Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday… May the Force Be With You!
A galaxy far, far away is coming to CHITAG Fair 2026.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair will feature an immersive Star Wars experience November 7–8 with fan communities including the 501st Legion Vader’s Fist, Chicago Jedi, Saber Guild Olega Temple, and more. Families and fans will experience lightsaber duels, iconic characters, photo opportunities and more. Few entertainment properties have shaped toys, storytelling, and play quite like Star Wars.
Be a part of this year's Fair and register to exhibit today!
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Greg Hyman "The Man That Tickled the World"
A Tribute by Richard C. Levy
Greg Hyman, my dear friend of more than 40 years and nearby neighbor for more than 20 years, and inventor of more than 90 licensed toys and games, and holder of 17 patents, passed away peacefully at his home in Boca Raton, FL, on May 1, 2026. Greg was 78 years old, but always young at heart.
In 1957, 10-year-old he issued a hand-printed flyer to the third and fourth graders at his New Rochelle, NY, elementary school. It was titled “Learn to Invent.”
His journey to the North Pole was not direct. Greg, an electronic engineer, first went into business, at age 16, outfitting neighborhood homes with crude security systems. Then he was hired to do read-outs, lock-outs, buzzers, and bells for Ron Greenberg Productions in New York City, a company that specialized in TV game shows. While there he backed into the toy and game industry in partnership with Greenberg’s brother, Larry. A special sound effects device Greg designed for a TV show pilot became, through a series of serendipitous events, a toy called Major Morgan (Playskool). Hyman/Greenberg next hit with Alphie and Alphie II (Playskool), a child’s first electronic learning toy.
Designing Play Across Worlds
A Feature Interview with Prapti Verma
Hi Prapti, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. You work in an industry that most people interact with as consumers without ever thinking about who makes it all. What's it actually like on the inside?
It's a wonderfully eclectic world. You're surrounded by people who are deeply curious, endlessly creative, and care deeply about what ends up in a child's hands. There's a lot of craft that goes into products that might look simple from the outside: the research, the iterations, the back-and-forth with manufacturers over something as specific as the weight of a card or the texture of a playing piece. When you finally see a finished product and think about the journey it took to get there, it never gets old.
It's also a surprisingly small industry. Everyone seems to know everyone, which makes community — like WiT (Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment), which I'm involved with through the Boston chapter — feel genuinely important.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Another wonderful cartoon submitted this week!
Do you have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to Mary.
Memorable Quotes: "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and advertise." – Ted Turner, on his secret to success
Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!
Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week

In a 2-1 ruling, the panel of judges at the US Court of International Trade found the administration lacked the justification to enact tariffs under a 1974 trade law known as Section 122.
Retail caution lingers as Mario, Disney, and licensing fuel the pipeline.
Streaming is soaring, and the new CEO revealed his plans for AI and his three strategic pillars for success.
The gaming retailer submitted an unsolicited acquisition proposal for the online marketplace and suggested its store fleet could serve as eBay's fulfillment network.
The landscape through which tariffs are charged to U.S. importers is still subject to a great degree of uncertainty and complexity, albeit a bit less chaotic than what we all experienced throughout 2025.
Bloomberg is reporting this evening that Nintendo is under fire from investors to increase the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 due to a shortage of components and increasing costs.
TG Jones has unveiled a radical restructuring plan, with eight of its 450 stores closing immediately, while Modella Capital demands 100% rent holidays on a further 100.
Roblox Corp. shares plunged the most in more than four years on Friday after the video game company reported fewer daily users in the first quarter.
Here are the stories that the toy industry couldn't stop reading and talking about last month.
By the time you finish reading this, another batch will be sold out.
NeeDohs are the latest viral craze taking over TikTok, selling out in stores across the U.S. and sparking more interest in adult stress toys.
From realistic play kitchens to cleaning sets, these toys keep going viral.
Ynon Kreiz said that the toy industry is healthy and the company is continuing to see demand.
The toy industry grew 32% last year to $31.1 billion. That sounds like a thriving industry and in many ways it is, but look a little closer at this brilliant snapshot from Alex Prieto, Eolo Toys and a more interesting story starts to emerge.
