Hello

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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Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.

Mary and the POP Team

Bloom Report Subscribers Say...

  • "I’ve been reading the Bloom Report faithfully since the Phillip days and can’t be more impressed that Mary has carried on the tradition. It is the highlight of my Fridays. Not just for the comprehensive recap of all things in the industry, but for the little personal touches – the quotes, cartoon, birthdays, obituaries, Person of the Week interview – these bring out the heart and soul of our industry." -Alan Dorfman, Super Impulse
  • "The Bloom Report is always a Friday treat!" - Dana Cohler Moncrief, Moose Toys
  • "Thank you Mary!  My workday can now begin. Fridays always start out, at my desk, with a large iced coffee, SportsCenter in the background and The Bloom Report."  -Tom Rushton, Revenew Sales
  • "If you know, you know: the Bloom Report is the New York Times of the toy business." - Lev Nelson, Sky Castle Toys
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  • "I go to work 6 days a week and magic happens! On day 7 I read the Bloom Report." 😁 - Rick Derr, Learning Express
  • "Tell me you're in the toy industry w/o telling me you're in the toy industry: Friday Morning = a cup-a-Joe & Bloom Report!" -Tim Walsh, The Playmakers
  • "I don't know anyone in the industry that doesn't read the Bloom Report." -Ken Lewis, 4Kidz, Inc.
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The Bloom Report has over 26,000 subscribers with a 50%+ open rate.
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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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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

Financial, Legal and Tariffs

Build-A-Bear continues to rack up market gains, despite tariffs and teetering mall traffic

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.

Blokees back to black on construction toy sales

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.

Diamond Consignors File to Prepare for Possible Diamond Insolvency

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.

Kentucky’s attorney general targets Roblox, claims it's putting kids at risk

A new lawsuit claims the world's biggest gaming platform isn't playing fair when it comes to child safety.

Tariff volatility impacting some retailors' ability to turn a profit

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.

Rite Aid closes all stores

When the drugstore retailer filed for bankruptcy in May, its second Chapter 11 in eight months, it was running about 1,275 locations.

Stories, Comments, and Advice

Great expectations … it’s the Friday Blog!

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?”

Star Wars and The Muppets' designer shares 'miracles' from his studio

Steve Allen, 62, has worked as a puppeteer, toy and model maker for Jim Henson, Star Wars, and more.

What to Do When It Gets Tough: Survival Strategies for Toy Business Owners

What matters is how quickly you can see what’s really wrong and make decisions that stop the bleeding.

The Loyalty Shift: Why Purpose-Driven Brands Are Winning In 2025

Loyalty is a key ingredient for success for retailers in 2025 looking to build long-term relationship with their customers.

October’s Talking Shop

This month, Caroline Tonks and Gabriela Jiménez García talked to indie retailers about Christmas and what's doing well in store.

Polly Pocket Celebrated at The Strong’s Worldwide Day of Play

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.

History and Nostalgia

Thingmaker Creepy Crawlers from Mattel

“Make charming lizard pins or spider rings.”

Steve Scout High Adventure Scout Base from Kenner

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.

Super Jocks from Schaper

In the mid-1970s, Schaper released a series of sports action games called Super Jocks.

Shrieks & Creaks from Golden

In the Shrieks & Creaks board game, players attempted to escape a haunted mansion by navigating 12 haunted rooms and avoiding misfortune.

Licensing and Entertainment

Clue Netflix Show: Iconic Board Game Adaption Pits Contestants Against Each Other

A Clue Netflix show has been announced, 18 months after Somy purchased the rights. Clue board game TV adaption will be competition-based.

Jem and the Holograms License Moves to BOOM! Studios

Fans can look forward to all-new stories with Jem and all her friends coming from BOOM! Studios.

DanielRPK says a Donkey Kong movie is apparently in the works at Universal

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 team up to bring new games to Toniebox 2

Tonies and Hasbro have expanded their long-term licensing agreement to bring select Hasbro Games titles to the recently launched Toniebox 2.

Asmodee secures exclusive rights to Lord of the Rings tabletop games

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.

