Blog - Page 51 of 1503 - The Toy Book

Build-A-Bear Opens Wrigley Building Location in Chicago

A brand new Build-A-Bear Workshop location will open at The Wrigley Building on Saturday, July 13. The new location is positioned in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on the Chicago River, and is a notable retail destination in the U.S. To celebrate the grand opening, Build-A-Bear will give away free Lil Cub teddy bears to the first 50 visitors.

The new location will offer many of the classic experiences one might expect from a Build-A-Bear Workshop, from the Heart Ceremony station to the wall of clothing and accessory options for each and every new friend made at the store. Unique to this location, however, will be the exclusive Chicago-themed merchandise, from the city’s sports team outfits to a bear with a Chicago-themed paw pad.

“At Build-A-Bear Workshop, we are committed to creating unforgettable memories for families and kids of all ages through our unique, hands-on retail experience,” says Chris Hurt, COO at Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We are thrilled to open our Workshop doors in the Wrigley Building, a historic and vibrant tourist location on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, and we look forward to welcoming guests of all ages to create their very own furry friends.”

Spielwarenmesse to Host Model Car Hall of Fame Awards

The U.S.-based Model Car Hall of Fame (MCHOF) is heading to Nuremberg, Germany for Spielwarenmesse in 2025.

Spielwarenmesse will welcome the organization to the four-day event. Creative Director and Wheelman for the MCHOF Ron Ruelle will attend a live presentation of the 2024 winners, taking place Jan. 30.

“We are delighted at this new arrival, which will be a splendid addition to our Model Railways and Model Construction product group,” says Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

The MCHOF was founded in 2009 and celebrates contributors to the world of diecast, model cars, and scale car culture with its annual award program. Past honorees have included automotive designer Carroll Shelby and late-night host Jay Leno.

Spielwarenmesse takes place Jan. 28 to Feb. 1. Starting July 23, the public will have the opportunity to submit nominations in a total of 31 categories at modelcarhall.com. For more information on the MCHOF ahead of its Spielwarenmesse award presentation, visit the organization’s website.

U.S. Video Game Spending Falls 6% in May

Projected U.S. total spending on video game hardware, content, and accessories declined 6% in May 2024 when compared to a year ago, to $4 billion, Circana reports. May 2024 content spending fell 3%, as 13% growth in Mobile content spending could not offset a 40% drop on console.

The console declines across hardware, content, and accessories spending can mostly be attributed to the strength of the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in the comparable period last year.

May video game hardware spending declined 40% when compared to a year ago, to $202 million, and is now 30% lower year-to-date. Through May, all current generation hardware platforms are showing double-digit percentage declines year-on-year in 2024, with Switch showing the most significant drop. PlayStation 5 led the month’s hardware market in unit and dollar sales. Nintendo Switch once again finished second in unit sales, while Xbox Series ranked second in dollars.

May spending on Accessories dropped 8% when compared to a year ago to $148 million. Headset and headphone spending grew 10% in May when compared to a year ago was offset by a 12% dip in gamepad spending. The PlayStation Portal was the best-selling accessory in dollar sales for both May and 2024 year-to-date.

Ghost of Tsushima was the best-selling game of May 2024 in tracked dollar sales, boosted by the release of the title on Steam during the month. Ghost of Tsushima generated a slightly higher consumer spending total across physical and digital game sales than physical-only sales of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

TOP 10 GAMES FOR MAY 2024

Ghost of Tsushima (Sony Corp.)
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) (Activision Blizzard Corp.)
Helldivers II (Sony Corp.)
MLB: The Show 24 (multiple manufacturers)
Sea of Thieves (Microsoft Corp.)
Minecraft (multiple manufacturers)
Elden Ring (Bandai Namco Entertainment)
Hogwarts Legacy (Warner Bros. games)
Stellar Blade (Sony Corp.)

In Mobile content, Sensor Tower reports the top 10 games by U.S. consumer spending in May as Monopoly Go!, Royal Match, Roblox, Candy Crush Saga, Last War: Survival, Coin Master, Whiteout Survival, Township, Brawl Stars, and Jackpot Party — Casino Slots.

“U.S. mobile gaming consumer spend in May 2024 showed significant growth compared to May 2023 (+13%), though it was relatively steady month over month,” says Samuel Aune of Sensor Tower. “The biggest winner this month was Brawl Stars, growing U.S. consumer spend by 35% month over month to take the No. 9 spot. Brawl Stars has been surging this past year, (readers may remember that Brawl Stars U.S. consumer spend grew 41% last month) and May 2024 was its best month by U.S. consumer spend since its launch in December 2018.”

Toys for Tots Christmas in July Initiative Returns

Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots is continuing its annual Christmas in July initiative. This summer, Toys for Tots is working with local nonprofits in the U.S. to bring new toys and Christmas cheer to underprivileged kids for the fourth consecutive year.

