Month: June 2023

Jazwares, one of the world’s fastest-growing toy companies, has announced a new collaboration with McDonald’s to bring its popular Squishmallows plush figures to Happy Meals around the world. Currently the #1 plush property in the U.S. and second best-selling toy brand overall, the McDonald’s Happy Meal offer will feature a total of 24 iconic Squishmallows plush toys with each participating market running 10-12 designs; The range includes exclusive and seasonally themed characters. The promotion kicks off in various markets this spring.

Five-time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy-nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon announces a development deal with leading game publisher Asmodee to create a new game for kids based on its Irish Folklore Trilogy, including Academy Award-nominated features WolfWalkers, Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells.

Ravensburger, the acclaimed publisher behind award-winning board games and high-quality toys and puzzles, has revealed new plans for its wickedly popular Disney Villainous franchise, including two new games and a first-ever Disney Villainous tournament. The tournament and the release of the new games – Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil (Disney100 Edition) and Disney Villainous: Filled With Fright – will all happen later this year.

As previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers’ Conference at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA, Peanuts announced the launch of the first Snoopy face for Apple Watch coming with watchOS 10, available to Apple Watch users globally this fall. The watch face features Snoopy, Woodstock, and themes based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip. More than 140 unique and playful Peanuts animations have been created for the watch face by WildBrain Studios in partnership with Charles Schulz Creative Associates and the Apple design team. The characters interact and play with the watch hands, react to the weather conditions in the area, or even get active when the user does a workout.

Konami Cross Media NY, Inc announces plans to launch a new line of merchandise for the 35th anniversary celebration of Contra that will invoke fond memories and lasting keepsakes for the franchise’s fan base and new generation of gaming enthusiasts. The announcement was made by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing, Konami Cross Media, NY. Consumer product agreements have been signed including: Udon Entertainment, the publisher of original and translated art books, graphic novels and manga; G FUEL, the performance energy drink company; and APMEX, a commemorative coin company – all developing new products in an on-going effort to celebrate Contra’s special anniversary.

KessCo, a third-generation toy and game company, announced a licensing partnership with SEGA of America, Inc and the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, marking Kess’ first national licensing agreement with SEGA of America. The partnership will offer Kess the opportunity to feature the iconic Blue Blur and the beloved franchise across a variety of tabletop games, card games and outdoor play items in 2024. “As an avid Sonic fan myself, I am extremely excited and proud to announce our newest licensing agreement with SEGA of America,” said Alex Kessler, CEO of KessCo. “Licensing has become an important part of our growth strategy, and our customers have been asking for Sonic-branded products from us for years. We look forward to continuing to grow our games category through this recent license acquisition, while introducing licensing to our popular outdoor range for the first time.”

VP Racing Fuels, Inc, the world leader in performance fuels, lubricants, additives, and retail, announced the renewal of their licensing agreement with Mr Brands, an automotive accessory consumer product manufacturer. This was brokered and continues to be managed by VP Racing’s exclusive licensing agency, Pacific Swell Brands.