New Disney Lorcana sets designed to encourage newcomers

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.

JAKKS Pacific Launches New ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Product Line

Available exclusively at Walmart, JAKKS Pacific's The Wizard of Oz collection features three sets inspired by the 1939 film.

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Trailer: ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel Follows Ser Duncan and His Squire Egg, Set 100 Years in the Past

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.

‘Mighty Nein’ Trailer Reveals Critical Role’s Second Dungeons & Dragons Campaign

It’s based on Critical Role’s second Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and it’s their second show after the ongoing “Legend of Vox Machina.”

‘Tangled’ Live-Action Take Resumes Early Development At Disney; Scarlett Johansson Circling Role Of Mother Gothel

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. 

‘Minecraft 2’ Is Happening With Director Jared Hess Returning, Summer 2027 Release Set

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.

Strong demand for brands 

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.

Sonic teams up with Olympic Games brand for multi-year licensing agreement

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. 

Bluey expands licensing around the world

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 appoints Character Options as UK distributor 

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.

Jazwares Unleashes Stranger Things Collection

From Hawkins to the shelves: action figures, playsets, and collectibles bring fan-favorite characters to life.

Pembe the Pink Cat Partners with WexWorks Media for Animated Expansion

The viral affirmation icon teams with an Emmy-nominated studio to develop a new series and cross-platform strategy.

JAKKS Pacific Levels up Licensing with New ‘Super Mario’ Offerings

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. 

Google and Sesame Workshop teach the ABCs of digital wellbeing

The initiative comes as Sesame Street is about to bring more young viewers to YouTube.

The top 10 licensed toy properties in Europe

Ahead of BLE, Circana breaks down the emerging consumer product trends in the EU7. 

Threewise Entertainment dives into licensing

The prodco will debut its newest division at Brand Licensing Europe, representing Smallfilms’ Bagpuss franchise worldwide.

Rebecca Sugar is helming a Moomins movie

 The Steven Universe creator will write and direct the new film from Annapurna Animation featuring the 80-year-old characters.

Van Gogh Museum Partners with WildBrain CPLG for Global Licensing Program

The partnership extends Vincent van Gogh’s legacy into lifestyle products and collaborations across categories worldwide.

BLE 2025: Skibidi Toilet Expands Global Reach with New Licensing Partners

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 Disney Afternoon REWIND Collection Brings Iconic Worlds to the Tabletop

The first collection for a new modular gaming system launches this fall on Kickstarter.

StudioCanal is adapting kidlit series Murder Most Unladylike

Strong Film + TV is also on board for this 1930s-set mystery series for tweens.

Dynamite Will Release 'Army of Darkness - The Board Game'

The announcement of this game's release comes over seven years since the initial announcement of the licensing agreement.

‘Masters of the Universe:’ The Return to Eternia

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.

Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Co-Developing Lily Collins-led “Polly Pocket” Live Action Feature Film with Mattel Studios

Mattel and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine will co-develop the Polly Pocket live-action feature film with Mattel Studios and Amazon MGM Studios.

People of Play

Moose Toys Shares New Changes to Senior Leadership

Co-Owner and CEO Paul Solomon continues with the company as Executive Chairman.

GAMA’s executive director is leaving after a ‘transformative’ seven-year tenure – just as the organisation puts its first-ever 10-year plan into operation -

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.

ToyMonster welcomes Becky Baldwin to lead US portfolio

Based in the company's Bentonville office, Becky will manage ToyMonster’s Walmart USA account and help to grow ToyMonster across the US market.

Talkin’ Toys: Hasbro’s Kim Boyd Speaks on ‘Women Innovators of Play,’ Importance of Inclusivity

Before the 2025 Women Innovators of Play event, Hasbro's Kim Boyd spoke with The Toy Book about the conference and more.

Sophia Chong Named ED of HKTDC

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.

Mediawan moves sales to London under its first chief distribution officer

Sally Habbershaw will oversee worldwide sales for Mediawan’s 80 production companies as Valérie Vleeschhouwer prepares to exit.