The initiative supports Toys for Tots’ mission to bring joy to struggling kids year-round, especially as inflation and financial circumstances impact families. As families deal with rising costs of groceries, gas, and other necessities, the year-round programs — including Christmas in July — provide comfort and normalcy for kids.

“Needs aren’t seasonal, and neither is Toys for Tots,” says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With the rising cost of living and other economic challenges, parents are finding it increasingly difficult to pay bills and put food on their family’s table. Buying toys, books, or games for their children seems completely out of reach. With the support from our generous donors, we can make sure every child’s future is as bright as possible — and deliver the magic of the holiday season in July.”

For more information, or to donate, visit secure.toysfortots.org.

Gel Blaster Launches Hybrid Gaming System for Gel Blaster Experience Locations

Gel Blaster is officially launching Nexus, a new digital and physical gameplay system at gaming centers across the country.

Nexus combines the physicality of paintball using Gel Blaster’s water balls with the digital scoring of laser tag. The Nexus Smart Blaster launches water balls from 170-240 feet per second. Each blast is tracked for scoring using infrared emitters and ultrasonic sensors. The blaster features different modes and powerups, including SMG, Revolver, and Sniper. The Nexus Vest is outfitted with hit detection panels and features visual, auditory, and haptic cues through animation and the Nexus AI Voice Assistant.

Gel Blaster Nexus combines elements of paintball and laser tag. | Source: Gel Blaster

The game also features Nexus Portal Smart Targets that feature the same technology as the Nexus Vest. When the targets are hit, they may reward players with powerups, point bonuses, or health points. The system has multiple game modes, including video game-inspired entertainment. Players can also take their stats and rewards home with them with the Nexus app.

Nexus is running now at Main Event in Austin, Texas and Gatlin’s in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Currently, Gel Blaster has more than 100 locations worldwide featuring traditional gameplay experience, with plans on expanding Nexus technology to more than 50 locations by the end of the year.

Miraculous Corp. Sees Growth, Plans Product Launches Across MENA Region

Capitalizing on the surging popularity of Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir in the Middle East, India, Greece, Turkey, and Africa, Miraculous Corp. has cross-category plans for growth across the region.

As such, Miraculous Corp. has renewed its licensing agreement with Spacetoon Events to bring themed events and live shows to the MENA region, beginning with events such as the Qatar Toy Festival and the Bahrain Toy Festival. Other initiatives will contend with the consumables category. Herfy, a popular Middle East fast food chain, will offer a Miraculous Chibi meal experience, while the popular Turkish milkshake brand İçim will produce four Miraculous-themed flavors.

“The series blends action, adventure, and positive messages that have struck a chord with viewers, making it a household name, and to cater to our growing fanbase, we are launching a wide range of events and products tailored to these markets,” says Carlotta Caracciolo, Vice President of Licensing and Retail Middle East, Turkey, Greece, Africa, and India, at Miraculous Corp. “These include back-to-school items, apparel, and food and beverages.”

Since its 2021 launch, the Miraculous Arabic channel has amassed 1.8 million subscribers and more than 1 billion views. | Source: Miraculous Corp.

In India, the brand Striders will offer back-to-school goods like lunch boxes and backpacks. And in South Africa, apparel company Ackermans will produce Miraculous items for girls like leggings, skirts, and T-shirts.

New products in the MENA region will include apparel and back-to-school goods. | Source: Miraculous Corp.

In addition to the physical product offerings hitting MENA markets, Miraculous YouTube channels have also recently launched in both Turkish and Arabic.

Caracciolo adds, “With continued strategic partnerships, exciting events, and a robust product lineup, Miraculous is set to become an enduring favorite in the region.”

SDCC: Tsuburaya Productions to Preview Ultraman Trading Card Game at the Con

Tsuburaya Productions is unveiling the Ultraman Card Game following the successful launch of Ultraman: Rising on Netflix last month.

The Ultraman Card Game is a trading card game featuring art from the new movie along with designs from Ultraman Tiga illustrator Hiroshi Maruyama and Ultraman production designer Masayuki Goto.

The initial launch will include two starter decks: Heroes of Hyper Space and The Bonds of Zero. Each starter deck will come with 50 cards, a playsheet, and a booster pack. In November, Guardians of Earth booster packs will come out with 12 randomized cards per pack, including a triple rare Ancient Monster Gomora card.

I am proud of the upcoming simultaneous release of the Ultraman Card Game in 15 countries and regions. Since its streaming release on Netflix on June 14, 'Ultraman: Rising' was in the Top 10 for 69 countries and regions in the second week since the launch, showing the global appeal of the Ultraman Series. The Ultraman Card Game also aims to be enjoyed by many fans around the world.

