October 2013

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Video Game to Launch Next Spring

Activision Publishing Inc. and Marvel Entertainment LLC have revealed that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 video game is planned to launch next spring, alongside the Sony Pictures Entertainment feature film of the same name. Developed by Beenox, the action-adventure video game builds on the story of the previous video game, while taking on events of the upcoming movie. Players will also be given a free-roaming experience through an expanded and virtual New York City.

In The Amazing Spider-Man 2 players will assume the role of Spider-Man, but will choose to be a hero or a menace. Super Hero behavior is rewarded in the game and consequential when crime is not taken care of. The narrative will even give Peter Parker a greater role in the spotlight as he investigates the Marvel menaces threatening Manhattan.

The game will be available on Playstation4, Playstation3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo’s Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS.

Toys “R” Us Appoints CEO; Names President of U.S. Business

Toys “R” Us Inc. has named two seasoned executives with deep international and domestic retail expertise to lead the global franchise and its domestic business. Antonio Urcelay has been named CEO, Toys “R” Us Inc., effective immediately, after serving as the company’s interim CEO since May. Hank Mullany, an experienced retail executive with a strong background in operations, finance, customer service, and strategic planning, has been named president, Toys “R” Us, U.S., effective November 5.

Urcelay, 61, a respected global retail leader, joined Toys “R” Us in 1996. Over the course of his tenure with the organization, he has held roles of increasing responsibility. He will continue to provide worldwide leadership in driving key strategies and growth initiatives in the company’s more than 1,500 stores in 36 countries and jurisdictions worldwide. Known for building strong teams, implementing best practices across the organization and focusing intently on customer service, Urcelay has been instrumental in creating strategies to drive growth in global markets by placing an emphasis on thinking locally. Prior to joining Toys “R” Us, Urcelay spent the majority of his career working in the retail and consumer packaged goods industries, including Spanish dairy company Leche Pascual, Dutch supermarket chain Royal Ahold, and the Spanish subsidiary of Procter & Gamble.

Mullany, 55, has an established track record of developing and executing strategies, revitalizing underperforming businesses, and consistently delivering results. He previously served as CEO of The ServiceMaster Co., one of the world’s largest residential and commercial service businesses, and prior to that, was executive vice president of Walmart U.S. and president of Walmart’s northern business, with operational responsibility for more than $90 billion in revenue, more than 400,000 associates in 1,300 stores and 28 distribution centers in 19 states. In his new position at Toys “R” Us, Mullany will oversee all merchandising, marketing, e-commerce, and store operations responsibilities for the 878 U.S. store division. He will report to Urcelay.

COMMENTARY: Skylanders Swap Force Takes Over Times Square

On October 10, Skylanders fanatics united in New York City for the Skylanders SWAPtoberfest! A life-size world of Skylands was created right in the middle of Times Square. I joined hundreds of kids as they checked out all-things-new at Skylanders and prepared for the highly anticipated release of the new Skylanders Swap Force video game. Kiosks were set up, alongside a Skylands ship, for fans to play the new game in advance of its official launch. Skylanders Swap Force game footage was also featured on the Times Square jumbotron, so fans and passersby were able to watch the action! Kids, parents, and bloggers participated in Swaptober-themed events: Eating candy corn and cupcakes; greeting the costumed characters of the SWAP Force; and learning to play the new video games, which released in North America on October 13. I don’t want to brag, but after about 40 minutes of hogging the video game kiosk (stealing the time from actual children with no shame), I am pretty much a Skylanders boss!

I love that the Skylanders brand is so extensive, offering something for kids of all ages and interests.

Even better is the fact that all you really need to get started in the Skylanders realm is a Swap Force Starter Pack. This set includes a video game, a portal of power, a collector’s poster, three trading cards, three character sticker sheets with secret codes, and three Skylanders figures. There is also a starter pack available in the Dark edition; it includes a video game, a portal of power, a mega character collector poster, five sticker sheets with secret codes, five trading cards, and five Skylanders figures. These starter packs also come in Giants and Syro’s Adventures editions. The technology and inspiration behind the new Skylanders video game make it an absolutely unstoppable force. I was able to speak with several of the video game designers who shared with me that the evolution of the game is only beginning—Skylanders is just getting started! All of the designers that I spoke with are parents, and one mommy/designer shared with me that this is the first game that she’s been a part of that she is happy to share with her children. Read More…

Power Rangers Megaforce Halloween Line-Up Includes New Costumes, Safety Video, and More

Saban’s Power Rangers Megaforce celebrates this Halloween season with a variety of Power Rangers activities throughout October, including a Halloween safety campaign that highlights safety tips for kids to use while trick-or-treating. The video can be viewed either at the Power Rangers YouTube site or below.

