grading, protection, and display into a single solution.

As the V.I.P. of I.M.P., Warren James is expanding its licensing partnership with SpindleHorse's Helluva Boss to bring new sins to shelves.

Laugh Factory and Epoch enter a licensing agreement to launch the first-ever trading card series dedicated to stand-up comedians.

This patent, the first in a series of filings the company has made in over 40 countries worldwide,serves as formal notice to competitors, IP licensors and retail partners that the Sticki Rolls intellectual property is protected under law.

The adult-animated musical comedy series created by Vivienne Medrano stars Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz, Blake Roman and Amir Talai and Alex Brightman.

Nintendo is working with superb animation studio Illumination for yet another project it has been discovered.

England legends David James, John Barnes, Gary Cahill and Adam Lallana entertained guests at the launch event at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.

Studiocanal Kids & Family is returning to this year’s Licensing Expo in search of new partners to look after the beloved Paddington Bear. 

Miraculous Corp is gearing up for a super year with a lineup of license-based experiences in the U.S. this year.

The multiyear deal with Ms. Winfrey signifies the tech giant’s growing ambitions in video podcasts.

Curious Universe has announced a new partnership with Sanrio to develop a range of licensed craft, toy, stationery and gift products featuring the globally beloved Hello Kitty and Friends.

Craft Buddy expands its licensed Star Wars collection ahead of May the 4th with The Mandalorian & Grogu Crystal Art Duo Buddies XL art kit.

The new toys will be available at McDonald’s restaurants in the US starting May 5

Childres founded Cephalofair in 2014 to self-publish his first game, Forge War, and subsequently struck huge success with his fantasy co-op campaign designs Gloomhaven and Frosthaven.

Caity Press and Zach Smith's appointments will support Generation Media’s North American ambitions, including growing its US client base.

Rafiq will lead the company’s growth across the U.S. and Canada.

University Games has appointed Sally Irwin to the role of European Export Manager and welcomed David Adams as Senior National Account Manager.

The veteran licensing executive advises on IP strategy, partnerships, and international expansion.

She has experience working as part of the Original Merchandise team- but now is excited for this opportunity to grow and continue working on the brand she loves!

Judd Zebersky spent six months in Chinese factories in 1996, learning how toys were made from scratch. He had just walked away from his law practice with no manufacturing background and no guarantees.

Gabriela Arenas – SVP, Global Licensing at Sesame Workshop – discusses the company’s values-driven approach to partnerships.

CMON's board said it planned to transition its titles such as Massive Darkness and Super Fantasy Brawl Reborn into "high-quality digital assets", adding that it believed integrating its board games with digital and Web3 technologies "would enhance the long-term commercial value of the group’s portfolio".

Take Off is an aviation-themed logic puzzle that includes 60 challenges to complete, all of which have one correct solution.

Kayes of Cardiff is adding the full LA Brands range to its existing portfolio, while James Keys joins as a Sales Agent to look after London and the South East area.

Hamleys is launching a brand-new Marvel and Star Wars-inspired Fan Zone, which will open permanently on the fourth floor of its Regent Street flagship on Monday 27th April.

Kelly Philp, Senior Director of Marketing, and Michael Hick, Vice President - UK & Ireland, Benelux and Nordics, shared their thoughts on the year ahead and what’s coming for Mattel’s franchises.

Discover the story of SleepToy and its mission.

The 2026 Monster Truck is the newest addition to the My Plush Hess Truck series, blending sensory experiences with the brand's style.

Staples expands its in-store experience through a partnership with Party City, bringing its party supplies to nationwide locations.

Since launching the partnership, every puzzle or game purchased directly from the Gibsons website has contributed to rainforest protection.

In partnership with Amazon MGM Studios and Save the Children, the campaign will mobilise MOTU fandom to create real-world impact for children worldwide.

Blue Bunny helps families foster sweet connections with Blu’s Sundae Surprise, a board game featuring the brand’s signature desserts.

After over 30 years of working in this amazing shop, they have moved to a brand new office at 2415 West 19th St., Chicago, IL 60608.

Target is the only U.S.-based mass retailer with an exclusive collection co-created with Pokémon.

Commotion has introduced the Tickit Ocean Animal Layer Puzzle, a thoughtfully designed, multi-layer wooden puzzle that inspires curiosity about the wonders of ocean life while supporting early learning and development.

