Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
The theme for this year’s TAGIE Awards is Friendship — a perfect reflection of what drives our industry. So much of what we create comes from collaboration and shared creativity — inventors, designers, marketers, suppliers, and retailers coming together to bring ideas to life. It’s also how I’ve been able to build the People of Play events over the past 30 years, and I’m deeply grateful for the many friendships and collaborators who have been part of that journey.
This year’s TAGIE honorees — Mike Moody and Phil Orbanes (Lifetime Achievement Awards) and Judy Ellis (Industry Game Changer) — truly embody that spirit of collaboration. Their work has inspired and created countless products, nurtured careers, and built lasting connections that remind us why our industry feels more like a family than a business.
Friends Rachel Griffin and Donna Moore (selfie at 2024 TAGIEs) will be sharing something unexpected at the TAGIEs this year – don’t miss it!
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Mary and the POP Team
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Person of the Week: Brian Rovner of SMART Toys and Games
Hi Brian! Fun interview – thank you! I’m looking forward to checking out Smart Toys and Games booth at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair next month! Please share with our readers what you do in our industry?
I manage marketing and e-commerce for Smart Toys and Games.
What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?
So many good people. And I am lucky to work for a company that makes great products.
Do you have a mantra that you live by?
I try to be happy in the moment. I imagine like most people I have been coached to simply ‘be’ in the moment. But sometimes the moment sucks, right? And in those moments I’d actually prefer to be in a happy place somewhere else.
Why and how did you get into the Toy and Game industry?
I had a friend that was part of a toy marketing start-up in the early 2000s, he brought me in. Later I helped another friend get his invention developed and produced, this eventually led to where I am now.
Role play! It’s fun!
By Brendan Boyle
Today I was role playing a salesman. I had my bag of prototypes, and I was down at a big toy company in LA, and I was in sales mode. For me, sales mode is mostly joking, trying to keep things light and fun.. Some folks have different sales modes, I think, are more forcing, trying to sell it. I've never found that to work. Some folks are a little bit more angry and technical and claim that the toy company is ripping them off. I've found that's not important. Elliot Rudell, one of my best mentors and a famous toy inventor, told me, the goal of the meeting isn't to sell something. It should be to be invited back, because this is a long game. (I didn’t sell a Barbie item after pitching them for 15 years, then I invented and sold 4 Barbe Dream Campers in a row plus many other Barbie items. For every thousand prototypes I pitch, I might sell 10. So you have to be in a mode of enjoying what you're doing and getting invited back. And also, as much as you're talking, you should be listening, because there's valuable nuggets of feedback. Sure, sometimes it's useless feedback, and they don't get it, and they're just trying to help.
READ MORE
Young Inventor Challenge Call for Judges
Be a part of the fun—and the future of play!
The Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) is where the next generation of toy and game creators share their brilliant ideas—and every year, we see more kids take part. With this growing excitement comes the need for more judges to review, encourage, and inspire these young innovators.
We invite YOU to sign up as a 2025 Young Inventor Challenge judge before October 20th!
Judges bring valuable expertise from across the toy and game industry—whether in invention, product design, marketing, retail, or other related areas. If you’ve judged at another toy/game-focused event, your perspective is welcome here too.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to user who chose to remain anonymous for the cartoon this week.
Memorable Quotes: “I try to avoid giving advice. The only advice I will give is to pay attention.” – Robert Redford
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!
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary
Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!
Brent Geppert
Dorene Mills
Kazuki Takahashi RIP
Keith Meyers
Robert Krakoff RIP
Haley Anderson
Kiki Robbirds
Michael Adams
Bobby Coovert
Gert Garman
Shooki Grasiani
Wayne Sombric
Yoshitaka Tamaki RIP
Scott Baumann
Jasper Shifflett
Bernie Stolar RIP
Executives say the retailer’s hands-on, experiential model and smart sourcing strategies have helped offset Trump’s steep import tariffs (30% on China, 20% on Vietnam), with expected annual tariff costs under $11 million as the company still projects record profits for the year.
The Chinese construction-toy maker dubbed "China's Lego", notched its first interim net profit in four years in the first half of 2025, fueled by a surprise overseas sales boom mainly in Southeast Asia and North America.
In a first for the troubled bankruptcy case of Diamond Comic Distributors, a filing by a group of consignment publishers has asked the court to withhold a fee payment to one of the law firms working for Diamond.
A new lawsuit claims the world's biggest gaming platform isn't playing fair when it comes to child safety.
Some retailers are growing frustrated at the volatility of tariff rates and other federal changes as they try to turn a profit for their businesses.