Talking to independent toy retailers in recent weeks has been rather a pleasant experience. While the retail channel as a whole has some major challenges (more on that later), toy stores are quite literally flying.
Toy World's Caroline Tonks takes a thorough look at the latest developments in the Dolls & Collectibles category and speaks with leading suppliers to learn about the current hot trends driving the category forward.
Benita Marwaha, Associate Director at Gen Media, explains why immersive in-store experiences are essential in today's day and age, with the continued rise of eCommerce, and how experiential retail reintroduces play into the path to purchase.
Jonathan Askin, Commercial Partner at Hugh James, a full-service UK law firm, explained to readers why a robust IP strategy is essential to any company working within the toy industry.
This month, Toy Worlds spoke to a selection of Toymaster suppliers on how they have been supporting the indies in 2026.
Breaking into any creative industry can feel tough, especially right now. But the fundamentals still matter.
It was unveiled it at Comic-Con in San Diego, where the cast of Stranger Things happened to be and they absolutely lost their minds over it. The media coverage was everywhere: Today Show, Mashable, Travel + Leisure. But what happened next?
Martin Wainwright on playing a priest of the Sanhedrin one sunny day in April.
Ynon Kreiz sits down with Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi from the Milken Institute Global Conference to discuss Mattel's upcoming "Masters of the Universe" movie, challenging Lego, and more.
Throughout the fun-filled day, they interviewed their employees’ children to find out if they know what their parents really do for work.
On a state visit to the United States this week, the queen of the United Kingdom became the first British royal to visit the library as she fulfilled a mission to complete the set of toys that Christopher Robin once owned.
Compression molding is a specialized process that predates injection molding. Instead of melting a plastic resin to be injected into mold cavities, compression molds require a material that fuses under high heat and pressure.
This month, Toy Barnhaus' Stephen Barnes and Mark Buschhaus review sales performance during the Easter period and which product categories have been standouts for the retailer.
For the 2026 standalone Toy Story 5 supplement, Toy World spoke to a host of licensees and retailers about major launches inspired by the highly anticipated movie arriving this June.
Mattel’s Double Trouble theme saw Big Jim and his chief nemesis Zorak undergoing facial metamorphosis with the twist of their arms.
Released in 1959 by Hasbro, the Targ-o-Rama Shooting Gallery was a spring-powered target game that combined a handheld gun with a rotating target mechanism.
Released in 1975 by Lakeside, the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea board game immersed players in the world created for the Walt Disney Productions film, adapted from Jules Verne’s classic novel.
“You’re either going to win and be the world’s top power, or lose and get a lesson in strategy from your mother-in-law.”
It’s located within eyesight of what used to be the Toy Building in New York City. It’s also located right above the Harry Potter store.
The premise for Twister came from a toy inventor named Reyn Guyer. While working for his father’s company, he conceived the game as promotional material for Johnson Wax shoe polish’s back-to-school campaign.
The new SEGA Genesis Console will be available for purchase on June 1, 2026, for $39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99.
The movie is still taking the box-office by storm with Nintendo and Illumination’s latest project grossing an estimated $32.2M internationally this weekend.
For the first time, fans can own officially licensed collectibles inspired by one of the most beloved toy retailers of all time, KB Toys.
This latest launch introduces Ghost's Papa Perpetua V and Papa Emeritus I in Collector’s, Boxed and Mini Editions, alongside Papa Emeritus IV and Papa Nihil as Tubbz Plushies.
BBC Studios and the Lego Group have revealed a highly anticipated new range of play sets which will expand the Bluey portfolio across Lego Duplo, Lego 4+ and Lego 5+.
The Ultimate Grogu product features built-in motors, sensors and microphones to deliver over 250 animations and sounds.
Minecraft’s global licensing ecosystem continues to grow through strategic collaborations spanning fashion, food, collectibles and creative play.
The long-term partnership will extend Jakks Pacific's fan-favourite line and introduce a new Snugg-ily Styles range this autumn.
Fast-paced gameplay sails to retail this summer.