Craft Buddy has announced the launch of Li’l Worlds, an innovative new range of miniature model kits and Book Nooks, set to launch at retail from September 2026.

The summer campaign introduces sensory-driven retail experiences, product drops, and creator partnerships.

Disney delivers new Toy Story 5 products ahead of the film's June 19 global premiere with licensing deals from Mattel, LeapFrog and more.

In a strategic move designed to accelerate international growth, BOTI has announced key organizational changes across both BOTI Global Ltd and BOTI Europe BV.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma held an internal town hall with Xbox employees, just days after announcing an Xbox Game Pass price cut, commenting on the status of the Xbox mobile store, and teasing a mysterious Xbox and Discord partnership.

For a while there, it seemed like Double Fine might be struggling under the Microsoft corporate umbrella.

Canada's federal government is concerned that adults are using Roblox to target and recruit kids.

The deal includes Implicit Conversions' proprietary emulation technology, Syrup.

Sony has announced new PlayStation hardware prices across the board in Southeast Asia, referencing "continued pressures in the global economic landscape."

Roxley Games' Brass: Pittsburgh has raised $9.1m in the biggest board game crowdfund of 2026 so far - and one of the top ten tabletop gaming raises of all time.

SEGA has launched a new initiative which is titled SEGA Universe which is setting the spotlight on its older franchises beyond video games.

The company has achieved this sales figure in less than two months, which is quite an achievement.

Yacht Club Games has announced that Mina the Hollower has gone gold, meaning development has wrapped up on the anticipated retro-styled 2D action-adventure game.

The popular MMORPG has received numerous updates and expansions since its initial launch in 2013, and will be released this August for the first time on a Nintendo system.

Kirby is busy celebrating his 34th anniversary and we have had a number of excellent Kirby games in recent times and long may that continue.

With Legendary Modern Decks 2026, Duelists can obtain three decks – Sky Strikers, X-Sabers and Mitsurugi – all in one package.

The new Xbox email address will replace an existing @microsoft.com address as the default way to send new emails, and employees will be able to opt-out and keep their Microsoft email address as the default send-from address instead.

Moves from Nintendo, Talking Tom, and Maestro Media highlight a week of cross-platform growth.

From the Global Toy News perspective, the launch of Avatar: The Last Airbender Earth Rumble on Nex Playground is a strong signal of positive movement across the toy and gaming industry.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns parts of the airplane-shaped teething toy can come loose.

With the summer season approaching, The Toy Association’s trends team is seeking toys for upcoming TV and editorial opportunities, as part of its year-round efforts to promote trends in the toy and play space.

At the LA Toy Previews, Kepa Amutxastegi Urzainki and Stephanie Peyret were appointed to the ITB Foundation Board.

On Saturday 2nd May, Forbidden Planet is set to open a new store in Norwich with goodie bags, cosplay contests and comic giveaways promised throughout launch day.

Spielwarenmesse Group creates a clear visual identity while uniting all of Spielwarenmesse eG’s business areas under one brand umbrella.

This May, the nonprofit organization MESH Helps is launching its largest consumer-facing awareness campaign to date: Play for Resilience. 

Winners will be selected over a series of panel sessions with industry experts and revealed at this year’s Play Creators Awards – taking place on Tuesday, June 23rd at London’s Under the Bridge venue within Stamford Bridge Stadium.

Presentations that wowed. A trade show buzzing with energy. Seminars that delivered real, actionable insights. Unforgettable gameplay. And conversations that will shape retailers' 2026 season.

Autumn Fair will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 6th–9th September, co-locating with garden retail show Glee on 8th–9th September.

The specialty store is launching a new initiative to help kids manage stress and anxiety through play.

The session explores Ozzy’s legacy and the evolving Osbourne family brand through licensing and partnerships.

Anime NYC is joining forces with X Tracks Licensing Summits to create the first-ever business expo dedicated to anime, manga, and gaming.

From a Global Toy News perspective, this is a smart—and slightly unexpected—power move.

Toy & Hobby China in Shenzhen earlier this month was a hotbed of social selling. The non-stop energy of these livestreaming influencers and professionals was moving product at a record clip.

The creator of the He-Man action figure, which spawned 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,' died on Tuesday. He was 91.

The Marvel Comics writer who created the Punisher, Ms. Marvel and other famous characters, has died, Marvel announced Monday. He was 73.