When the drugstore retailer filed for bankruptcy in May, its second Chapter 11 in eight months, it was running about 1,275 locations.
Tariff updates from August 12th solidify what we need to know for the next 90 days. Here’s the latest news regarding US ports, the state of freight, and supply chain issues.
If you’ve ever been surprised by unexpected import costs on your game shipment, the culprit might be something called an anti-dumping duty.
Reydon has released the new Christmas Gift Ideas catalogue to inspire both its customer base and new accounts interested in working the company.
The TrendCommittee’s selection reflects current impulses in the industry and provides retailers with guidance on where play is heading in the coming years.
The Woobles launch story epitomizes why brand owners should look into stitching for licensing expansions.
How Hong Kong gave rise to Labubu and a designer toy movement now shaping global culture.
I’ve just returned to the office after a very successful BLE event. As I wandered the aisles bumping into people I knew, just about everyone’s opening remark was “it’s busy, isn’t it?”
Steve Allen, 62, has worked as a puppeteer, toy and model maker for Jim Henson, Star Wars, and more.
What matters is how quickly you can see what’s really wrong and make decisions that stop the bleeding.
Loyalty is a key ingredient for success for retailers in 2025 looking to build long-term relationship with their customers.
This month, Caroline Tonks and Gabriela Jiménez García talked to indie retailers about Christmas and what's doing well in store.
The Strong National Museum of Play welcomed Kate Wiggs, daughter of Polly Pocket creator Chris Wiggs, for a special presentation during its annual Worldwide Day of Play event.
“Make charming lizard pins or spider rings.”
Kenner’s Steve Scout High Adventure Scout Base was a 28-inch tall log-constructed lookout tower, proportioned to the size of the company’s Steve Scout action figure line.
In the mid-1970s, Schaper released a series of sports action games called Super Jocks.
In the Shrieks & Creaks board game, players attempted to escape a haunted mansion by navigating 12 haunted rooms and avoiding misfortune.
A Clue Netflix show has been announced, 18 months after Somy purchased the rights. Clue board game TV adaption will be competition-based.
Fans can look forward to all-new stories with Jem and all her friends coming from BOOM! Studios.
Nintendo has said multiple times that it plans to grow its beloved franchises outside of gaming and that movies are just one avenue the Kyoto-based company is taking.
Tonies and Hasbro have expanded their long-term licensing agreement to bring select Hasbro Games titles to the recently launched Toniebox 2.
Asmodee will oversee the strategy in close collaboration with Middle-earth and lead development of the tabletop range, working alongside external partners and industry experts.
The Collection Starter Set and Elsa Gift Box are now available everywhere and are the perfect way for Disney fans to start an epic collecting journey.
Available exclusively at Walmart, JAKKS Pacific's The Wizard of Oz collection features three sets inspired by the 1939 film.
HBO has unveiled the first trailer for “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” a prequel to “Game of Thrones.” The six-episode, half-hour drama will premiere on Jan 18.
It’s based on Critical Role’s second Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and it’s their second show after the ongoing “Legend of Vox Machina.”
The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey is still attached to direct, working from a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson based on the 2010 animated feature.
The screenplay by Jared Hess & Chris Galletta is under wraps. The buzz was that there were always other worlds to build out to and characters in the Minecraft-verse.
As BLE kicks off, Licensing International and Circana have revealed strong demand for products and experiences aligned with fan-favourite brands, as sales of licensed products in the UK reach $13.9b.
SEGA CORPORATION and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a new multi-year agreement celebrating the legacies of Sonic the Hedgehog and the Olympic brand.
BBC Studios has unveiled licensing growth across all categories for Bluey, as Moose Toys, Lego and Penguin continue to drive Bluey’s dominance across play and publishing.
Outfit7 has appointed Character Options as its official UK distributor for the upcoming Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super toy line, set to launch across the UK in 2026.
From Hawkins to the shelves: action figures, playsets, and collectibles bring fan-favorite characters to life.
The viral affirmation icon teams with an Emmy-nominated studio to develop a new series and cross-platform strategy.
Get ready to level up your toy box! JAKKS Pacific is launching a new collection of Super Mario toys, and kids are jumping for joy.
The initiative comes as Sesame Street is about to bring more young viewers to YouTube.
Ahead of BLE, Circana breaks down the emerging consumer product trends in the EU7.
The prodco will debut its newest division at Brand Licensing Europe, representing Smallfilms’ Bagpuss franchise worldwide.
The Steven Universe creator will write and direct the new film from Annapurna Animation featuring the 80-year-old characters.
