Toys & Games

Karl Mizen, Creative Director at Numskull Designs, tells us about the origins of Tubbz – and which character has been the toughest to ‘duckify’ so far.

With partnerships in place with the likes of Hasbro and WowWee, we spoke with Ashley about what ToyTopic is bringing to the industry.

Start Licensing’s Ian Downes speaks with Kevin Spindler – Group CEO of Signature Gifts – about what he looks for in a brand, the key to good relationships with licensors and the future of personalisation.

“Together, Barbie and Balmain are creating a new chapter in the legacy of the toy and fashion industries,” said Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mattel.

Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at MAC’s recent collaboration with Keith Haring and how it highlights the creativity of both art licensing and the cosmetics industry’s attitude to working with brands.

Good Play Guide’s Dr Amanda Gummer looks at the relationship between licensing and the educational sector, exploring how brands can enter this space in authentic, creative ways.

Other finalists include Big Potato’s Mean Girls game, Ginger Fox’s PopMaster game and Fizz Creations’ Logo Lights.

“Sonic Prime’s premiere on Netflix in 2022 will keep fans engaged with the property and give JAKKS a whole new Sonic multiverse to explore through toys and costumes,” said Craig Drobis, Senior Vice President of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific.

Interviews with Disneyland’s Matt Conover, BBC Studios’ Vanessa Hamilton and Skew’s Oliver Dyer all made our top ten this year.

To find out more about the origins of SeedFolk and where the award-winning brand is looking to go, we caught up with Joel Mercer.