The campaign spans retail, streaming, and experiential activations.
Golden Sombrero is partnering with Kenelephant to support the Tokyo-based collectibles manufacturer as it continues to expand worldwide.
FanGirl Consulting & Brand Management is named the global licensing agency for the hip-hop group, Czarface.
Wizards of the Coast unveiled the first-look images for new card sets featuring "The Hobbit" and Marvel Super Heroes IP.
The cultural card game grows international partnerships.
Cloudco Entertainment drives growth through new partnerships, cultural activations, and cross-category expansion.
Horror, Inc. grows the Friday the 13th franchise with new collaborations.
Wyncor and OuiDo! Productions enter a strategic partnership to develop and produce two original CG-animated series.
Along with a New 'Arkhive 800' Box
Hasbro is planning to relocate 100 employees that work across film, TV, gaming, licensing, toys and its AI studio to The Lot at Formosa in the first quarter of next year.
Taylor Swift has sparked rumours that new music, potentially for the latest installment for Toy Story could be on the way.
Moana, Anna from Frozen and Encanto's Mirabel all use sign language in these newly animated songs.
Produced by the Jim Henson Company in Sequoia National Park, the PBS Kids special leads a series of programs tied to America’s 250th anniversary.
After a strong fan reaction to Woody's new design in Toy Story 5, Tom Hanks has an explanation.
The set is titled Timmy and Tommy’s fun day out and it was revealed through the Nintendo Today app.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is powering up this month to celebrate PAC-MAN’s birthday with PAC-MAY.
This year's Chrome UCC delivers on-card autographs, bold new inserts and first signatures from football's next generation.
In the May issue, Gill Archer, VP, Hardlines and Food +, Disney Consumer Products EMEA, shared with readers Disney's licensing programme and upcoming activations for the highly-anticipated Mandalorian & Grogu film.
The Investor Relations website contains information about Carter’s, Inc.'s business for stockholders, potential investors, and financial analysts.
David, an experienced retail buyer, recently left Morrisons and would like to stay in the toy channel.
Aaron Muderick sits down with Matt Nuccio to discuss his work, journey and what's next.
Late last month, kindergarten students at Harry H. Herndon Elementary School saw that their ideas could become reality when Royse City High School fashion design students presented each of them.
A practical, digital learning experience that teaches teams how to think, not just what to think.
Angie brings an exceptional blend of creativity, product vision, and brand-building experience across some of the most recognized brands in the toy and entertainment industry.
Dropout launched its Kickstarter campaign for "Game Changer: Home Edition" Tuesday in its mission to bring the game show into fans' homes.
Teachers can receive a prize pack of essentials, have their stories featured, and more.
Gray Matters Games grows its party game portfolio with Cross the Line, launching exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide.
The announcement of Amazon Supply Chain Services has sent shockwaves through the transportation sector, impacting major carriers and logistics firms.
Ravensburger is set to launch a collection of jigsaws dedicated to the much-loved Diddly Squat Farm, and team Toy World caught up with Ravensburger’s Richard Collins and the farm’s Lisa Hogan to find out all about the brand-new collaboration
The installation will run for six weeks and invites customers to explore and purchase the popular Kawaii Kuties range on the second floor.
This summer, the U.S. Postal Service is dolling up deliveries with new Forever stamps celebrating the one and only Barbie.
Sesame Workshop expands its emotional well-being initiative with new digital resources and books to help children manage their emotions.
Mattel is celebrating American Girl’s 40th anniversary by combining the brand’s historic characters with two of its other timeless brands.
Moody’s is maintaining a negative outlook for the industry in 2026 as high prices and dwindling consumer demand pressure retailers.
Cultural icon Barbie starred in the 2023 Barbie movie and embarked on a journey of self discovery. Now she's back as a creative director with a collection sold at Edikted.com.
Universal said it is waiving all registration fees to celebrate the inaugural US Universal Summit, which will continue its predecessor's slate of game demos, panels and workshops, vendor exhibit hall and networking opportunities.
