Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!

Happy Bloomin’ Friday!

This week’s Bloom Report has me thinking about the people behind the power of play—and how much of themselves they put into what they create.

We sadly lost Peter Cullen this week, the legendary voice of Optimus Prime. Before his original Transformers audition in 1984, Peter’s older brother Larry, a Marine veteran, gave him advice about portraying a hero: “If you’re going to be a hero, be a real hero. Be strong enough to be gentle. Be compassionate, understanding, and be true.” Peter carried those words into Optimus Prime for more than four decades. We share his remarkable story and remember the man who gave one of the world’s most beloved toys its voice—and much of its heart.

At the other end of a creative journey is Fei Feng, one of our Young Inventor Challenge winners and creator of Orbio. Fei took an idea from a sketchbook to a real game while still in high school and is now at Carnegie Mellon, continuing to develop Orbio—and herself as a creator. Her mantra? “Lead with Joy.”

Two people at very different points in their journeys offer inspiring advice for creating and living.

Be strong enough to be gentle.
Lead with joy.

Celebrating the People Behind the Power of Play,
Mary and the POP Team

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Financial, Legal and Tariffs

Asmodee buys flip and write pioneer Welcome To… from Blue Cocker to continue acquisition spree -

The deal hands the board game publishing and distribution giant control of a flip-and-write series which has sold hundreds of thousands of copies since Benoit Turpin's breakout design Welcome To Your Perfect Home was released in 2018.

PlayStation Faces $7.85 Million Lawsuit for Allegedly Establishing Digital Game Monopoly on PlayStation

Sony could be eligible to pay settlement money to PlayStation users due to anti-competitive conduct, as the company has allegedly attempted to create a monopoly on digital PlayStation games.

Stories, Comments, and Advice

The Toy World Games & Puzzles supplement is out now

Easily the biggest and best dedicated annual feature on Games & Puzzles available to those within the Toy industry, the 84-page standalone supplement from Toy World is out in print and online.

The September issue of Toy World is out now

A new issue of the industry’s favourite, regular monthly title is out now, in print and online. Find out what the September Toy World issue has in store below.

From the Editor: Flying High Again

From LA to London, the industry packs its bags for a fall season loaded with previews, partnerships, and plenty of face time.

The Policy of Play

Inside The Toy Association's work in Washington, where advocacy, education, and industry engagement are helping shape what comes next for toys.

History and Nostalgia

51 Years Later, A Treasure Trove of Sci-Fi History is Going Up for Sale

Clarity Estate Liquidation recently listed a massive fire sale as Phil Tippett was closing his animation studio in Berkeley.

Relive Nintendo's wild Donkey Kong court case from 1983

If you're a gaming history buff, then you likely know all about the landmark 1983 Universal case in which Nintendo had to defend the right to keep using Donkey Kong.

You’ve Got the Touch: ‘The Transformers: The Movie’ at 40

"The Transformers: The Movie" shocked kids in 1986. Forty years later, its characters, soundtrack, and emotional legacy power a broad new anniversary push.

Licensing and Entertainment

Mattel Expands ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Toy Line This Week With New Figures Mattel is launching its KPop Demon Hunters action figure line this week as the film maintains big streaming numbers on Netflix worldwide.
Funko Expands Its ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Line With Bitty Pops! Stages

Funko is launching new Bitty Pop! Stages for the hit Netflix animated movie musical, *KPop Demon Hunters*, featuring HUNTR/X singers Rumi, Mira and Zoey.

Pokemon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu teaser trailer

The official Pokemon channel has released the first teaser trailer for the intriguing new series, which is a collaboration between The Pokemon Company and Aardman

Pokemon Trading Card Game gets its own movie Pokemon: Wild Card

The Pokemon Company has unveiled a new movie which is based on the popular Pokemon Trading Card Game which is titled, Pokemon: Wild Card.

Burger King Is Getting A 'Dragon Ball' Crossover

In celebration of one of the most beloved anime franchises, Burger King is launching a limited-time Dragon Ball Super menu packed with bold flavors and immersive packaging designed to delight guests of all ages.

New Transformers Film with Peter Cullen's Final Performance Announced

Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment are bringing back The Transformers: The Movie for the animated film's 40th anniversary this month, which arrives at a bittersweet time for Transformers fans.