How a toymaker found his voice in art

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

Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals

2025 Toy Retailer of the Year Awards applications are now open

These awards recognise excellence in innovation, strategic partnerships and outstanding retail performance.

Simba Dickie gets ready for Spiel Essen

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.

Hasbro showcases iconic brands at BLE

At BLE, Hasbro is spotlighting the global reach of its powerhouse portfolio with new expansions in the toy category.

The 2025 Parents Best Toys Awards

From Toothless and Elmo to Legos, Play-Doh, and more, 101 winners make up Parents 2025 Best Toys Awards.

Toy Fair® 2026: 120 years of play, innovation, & what’s next

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.

Hasbro Announces Third Annual Women Innovators of Play Design Challenge

Three Winners Each Receive $10,000 USD, a Trip to Hasbro HQ, and a Mentorship Session with a Hasbro Woman Leader.

GAMA unveils 10-year plan to become “epicenter” of global tabletop gaming industry, renames itself after almost 50 years -

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.

Final Deadline Extended: 2026 Pulse of Play Awards

You asked, the toybook listened: The final deadline is October 15, 2025.

Mattel Brings the American Girl Brand to Mexico with El Palacio de Hierro Partnership

Mattel is taking the American Girl Styled by You experience to the department store chain El Palacio de Hierro.

CultureFly Enters NYCC with New Fandom-Fueled Collectibles

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 Unveils Inaugural Collectors’ Choice Awards

The Pop Insider is launching The Collectors' Choice Awards, an awards program for fans and the industry to celebrate the best licensed merch.

Beyblade X World Championship Takes the Tournament to Tokyo

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.

GAMA Expo Officially Moves to Baltimore

Starting in 2027, GAMA Expo will be headed to Baltimore for the next six years through 2032.

Companies and Brands

Chinese budget retailer Miniso bets big on collectible designer toys In response to its growing focus on toys, Miniso plans to spin off its Top Toy brand and expand its e-commerce presence.
CMON sells global headquarters after suffering $12m H1 revenue slump, charges some pre-order customers extra to cover tariffs -

Financially-troubled board game publisher CMON has sold its global headquarters as part of a fightback against heavy losses.

Year-long celebration for Tom and Jerry’s 85th anniversary

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.

CEO Reveals Plans For Potential LABUBU Theme Park, Inspired By Disney!

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.

Get in, Loser! Bratz and Mean Girls Clique Up Again for a Totally Fetch Spring Fling Collection

They’re Not a Regular Collab, They’re a Cool Collab – the Plastics are Back in Bratz Form Beginning October 9.

USA Rugby Star Ilona Maher Gets Her Own Barbie Doll

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. 

“We know how important brick-and-mortar retail is”: Asmodee Germany expands retail, hobby store-focused sales teams with new hires -

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.

MINISO x Toca Boca ® Collab Transforms Toca Boca® World's Digital Playground into Real Life Fun

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.

Monopoly celebrates 90 years with Hot Wheels first-ever collaboration

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 launches Disney-inspired Crystal Art advent calendar

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.

My 1st Years continues collaboration with Natural History Museum

A new collection from My 1st Years blends playful, educational storytelling with thoughtful personalisation,  to inspire a lifelong love of discovery.

Heathside Trading and BBC announce return of Doctor Who TCG

Expanding Heathside's range with BBC Studios, the Doctor Who Battles in Time Trading Card Game will return in time for its 20th anniversary.

Mattel Debuts New ‘Wednesday’ Monster High Doll

A new character from Wednesday is joining Monster High. The Bianca Barclay doll features the siren queen in her Nevermore uniform.

Blokees Wheels Revealed at Wonder Festival 2025

The brand leads the model kit industry with multiple new IPs.

Ravensburger Will Release 'The Castles of Burgundy (Special Edition)'

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.

Marvel and Hasbro Launch New Kids Products Inspired by Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Available at participating retailers, fans can stretch out their collections by adding the Marvel Stretch & Bend Mister Fantastic figure.