The acquisition comes just over a month after Asmodee agreed to pay up to €250m for French social and party game publisher ATM Gaming, the publisher of titles including Speed Bac/Quickstop, Mouton Mouton and Pili Pili.
UK-based Gutter Games, which was launced in 2017, is best known for dexterity challenge party game Beat That!, and has also published adult-themed party titles including Gutterhead and Trunk of Drunk.
Hamleys is set to extend its travel hubs in the UK with new stores in Liverpool Street Station and Heathrow T2.
Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast has unveiled the latest Commander Deck coming to Secret Lair: Goblin Storm, hitting shelves May 18.
Play your “Draw 4”: for just $4 per night, unlock stays where connection, competition, and fun come together
Nintendo has held a surprise Nintendo Direct focussed on Star Fox which was previously rumoured and is now official.
The company is eyeing remakes and new releases after purchasing the rights to multiple titles in the classic RPG franchise.
The annual event usually has some nice surprises and plenty of interviews with developers though the big three companies usually hold their own showcase events.
The talented team at Yacht Club Games have finally announced the release date for their long-awaited new IP, Mina the Hollower.
In a new interview Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s game director, Naoki Hamaguchi, has stated that they would be open to downloadable content for the third installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Nintendo’s newly unveiled extended take on the original Star Fox 64, which is simply titled Star Fox, it is scheduled to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on 25th June.
Gray Matters Games, creators of hit party games Slip It In and Rhymes With Duck, are proud to announce the launch of their newest title, Cross the Line—a laugh-out-loud social guessing game that reveals how well you really know your friends and family.
This Star Wars Day, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG) is giving fans something to look forward to: a celebration of a galaxy far, far away for the 50th anniversary Star Wars.
The newly released jigsaw showcases a pictorial map of central London, originally created in 1938 by British artist Kerry Lee.
The Strong National Museum of Play announced the 2026 inductees to its World Video Game Hall of Fame on May 7.
Toy World’s Caroline Tonks caught up with Anna Clarke, SVP of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, to hear her thoughts on how this year’s show is shaping up.
Toy World's Gabriela Jiménez García sat down with Toymaster’s Member Support and Retail Recruitment Manager, Sam Gascoigne, to get insights into what can be expected from this year's event.
In memory of Golden Bear's founder John Hales, the team will take part in the Mascot Grand National on Friday 15th May.
Licensing Expo is hosting a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Controller: How Gaming Brands Are Shaping Mainstream Entertainment" on May 20.
Universal Products & Experiences celebrates Shrek's 25th anniversary at this year's Licensing Expo, Stand U188.
The model and entrepreneur will share insights on building purpose-driven collaborations and long-term brand value.
From a Global Toy News perspective, the continued growth and evolution of the ABC Kids Expo 2026 highlights how influential the juvenile and early childhood category has become.
GamesBeat has announced the winners of its 2026 Visionary Awards, honoring leaders whose work is shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
One of the goals behind Play for Resilience is to help make the connection between play and children’s well-being more visible to families.
Ted Turner, one of the most impactful media entrepreneurs of the 20th century through his founding of CNN and the franchise Captain Planet, died May 6 at 87
The inventor of more than 90 licensed toys and games, and holder of 17 patents, passed away peacefully at his home in Boca Raton, FL, on May 1, 2026.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some stories added Friday afternoon. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Wizards of the Coast Unveils Product Line Deets for 'Magic: The Gathering - Reality Fracture'
- Archon Offers 'StarCraft' Demo Pack
- Cthulhu Emerges in 'D&D Icons of the Realms'
- Famed 'Magic' Mox Artist Dan Frazier and Wizards of the Coast Issue a Joint Apology
- 'Final Fantasy TCG' Contemplates 'Memories of Life'
- WizKids Unveils Four New 'Dungeons & Dragons HeroClix' Packs
- New 'Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team' Heads to Preorder
- New TCG from Wizards of the Coast
- GameStop Takes a Shot at eBay
- 'Monopoly' Takes on 'Fourth Wing'
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
BoardGameWire
Toy Store (Italy)
Video of the Week
Inspiring Young Aviators – The History of Aviation Toys
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