Gotta Collect Fast: Panini Reveals ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Trading Cards

Panini brings speed and nostalgia through a collection of trading cards inspired by SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog.

BOTI Brings Minto’s Viral Character Crew to the Toy Aisle

Usagyuuun!, Piyomaru, SugarCubs, and Betakkuma will anchor a new toy and consumer products program across North America and EMEA beginning in 2027.

McDonald’s Makes Waves with SpongeBob X One Piece Happy Meal Toys

Bikini Bottom and the Grand Line are officially on a collision course at McDonald’s with a mash-up series of Happy Meal toys.

The Toy Book’s Fall Toy & Licensing Preview Issue is Here!

The toy industry’s fall travel season is about to kick into high gear, and The Toy Book’s latest issue is packed for the trip.

Harry Potter and the Magical Milestone

25 years of magic brings spellbinding partnerships and licensed merchandise.

Hank Green, Leslie Morgan Launch STEAM Content Platform ClockwiseTV

YouTuber Hank Green is launching a new content platform, ClockwiseTV. The platform features ad-free, curated videos from STEAM creators.

People of Play

Mattel Adds Three Executives to Push Brands Beyond the Toy Aisle

Samantha Juneman, Gerardo Leon, and Rahul Lakhwani join the company as Mattel builds out the team supporting its brand-driven growth strategy.

Hot Wheels Taps Maluma, Supercar Blondie, Lewandowski for First ‘Class of Legends’

The new Challenge Accepted campaign pairs three global personalities with co-designed 1:64-scale vehicles and a monthlong slate of fan programming.

Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz Joins Paley Summit to Discuss Global Franchises

The Mattel Chairman and CEO will take the stage with Kevin Mayer for a conversation about Hollywood’s evolving franchise business.

Companies and Brands

Hasbro’s CEO Just Took Direct Control of Magic and D&D

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has taken direct oversight of Wizards of the Coast, the company behind Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, following the departure of Wizards president John Hight.

Yoon Ahn Reimagines #Barbie for the Future – Available September 4 on @MattelCreations

Mattel Creations has partnered with creative visionary and fashion force, Yoon Ahn, to debut a bespoke Barbie X Yoon Ambush Doll, available exclusively at MattelCreations.com beginning September 4.

Toys”R”Us Asia Leads the Return to Play Amid Worldwide Social Media Restrictions for Teens

From next year, children should spend more time living their lives, not scrolling through other people’s.

Baby born celebrates 35 years with UK campaign

Baby born is celebrating more than three decades with a TotFest partnership and the first-ever Baby born Join-In Cinema experience.

Build-A-Bear Gives Lloromannic a Full-Size Plush Debut for Halloween

Berry and Cherry headline a new Sanrio collection as Build-A-Bear digs deeper into characters with collector appeal.

Stack Deals Storytelling into Trading Cards with Untamed

The October launch blends wildlife photography, fantasy fiction, chase cards, and binder-based collecting into a graphic novel-style TCG format.

Hamleys Dresses Teddy Bears in Savile Row Style for 266th Birthday

The London toy retailer teamed with Cad & The Dandy to create 10 hand-tailored bears, as new shopper research points to the lasting pull of plush.

Michaels Gets Crafty with ‘Hobbyween’ for Halloween

The retailer is leaning into analog hobbies, spooky stitching, mystery crafts, and group projects as consumers stretch Halloween well beyond October.

Mattel Debuts First-Ever Monster High X American Girl Doll

Shocking news from Mattel — for the first time ever, Monster High and American Girl are teaming up for a creepy-cute crossover doll.

25 Years of Brattitude: Bratz Celebrates a Major Milestone

MGA Entertainment shook up the doll aisle in 2001.

The Design Shop: McHale Design Reflects on 40 Years of Building Toy Brands

Shaping The Consumer Experience From Physical Shelf to Digital Cart

New In Town:  Nankuru — Work Smart, Not Fast

Inventday's logic-based puzzles invite a moment of peace in a world of distractions.

Brave Toys Reveals CONNETIX PRO Build It 4 Ways Packs

Brave Toys debuts CONNETIX Pro Build It 4 Ways packs, offering more challenging builds for older kids and advanced builders.

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

Spielwarenmesse sees success in Tokyo with World of Toys

The World of Toys Pavilion by Spielwarenmesse Group received a positive response following the Tokyo Toy Show.