The partnership extends Vincent van Gogh’s legacy into lifestyle products and collaborations across categories worldwide.
The viral YouTube sensation teams with a new roster of international agents to grow its consumer product program and expand reach to fans worldwide.
The first collection for a new modular gaming system launches this fall on Kickstarter.
Strong Film + TV is also on board for this 1930s-set mystery series for tweens.
The announcement of this game's release comes over seven years since the initial announcement of the licensing agreement.
License Global speaks with Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer, Mattel, about the rise of the “Masters of the Universe” franchise, the evolution from an action figure to a Blockbuster movie, the licensing strategy and how Brand Licensing Europe is the first major opportunity to preview what’s coming.
Mattel and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine will co-develop the Polly Pocket live-action feature film with Mattel Studios and Amazon MGM Studios.
Co-Owner and CEO Paul Solomon continues with the company as Executive Chairman.
Hobby games trade organisation GAMA is losing executive director John Stacy next month after what it described as seven "transformative" years - and just three weeks after it unveiled ambitious plans to become the "epicenter” of the global tabletop gaming industry.
Based in the company's Bentonville office, Becky will manage ToyMonster’s Walmart USA account and help to grow ToyMonster across the US market.
Before the 2025 Women Innovators of Play event, Hasbro's Kim Boyd spoke with The Toy Book about the conference and more.
Ms Chong states: “The global economy is ever-changing, and Hong Kong’s role as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder” is more crucial than ever.
Sally Habbershaw will oversee worldwide sales for Mediawan’s 80 production companies as Valérie Vleeschhouwer prepares to exit.
Opening his first solo Australian exhibition at the Museum of Old and New Art, Arcangelo Sassolino speaks to Esquire about the making behind his “psychological traps” with industrial materials
These awards recognise excellence in innovation, strategic partnerships and outstanding retail performance.
Zoch, Schipper, Eichhorn and Noris-Spiele are all part of the Simba Dickie Group and will be showcasing their games at Spiel Essen later this month.
At BLE, Hasbro is spotlighting the global reach of its powerhouse portfolio with new expansions in the toy category.
From Toothless and Elmo to Legos, Play-Doh, and more, 101 winners make up Parents 2025 Best Toys Awards.
This February 14 to 17, 2026, the global toy community will once again gather at New York City’s Javits Center for four days of discovery, connection, and inspiration.
Three Winners Each Receive $10,000 USD, a Trip to Hasbro HQ, and a Mentorship Session with a Hasbro Woman Leader.
US-based GAMA has revealed an array of plans spread across the next decade, including boosting its membership within both hobby games and the mass market, expanding itself into a global organisation.
You asked, the toybook listened: The final deadline is October 15, 2025.
Mattel is taking the American Girl Styled by You experience to the department store chain El Palacio de Hierro.
At NYCC, the CultureFly booth (No. 2743) is the place to be to grab must-have collectibles featuring Scooby-Doo, Stranger Things, and more.
The Pop Insider is launching The Collectors' Choice Awards, an awards program for fans and the industry to celebrate the best licensed merch.
After a summer of intense battles around the globe, the Beyblade X World Championship is spinning to Tokyo Tower for the grand finale this weekend.
Starting in 2027, GAMA Expo will be headed to Baltimore for the next six years through 2032.
Financially-troubled board game publisher CMON has sold its global headquarters as part of a fightback against heavy losses.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products is marking Tom and Jerry's 85th milestone with a year-long celebration that keeps the world’s most famous cat-and-mouse duo firmly in the cultural spotlight.
In a recent interview with Reuters, Pop Mart COO Si De said the company is taking a page from Disney’s playbook when it comes to expanding upon the toy that has taken the world by storm.
They’re Not a Regular Collab, They’re a Cool Collab – the Plastics are Back in Bratz Form Beginning October 9.
Ever since grabbing bronze at the 2024 Summer Olympics, USA Rugby star Ilona Maher has been soaring, and now Barbie created a new doll in her likeness.
Asmodee Germany is looking to get its games into a wider selection of mass market stores in addition to boosting its hobby shop relationships thanks to a pair of new sales hires.
Toca Boca and globally recognized retail brand MINISO are bringing the playful world of Toca Boca to fans through an exclusive collection of lifestyle products.
As part of the collaboration, Hasbro will be launching a special Hot Wheels Pass ‘N Go 1:64 die-cast collectible, available globally from 1st November.
Craft Buddy is strengthening its Christmas 2025 line-up with the Disney Crystal Art Magnetic Advent Calendar, which combines the excitement of Disney with the hands-on creativity of Crystal Art.
