Moose Net-Zero Emissions
News
Moose Toys Targets Net-Zero Emissions by 2040

In line with London Toy Fair 2023, Moose Toys has announced its commitment to target Net-Zero greenhouse gases by 2040. The Australian based business has committed to setting near and long-term science-based targets (SBTs) to reduce its environmental footprint and support a planet positive future. The move is part of the organization’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes decarbonizing the business and exploring circular design principles and business models. The short and long-term emissions reduction targets set by Moose will be verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) within the next 24 months. The SBTi is a partnership between the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature that drives climate action in the private sector.

Cranium Hasbro Funko
Licensing News
Funko Games and Hasbro Unveil Cranium 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition

Hasbro, a global branded entertainment leader, and Funko Games announced a new multi-year licensing partnership that brings together the biggest names in games to reimagine the mother of all party games: Cranium 25th Anniversary Edition. In addition, the duo is unveiling a refreshed line of Cranium classics and a new original children’s game – designed by Funko Games. Cranium was first introduced to the market in 1998. Its clever design combines several popular party game activities across art, trivia, language, and performance into one game, creating an experience where “everyone shines.” It was one-of-a-kind and a near-instant success, becoming profitable in just six months before taking the title of the fastest-selling independent board game ever in 2001, according to Inc. The game and its iconic Creative Cat, Data Head, Word Worm, and Star Performer characters spawned half-a-dozen other brands in just 10 years before being sold to Hasbro in 2008.

baby einstein ocean explorers
Entertainment News
Kids2, Hello Einstein Studios, and Moonbug Premiere STEAM-focused Baby Einstein Ocean Adventure Series

Kids2, a global company that designs holistic solutions to help early-stage parents and families, announced the launch of Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers, a new STEAM-focused ocean adventure edutainment series in conjunction with a comprehensive line of two dozen products for children, including toys and baby gear. Created in partnership with child development experts, Hello Einstein Studios and EDH Animation, each 5-minute episode reinforces early learning skills through repetition and interactivity as beloved Baby Einstein characters Cal, Neptune, Opus, Tinker and Dean discover undersea and seaside wonders together with young viewers.

Genius Music International
Licensing News
Genius Brands Launches New Business Enterprise, Genius Music

Genius Brands International, Inc (“Genius Brands” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: GNUS) announced the formation of a new division, Genius Music, focused on developing and monetizing its broad music publishing rights with emerging opportunities throughout the worldwide network of streaming platforms and existing broadcast outlets. Genius Brands has appointed veteran music executive and creative artist, Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero, as Head of Genius Music, to drive the new business venture.

News
Level Up with A Power-Up Band as Super Nintendo World Prepares to Open at Universal Studios Hollywood Feb 17

Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, so let’s take a closer look at the land’s exciting Power-Up Band, a fun interactive component designed to help guests level up their experience during their visits within the land. These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of.

Educational Insights Learning Resources hand2mind
News
Learning Resources, Educational Insights, and hand2mind Offer $1.7M in Philanthropic and Community Support in 2022

Educational toy companies Learning Resources, Educational Insights and hand2mind advanced their mission to bring learning to life with donations totaling more than $1.7M in monetary and product support to a wide variety of philanthropic organizations in 2022. “Our mission is to bring learning to life,” said Sari Winick, Global Chief Marketing Officer. “To that end, we are proud to have helped a wide variety of philanthropic organizations that support children and families during 2022.”

LOL Surprise Shoutouts
News
New L.O.L. Surprise! Shoutouts Delivers Personalized Video Stories from Children’s Favorite Characters

MGA Entertainment, Inc, one of the world’s fastest growing and largest privately held toy and entertainment companies, and creator of global sensation L.O.L. Surprise!, has partnered with Aquifer, an instant animation technology startup, to launch L.O.L. Surprise! Shoutouts, personalized, animated video shorts from fan-favorite characters for anyone to experience. To celebrate the launch, the site will offer special Valentine’s Day video shoutouts shorts for a limited time to customize for friends, schoolmates, and family.

NY NOW 2023 2024 100th Anniversary
Events News
NY NOW & Bulletin Announce 2023 Winter Market: The NY NOW of the Future, with New PLAY USA Toy Destination

The NY NOW Winter 2023 Market returns to the Jacob Javits Center in NYC on February 5-8, 2023 – With an exciting visual rebranding, a reorganized show floor, modern activations from top-tier brands, an elevated food + beverage experience, and tech-powered activations, this Winter Market will be the gift + home event that NYC knows and loves, but bigger, better, and more grounded in what the future holds for the industry. Leading the charge behind this season’s innovative market approach (and future Markets to come) is the recently acquired online wholesale marketplace Bulletin.

PlayMonster Logo Tim Kilpin Global Magnatab Minis
News You're Hired
PlayMonster Appoints Steve Adolph as Chief Executive Officer

Leading international toy and game company PlayMonster Group LLC announced that Tim Kilpin will transition to the newly created role of Executive Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors, focusing on long-term opportunities and partnerships and leading the search for acquisitions. Sitting President, Steve Adolph has now been appointed to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.