— Masayuki Nagateke, President and COO of Tsuburaya Productions

“The release of the Ultraman Card Game by Tsuburaya Productions in the U.S. market is well timed, as the Ultraman fan base in the U.S. continues to grow due in part to the tremendous success of Netflix’s Ultraman: Rising, the announcement of the Ultraman x Avengers crossover Marvel Comics series, and the English simuldub release on July 6 of the next live-action Ultraman series, Ultraman Arc,” says Danny Simon, President of Tsuburaya Fields Media.

Ultraman fans in the U.S. will be able to test out the game at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) at Tsuburaya Productions’ booth (No. 3729). The Ultraman Card Game will officially launch on Oct. 25 in four languages, including Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

Sony Music, Aniplex, Pocketpair Team Up for ‘Palworld’ Products

Following an impressive breakout launch, Pocketpair’s Palworld video game plans to expand its reach even further, partnering with Sony Music Entertainment and its group subsidiary Aniplex.

Sony Music, Aniplex, and Pocketpair are coming together to establish the joint venture Palworld Entertainment. Palworld Entertainment will focus on developing new business opportunities associated with the indie game.

Palworld offers a combination survival crafting and creature-collecting gameplay experience. | Source: Pocketpair

Palworld launched in January and saw immediate success following launch. The game was popular with players for its more mature take on traditional creature collector games, with more than 25 million players only a month after release, according to the company. The open-world survival crafting game centers around capturing Pals, who can help players build bases, battle, and more. Palworld can be played alone or in multiplayer sessions.

The new Palworld Entertainment joint venture will head efforts to increase the reach of the IP and expand its global licensing and merchandising opportunities.

Palworld Entertainment is developing exclusive merchandise based on the game, with plans to debut new products at the Pocketpair booth during Bilibili World in Shanghai, China. The licensed goods will also be made available for preorder at Aniplex and its subsidiaries.

Kids Preferred Launches ‘Sesame Street’ Infant Toys

Kids Preferred has a fresh line of baby toys featuring beloved Sesame Street characters.

Elmo and Cookie Monster are joining the Kids Preferred portfolio of products. The new collection includes plush, a teether toy, blankets, and more. Several of the new goods are available on Amazon now, with additional releases on the way.

Baby's First Elmo Cuteeze Plush Stuffed Animal ($17) | Source: Kids Preferred

Baby's First Cookie Monster Cuteeze Plush Stuffed Animal ($17) | Source: Kids Preferred

Baby’s First Cookie Monster on-the-go Teether Toy ($9) | Source: Kids Preferred

Elmo Blanky ($18) | Source: Kids Preferred

Sesame Street Blanky ($18) | Source: Kids Preferred

The 12-inch-tall Baby’s First Cuteeze Plush toys are available as both Cookie Monster and Elmo. Elmo has a jingle in his body, and Cookie Monster features a rumbling sound. Both plush feature feet with a crinkle texture. The collection also includes the Baby’s First Cookie Monster on-the-go Teether Toy. The teether has a clip for travel, a plush donut with a crinkle texture, and a plush cookie that squeaks.

Blankets inspired by Cookie Monster and Elmo are also in the new line. The blankets have knotted corners and a pacifier loop, and feature cozy soft fabric.

Kids Preferred offers other goods featuring family favorite brands including Disney, Harry Potter, DC Comics, Curious George, and more.

The new Sesame Street line is available on Amazon now. Kids Preferred has plans for even more Sesame Street fun with new products coming Sept. 15, such as a gift set, and an Elmo Jumbo Cuteeze Plush.

LEGO, McLaren Debut New McLaren P1 Hybrid Model

LEGO’s collaborations with automotive brands are at full throttle, as it debuted its latest with automobile company McLaren: the LEGO Technic McLaren P1.

The new buildable is based off of McLaren’s feat of hybrid engineering, the P1 sports car, a member of its Ultimate Series. LEGO’s version is a 3,893-piece car built at a 1:8 scale.

The sports car is one of several of LEGO’s collaboration’s with McLaren. | Source: LEGO Group

“It’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original P1 brought to life by the LEGO team for the LEGO Technic McLaren P1,” says Tobias Sühlmann, Chief Design Officer of McLaren Automotive. “I hope this collaboration inspires the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.”

The car was unveiled as a part of the LEGO Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series, which launched in 2016 and brings a notable vehicle to life every two years. Each of the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 models will feature a unique serial number for builders to unlock content, as well as other custom-built features to faithfully execute the P1.

The buildable vehicle will become available online and in LEGO stores for $449.99 Aug. 1. Visit the LEGO website to learn more about its collaborations with McLaren and other automotive brands.

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