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 Kess. “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.”
Since Kess’ launch in 2016, it has successfully contributed to innovation in the toy industry through the introduction of its own successful IPs. As it continues to expand, Kess plans to lean more into licensing across its product range, with Sonic as its most iconic video game franchise deal to-date.
“We are very excited at the opportunity to partner with Kess to bring a new range of Sonic games and outdoor play to the market,” said Michael Cisneros, Associate Director of Licensing at SEGA of America. “The folks at Kess have such palpable passion for Sonic and video gaming franchises, they really are the perfect partner to satiate the demand of casual and hard-core fans alike.”
SEGA will also be exhibiting at Licensing Expo at Booth O226 from June 13 to June 15, 2023 for those interested in stopping by.
Kess, based in Los Angeles, aims to innovate the toy, puzzle and gaming industry through its ever growing product assortment. The brand boasts the world’s number one best-selling hoop line with its renowned Ice Hoop and includes a variety of active/impulse toys for kids of all ages.
In recent years, Kess introduced de.bored puzzles to its portfolio to help adults de-stress and solve boredom through colorful, strategic and repeatable puzzle play with its puzzles that include artwork from popular influencer artists, album covers from Sony Music The Thread Shop, and anime-focused properties. Kess also operates Kess Games, a tabletop gaming division that includes adult party games, strategy games and licensed games from the iconic video games series, such as Mega Man and Street Fighter.
In years to come, Kess will continue to expand its line by introducing new impulse toys in addition to puzzles and games to keep up with the latest and greatest pop culture trends. For more information about Kess, please visit www.kess.co.