From the 2023 Innovation & STEAM Issue of The Toy Book…
The toy industry is at a turning point on the verge of a new frontier that continues evolving by the day.
For decades, members of the toy industry have struggled with the onset and adoption of new technologies despite working in a business fueled by constant innovation. A look through The Toy Book archives spanning nearly four decades reveals countless products that were once on the cutting edge of technology — many of which worked, and quite a few that missed the mark.
At times, technology and the evolution of play has been a contentious topic, perhaps most notably with the rise of the video game industry. Once considered to be competitive with toys in vying for consumer attention, time, and money, video games — across console, PC, and mobile — are now embraced as complementary to toys. Just as Hollywood churns out new movies and TV series that are rooted in franchise-level intellectual property (IP), the video game industry does the same, inspiring new products and projects across toys, games, publishing, and entertainment that keep the wheels spinning for new licensing opportunities that transcend different mediums.
Now, following years of app-enabled, Bluetooth- and wi-fi-connected “smart toys” that have seen varying degrees of success by leveraging virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzzy acronym that popped up all over Toy Fair this fall.
The concept of AI has been around since the 1950s, but only now has it evolved into usable forms that are emerging in the toy department. In “AI Rising” (page 26), Senior Editor Nadia Velit explores the latest developments in this space and the companies that are pioneering its use in play.
STEAM, MESH, & INNOVATION
Speaking of buzzy acronyms, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) has a new companion in MESH (mental, emotional, social health). On page 32 we delve into what’s moving the needle in STEAM while ThinkFun’s Rachele Harmuth checks in for a recap of the first year of the MESH movement (page 44).
In our latest “New in Town” (page 57) Assistant Editor Samantha Connell looks at how Droyd is turning heads and inspiring kids to play outside by introducing a fleet of innovative electric bikes and rideables infused with industry-leading safety features and parental controls.
This month’s Backstory (page 62) pays tribute to RoseArt as Editorial Assistant Madison Patterson explores a century of innovation and what lies ahead.
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR ‘24
As this issue lands, our team is already hard at work on the 2024 edition of The BIG Toy Book — our annual February issue that members of the industry cherish as a reference guide for the year ahead.
While there is no Toy Fair in February, as the past three years have proven, the release of The BIG Toy Book is an event that stands on its own, with or without a trade show. And in 2024, we’re taking it to a whole new level!
The BIG Toy Book kicks off our 40th volume as a collectible, commemorative issue that you’ll want to be a part of — so get in touch if you haven’t already! Our content schedule is shaping up to be one for the record books, reaffirming The Toy Book’s position as North America’s leading trade publication serving the toy industry.
We wish you a successful holiday season and a playful new year!
A version of this feature was originally published in the 2023 Innovation & STEAM issue of The Toy Book. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
