Latest News

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Nintendo
Gaming News
Global Sales of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet for Nintendo Switch Surpass 10 Million in First Three Days

Nintendo has announced that global sales of the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games for the Nintendo Switch family of systems have surpassed 10 million combined units in the first three days since their worldwide launch on Nov. 18, 2022. This is the highest global sales level for any software on any Nintendo platform within the first three days. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are the latest mainline games in the Pokémon series, releasing three years after the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games, also for Nintendo Switch. In these newest titles, which welcome series newcomers and veterans alike, players experience a unique open-world Pokémon adventure for the first time in the franchise.

Angry Birds Ion8 rovio
Licensing News
Ion8 Water Bottles and Angry Birds Come Together to Make Hydration Fun

Ion8, one of the fastest growing hydration specialists in Europe, has partnered with Rovio to release an eye-catching series of Angry Birds water bottles that aim to make hydration fun for all ages. In a deal facilitated by Angry Birds’ global licensing agency IMG, the companies came together to release 10 bespoke bottles made out of a mix of eco-friendly Recyclon and stainless steel, featuring fan-favorite Angry Birds characters in stunning raised prints. Ion8 bottles all feature an exclusive full flip-lid with integrated carry handle and sliding safety lock to make sure the bottle never leaks. Effortless and stylish with on-trend colors, the bottles’ 3D prints and designs are inspired by environments and characters from well-known games and movies. They are dishwasher safe, with durable scratch resistant powder paints, all products are certified carbon neutral making them ideal for drinking on the go.

Maria Whelan PBS Kids
News You're Hired
Maria Vera Whelan Promoted to VP of Marketing and Brand Management at PBS Kids

Maria Vera Whelan will be promoted to Vice President, Marketing & Brand Engagement, PBS KIDS. She will oversee the marketing of PBS KIDS across all user touch points, leading a holistic strategy to engage new and existing audiences with PBS KIDS’ mission, values, content and distribution platforms. Maria Vera Whelan starts when she returns to PBS from parental leave.  

Mighty Jaxx Demopets Funboxx
Licensing News
Stranger Things: Demopets Funboxx with Ultra-Rare Eleven Drops Nov 30

Eleven is here to defend against the horde of creatures from the Upside Down…just in time for the holidays. Mighty Jaxx, the award-winning integrated future culture platform, is releasing a new Stranger Things: Demopets Funboxx series.  This collection offers something for casual collectors and impresses hardcore collectors with quality vinyl art toys, all connected by a captivating story. Fans can collect all six demo species and potentially find the ultra-rare Eleven herself in these fun and exciting blind boxes – Stranger Things: Demopets Funboxx.

MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Food
News
MGA Entertainment Launches Its New MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Food Line

MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, has announced two never-before-seen, innovative collections just in time for holiday gift giving – MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Food Diner Edition and Make It Mini Food Café Edition. Delivering hands-on fun to make a mini food masterpiece for the first time ever, MGA’s Miniverse is the only brand of toys bringing highly detailed, fully functional everyday items into mini form. The new line is expected to grow into the company’s next billion-dollar ball brand.

Endemol Shine North America
News You're Hired
Endemol Shine North America’s Senior Vice President Tamaya Petteway to Lead Studio’s Licensing Team Again

Endemol Shine North America’s Senior Vice President Tamaya Petteway has added oversight of the studio’s licensing team for a second time and industry veteran Chris Lucero has joined the Banijay-owned studio as Executive Director of Licensing Partnerships. Petteway, who has been with Endemol Shine North America since 2015 and most recently served as Senior Vice President of Brand and Digital Partnerships, has taken on oversight of the studio’s licensing department for a second time. Petteway, who formerly led the company’s licensing initiatives from April 2016-August 2019, will now lead the newly named Brand Partnerships, Licensing and Digital team for the studio.

Fun in Motion Logo 281 Autism Network Shashibo Toy Fair
News
Autism Network Picks Shashibo and Mozi for 2022 Autism & Gift Guide

Fun In Motion Toys was honored to have its Shashibo and Mozi toys both selected by the Autism Network for its prestigious 2022 Autism Toy & Gift Guide. The announcement was made by Kevin Daniels, President and Co-Founder of the company. For Shashibo, given the Autism Network’s “Adult Boredom Buster” Award, it’s the latest accolade for America’s #1 fidget toy. Mozi, often described as being like a Slinky for your arm, with its ability to spin continuously and effortlessly as it moves up and down from one arm to another, won the “Caregiver – Best Sensory Toy” Award.

ZAG Mexico
Licensing News
ZAG Appoints New Partners in Mexico and Holds First Brand Summit for Miraculous in Region

Since establishing a dedicated office in Mexico in September 2021, enthusiasm for ZAG’s multiple award-winning flagship brand Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir continues to soar across the region. In response, ZAG is hosting its first brand summit at Teatro Centenario Coyoacan in Mexico City on November 17. In addition to Miraculous, ZAG will present the latest series, Ghostforce, an original comedy-action series for kids and families about high school teens turned superheroes who defend their city from the ghastly ghouls haunting it, and the animated feature Melody, directed by Jeremy Zag and starring the voice talent of singer, songwriter, and actress Katy Perry. The announcement was made by Angela Cortez, Vice President, Licensing, Latin America.