TLS Heads to NYCC with Collectible Classics

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 Launches Limited-Edition Bobbleheads for 125th Anniversary

Lionel Trains Bobblehead collection includes four limited-edition bobbleheads featuring Lenny's likeness throughout the years.

Skee-Ball Team Launches Shuffleboard X

The shuffleboard table offers commercial-grade quality at an accessible price point.

Mattel, The Museum of Modern Art Collaborate For Art-Inspired Collection

The Mattel x MoMA Collection features seven products that combine Mattel's iconic brands with renowned pieces MoMA's collection.

Build-A-Bear Unveils Seasonal Lineup for OctoBEAR

New characters join fan-favorite plush as the brand celebrates spooky season.

Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development

LA indie studio Heart Machine is making layoffs

The news comes around nine months after Hyper Light Breaker launched into early access.

US: Circana says Switch 2 sales trending 77% ahead of aligned sales of Nintendo Switch

Circana has revealed that Nintendo Switch 2 unit sales are trending 77% ahead of the time-aligned sales of the original Nintendo Switch.

Sesame Workshop expands on Roblox with two new games

A Sesame Street hub will drive excitement for the upcoming television season with sneak-peeks at new characters and a fresh show segment.

Atlus considered Persona 3 Reload for original Switch but simultaneous launch wouldn't be possible

Many were surprised when Persona 3 Reload was announced and there was no option for a Nintendo Switch version.

Capcom explains why they are releasing three Resident Evil games simultaneously

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 “next DLC is already in the pipeline” with details coming January

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.

Japan: Politician says Nintendo is lobbying with government to push against AI

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 is requesting $4,500,000 in damages from a Switch piracy Reddit mod

Nintendo comes down hard on anyone who infringes on its vast intellectual properties and software piracy.

Microsoft delays Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hikes for some subscribers

Some European countries won’t be impacted by subscription price hikes yet

Skate tops 15 million players in under three weeks

The free-to-play reboot launched into early access on September 16.

“The board game sector is fragile, especially at the moment”: Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood of Venice publisher Triton Noir closes down after failure of last crowdfunding campaign -

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.

Mina the Hollower has now been delayed

The team says that they need to put the finishing touches to the game and need more time to do that.

LEGO team worked with one of Nintendo’s hardware designers to build Game Boy

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.

Gameberry Labs, Hasbro Reveal First-Ever Sorry! Mobile Game

In collaboration with Hasbro, Gameberry Labs launches 'Sorry! World,' the first-ever stand-alone mobile app for the board game Sorry!

Safety and Regulatory

How Parents Manage Screen Time for Kids

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.

RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed

Leigh Anne Brodsky

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)

  1. Opportunities (let’s make lots of money) … it’s the Friday Blog!
  2. Spielwarenmesse TrendCommittee reveals ToyTrends for 2026
  3. Monopoly celebrates 90 years with Hot Wheels first-ever collaboration
  4. Craft Buddy launches Disney-inspired Crystal Art advent calendar
  5. England Rugby star Ellie Kildunne honoured as Barbie role model
  6. Vintage Bookshelf Collection continues to grow
  7. Exclusive: Generation Media on Barb’s measuring of YouTube viewing on TV
  8. Mattel Creations partners with Museum of Modern Art
  9. Exclusive: Bicycle Playing Cards celebrates 140 years
  10. Reydon publishes Chritmas Gift Ideas trade catalogue

 
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld

  1. Year-long celebration for Tom and Jerry’s 85th anniversary
  2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone celebrates 25 years
  3. Tonies and Hasbro team up to bring new games to Toniebox 2
  4. New Disney Lorcana sets designed to encourage newcomers
  5. Asmodee secures exclusive rights to Lord of the Rings tabletop games
  6. Strong demand for brands
  7. Sega teams up with International Olympic Committee
  8. Bluey expands licensing around the world
  9. Heathside Trading and BBC announce return of Doctor Who TCG
  10. Marketing drive underway for Just Play’s Disney Stitch

 
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)​​
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Global Toy News​​​

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The Bugg Report (Australia)​

 
The Toy Universe (Australia)


 

​hobbyDB

 

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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!

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