Power Rangers costumes, including all-new Power Rangers Megaforce costumes, are available at Spirit Halloween locations nationwide and online. The Power Rangers have also joined forces with Spirit Halloween for a second annual Power Rangers Spirit of Children Week, in which the Power Rangers Megaforce will visit 16 hospitals across the country to entertain young patients, bringing the Halloween spirit to life. Read More…

Laser Pegs Introduces Zippy Do

Zippy Do is the newest creation from Laser Pegs. The Zippy Do comes packaged as a car, but it can also be transformed into a helicopter or jet plane. Kids can also convert the Zippy Do packaging into a ramp and launch their new jet, helicopter, or car into the sky or along an imaginary racetrack.

Zippy Do comes with a light-up core that also has the capability to be set on flash mode, and comes with three batteries, instruction manuals for creating each model, and 22 different colored pieces that are interchangeable and 100 percent compatible with other construction toy sets. Children can follow the manuals or they can create something only they can dream up.

After the child has finished their creation, they can take a picture and upload it to the Laser Pegs website to be entered to win free Laser Pegs toys. Parents ands kids can also download the Zippy Do app for iPad and Android on the website. In the app, kids can choose between a virtual Zippy Do car, jet, or helicopter and race against time to record the fastest speed.

Zippy Do is suggested for kids ages 3 and up.

Dark Horse Announces Upcoming Game of Thrones Figures

Dark Horse has partnered with HBO Global Licensing to provide the Game of Thrones audience with a line of collectibles from the hit series. Building on a collection of highly anticipated figures, three new Game of Thrones characters are making their worldwide debut this week: Tyrion Lannister, Ned Stark, and Khal Drogo.

After public display at New York Comic Con, all three will appear in Diamond‘s Previews catalog later this month for retailer and collector advance orders. They join the already-solicited figures of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, unveiled this summer at Comic-Con International: San Diego, in Dark Horse’s growing Game of Thrones figure line. The non-articulated figures measure from 6.25 to 8.75 inches in height and are based on the likenesses of the respective actors, all of whom have approved the sculptures. The paint application reproduces the nuances of each character’s overall appearance.

The figures will be presented in deluxe window-box packaging, further underscoring the aesthetic of the HBO series with their graphic design. These figures arrive on shelves in April.

Ubisoft Releases Trailer for Rocksmith 2014 Edition Session Mode

Ubisoft has released a trailer showcasing Session Mode, a new groundbreaking feature of Rocksmith 2014 Edition.

In Session Mode, players lead a band that plays along with them and follows their lead, and in the process, learn to improvise and create their own music. Players can jam with a friend in Multiplayer mode and create their own band experience.

Rocksmith 2014 Edition allows players to plug any real guitar or bass directly into their Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, or Mac to begin their musical journey. Rocksmith 2014 Edition will launch on October 22.

Uncle Goose Unveils Stack and Scare Wooden Blocks

Uncle Goose introduces Stack and Scare, a four-set collection of toy wooden blocks that recast the proverbial bedtime story villain as imaginative art. The set marks the first collaboration with Seattle-based Invisible Creature, the design and illustration studio known for album artwork on behalf of Foo Fighters, Nirvana, My Morning Jacket, Target stores, and Seattle’s Best Coffee.

Stack and Scare will be displayed in its entirety for the first time at the ABC Kids Expo, October 15 to 18 in Las Vegas. Uncle Goose’s traditional alphabet blocks feature non-toxic inks and are made from sustainable basswood sources from the U.S.

Nintendo Releases New Nintendo 2DS Portable System

Nintendo has launched the Nintendo 2DS system, designed as an entry point into Nintendo handheld video games. The Nintendo 2DS system maintains many of the same hardware features as Nintendo 3DS, like touch-screen controls, StreetPass, online multiplayer functionality, and the ability to download games.

Without any hinges, the Nintendo 2DS is a recommended first-time system for kids. It will be available in red and blue and plays all Nintendo 3DS games in 2-D. In addition, Nintendo 2DS is backward compatible and can play Nintendo DS games. Two carrying cases in either red or blue are also available.

Playrific Introduces Kid-Safe App for the New Tabeo e2 Kids’ Tablet

Oct10.Playrific Playrific has announced that its Play & Learn app will be available on the Tabeo e2 kids tablet from Toys “R” Us. The device, which will be available exclusively at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide later in October, and is available now for pre-order online at tabeo.com, will come preloaded with the app. The Playrific app is packed with videos, games, interactive books, songs, drawing, coloring apps, and more.

Playrific offers a new approach to Internet safety by presenting kids with a wide range of pre-screened content that is designed to encourage exploration.