A new collection from My 1st Years blends playful, educational storytelling with thoughtful personalisation, to inspire a lifelong love of discovery.
Expanding Heathside's range with BBC Studios, the Doctor Who Battles in Time Trading Card Game will return in time for its 20th anniversary.
A new character from Wednesday is joining Monster High. The Bianca Barclay doll features the siren queen in her Nevermore uniform.
The brand leads the model kit industry with multiple new IPs.
This is the definitive edition of Castles of Burgundy, by Hall of Fame board game designer Stefan Feld, that was first released in 2023 via Gamefound by Awaken Realms.
Available at participating retailers, fans can stretch out their collections by adding the Marvel Stretch & Bend Mister Fantastic figure.
At this year’s New York Comic Con (NYCC), The Loyal Subjects (TLS) is launching a throwback toy takeover filled with cuddly characters from your childhood.
Lionel Trains Bobblehead collection includes four limited-edition bobbleheads featuring Lenny's likeness throughout the years.
The shuffleboard table offers commercial-grade quality at an accessible price point.
The Mattel x MoMA Collection features seven products that combine Mattel's iconic brands with renowned pieces MoMA's collection.
New characters join fan-favorite plush as the brand celebrates spooky season.
The news comes around nine months after Hyper Light Breaker launched into early access.
Circana has revealed that Nintendo Switch 2 unit sales are trending 77% ahead of the time-aligned sales of the original Nintendo Switch.
A Sesame Street hub will drive excitement for the upcoming television season with sneak-peeks at new characters and a fresh show segment.
Many were surprised when Persona 3 Reload was announced and there was no option for a Nintendo Switch version.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners who have yet to play Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil Requiem are in for a treat as all three games launch on the platform on the very same day.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is finally coming to the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 and it already has a massive roster of characters for player to chose from.
Japanese politician Satoshi Asano has revealed in a lengthy post on X that Nintendo currently lobbying with the Japanese government in a coordinated effort to push back against the threats from Artificial Intelligence.
Nintendo comes down hard on anyone who infringes on its vast intellectual properties and software piracy.
Some European countries won’t be impacted by subscription price hikes yet
The free-to-play reboot launched into early access on September 16.
Triton Noir, the Canadian board game publisher which found Kickstarter success with its tabletop adaptation of the Assassin's Creed video game series, has closed down almost a year after scrapping its fifth and final crowdfunding campaign.
The team says that they need to put the finishing touches to the game and need more time to do that.
The LEGO Game Boy looks incredible and as we have previously reported one illustrious individual has already modded it to be used as an actual working Game Boy.
In collaboration with Hasbro, Gameberry Labs launches 'Sorry! World,' the first-ever stand-alone mobile app for the board game Sorry!
About four-in-ten parents say they could be doing better at managing their kid’s screen time. A larger share – 58% – say they’re doing the best they can.
A veteran Nickelodeon licensing executive who helped lead the development and growth of such iconic characters as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues, has died. She was 67.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning. 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)
- Kickstarter on Strike
- Renegade Unveils 'G.I. JOE Heroscape'
- Space Wolves Battle The T'au Empire in New 'Warhammer 40,000' Kill Team Set
- Sirius Dice Unveils New 'D&D Adventure Dice' Set
- Rolling for Initiative -- 'Magic's' Standard Format Limps Along
- Kickstarter Responds to Strike
- GAMA Expo Officially Moves to Baltimore
- Renegade Unveils New Six 'Heroscape' Army Expansions
- Modiphius Announces New 'Fallout: Factions' Starter Set
- Ultra PRO Unveils New 'Pokemon TCG' Accessories
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!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 - Official Teaser Trailer (2025)
POP Classifieds - Free and Easy
"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!" -Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International
Either post your job openings yourself (so easy!) to our POP Classifieds or send them to us to post for you. We all have colleagues looking now that would benefit.
You can also post IP and more to sell. We just posted a listing for US Utility Patent & Trademark: MOGO.
If you are looking for someone with particular skills and expertise, use POP's Advanced Search to fine that person or company you need!
If you are not in the POP Directory, the largest searchable directory by skill, expertise and more, sign up!
Get Listed in the POP Toy Industry Database
It's Linkedin + IMDb and Searchable!
"I highly recommend that if anyone in this industry wants to be found, they join POP and fill out the skills and expertise section of their POP Profiles. I've had companies and a major media network reach out to me for a show based on my skills and expertise."
- David Yakos, Founder of Streamline Design and Owner of Salient Technologies
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