NYCC Unveils 2026 Professional Programming Schedule

NYCC 2026 is once again making room for the professional side of pop culture with an expanded slate of programming for industry insiders.

NASCAR Speedstars Hit the Track at Daytona Amid Walmart Launch

Far Out Toys debuted its new character-driven pullback racers during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend ahead of a Walmart rollout.

Disney Consumer Products Went Bigger at Fan Expo Canada

The expanded booth spotlighted Toy Story 5, Star Wars, and Marvel with photo ops and products from major retail and licensing partners.

Pudgy Penguins and OpenSea Bring Collector Park to New York City

Pudgy Penguins and OpenSea bring Collector Park to New York, a one-day street festival centered around collecting culture.

BRANDmania, Licensing International Germany Bring Licensing Awards Back to Munich

The 2026 program will honor standout products, brands, retail programs, and collaborations across nine categories this November.

LA Card Show Swings Big at Dodger Stadium This September

The LA Card Show (LACS) is heading back to Dodger Stadium Sept. 12, and it’s really stepping up to the plate. 

Chuck E. Cheese Launches Fundraiser Supporting American Society for Deaf Children

Chuck E. Cheese's fundraiser supports the American Society for Deaf Children. Throughout September, guests can donate at any U.S. location.

Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories

Some stories added Friday afternoon. Check Back for Complete Lists.

Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Toy Book's 2026 Action, Adventure, & Mystery Issue
The Pop Insider's Summer '26 Issue
Innovation Insider - August Issue
Toys n Playthings August issue is out now
Kidscreen Q2 Magazine
The August issue of Toy World is out now
The Toy World Kidult supplement is out now
The Bugg Report Magazine — Edition 54
The Toy Universe Magazine — Edition 21

Casual Game Insider Summer 2026 issue
 

Adventure Media & Events (US)​


Toyworld (UK)

119 days and counting … it’s the Friday Blog!
Strong demand and brand relevance drive Lego revenue up 21% in H1 2026
The Toy Association announces New Yok Toy Fair dates through 2032
Jacqueline Taylor-Foo to step down from Jumbo role
Ty UK appoints new National Account Manager
Baby born celebrates 35 years with UK campaign
The Entertainer launches new rewards programme
Wilton Bradley opens new showroom in LA
New toy trade football match to take place in LA in September
Wells indie store Kids Stuff to close down this weekend
 
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld

Playmobil launches Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures range
Alphablocks rebrands as Blocks Universe
WildBrain acquires Personality AI
Mattel Digital Studios introduces new features to Hot Wheels Showcase
Janie and Jack reimagines Paddington with limited-edition collection
Horrible Histories brings holiday fun to popular family venues
Horrible Science brings summertime activities to London Zoo
Smyths Toys to offer free Harry Potter Lego sets
 
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US) 

- 'Magic: The Gathering' Gem Mint 10 Alpha Black Lotus Headlines '2026 Summer Goldin 100' Auction
- Square Enix Announces 'Final Fantasy TCG: Anniversary Collection Set 2027'
- Three New 'Starcraft: The Miniatures Game' Starter Sets Incoming
- Five New 'Warhammer: The Old World - Battle March Army Boxes' Incoming
- Wizards of the Coast Unveils 'Magic: The Gathering' 'The Zeta Set'
- heo Group Reveals 'Squaroes - Star Trek: The Next Generation'
- Rolling for Initiative -- WotC Really Wants to Sell some 'D&D World of Warcraft' and Happy Retirement Don Reents
- TCG Signs of the Times
- ICv2 Interview: Asmodee US Distribution Managing Director Julien Sharp
- Upper Deck Inks Licensing Agreement with Hasbro

 

Global Toy News​​​ 

Mattel Brick Shop Builds on Gaming Nostalgia with Xbox Set
The Toy Association™ & Javits Center Announce Toy Fair® Dates through 2032
Toys Are Booming — and Kids Aren’t the Only Ones Buying
Hape Builds on Pixel Piano Success with Expanded Pixelz Line
 
The Bugg Report (Australia)​


 

The Toy Universe (Australia)


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hobbyDB

Vintage Mechanical Tinplate Model Cars From CKO’s Rollo Collection on hobbyDB
Meet your Fellow Collector: John Kuvakas

Video of the Week

I Tried to Use a Vintage Toy Knitting Machine