By Karina Masolova The future of kid's tech products sees an overhaul in traditional play patterns even as less modern concerns are being addressed. TLL recently attended the Kids' & Family Tech Expo in NYC hosted by Child's Play Communications. From this intimate subset of kid's tech manufacturers emerges a picture of how the industry is addressing the biggest concerns in … [Read more...] about Kid’s Tech Goes Back to the Future
Video Games and Software
Licensed Consumer Electronics Up 3.5% in the U.S./Canada
According to TLL's Annual Licensing Business Survey, U.S./Canada retail sales of licensed consumer electronics merchandise grew 3.5% to $5.41 billion in 2015. Although it makes up only 5.2% in market share, the category is one of the most stable we track—and has been trending upwards for the last 10 years. While most electronics licensing historically emerged from the … [Read more...] about Licensed Consumer Electronics Up 3.5% in the U.S./Canada
Pokémon, Rio2016 Merchandise Ride Summer Sales Wave
The pop culture and sports events of the summer have created a groundswell of demand for related licensed merchandise. According to reports, Pokémon-related merchandise sales built through July and could be on track to remain high through the holiday season. Meanwhile, retailers selling Rio2016 merchandise are winning gold, several of them recently told Forbes. Pokémon Go … [Read more...] about Pokémon, Rio2016 Merchandise Ride Summer Sales Wave
Pokémon GOes Viral in its 20th Anniversary Celebrations
By Karina Masolova Free-to-play augmented reality game Pokémon Go has caused quite a stir—with everyone from retailers to networks eager to get a piece of the pie. The game's success is born of arguably born of a cross between nostalgia for the classic franchise (Pokémon celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2016) as well as consumer excitement for new gaming technology. Pokémon … [Read more...] about Pokémon GOes Viral in its 20th Anniversary Celebrations
New Players Enter the eSports Area
By Karina Masolova Turner's Cartoon Network EMEA is the latest company to enter the eSports arena with a single elimination live tournament based on its upcoming mobile game app Adventure Time Card Wars Kingdom in partnership with Machinima. Let's Play Flooping Card Wars! will stream on Machinima's Twitch channel on July 15, when four of the gaming culture site's top … [Read more...] about New Players Enter the eSports Area
Franchises and the 360 Experience Dominate Vegas
Over the last week, 16,000 attendees braved triple-digit temperatures at Licensing Expo 2016 in Las Vegas. Over 150 new exhibitors entered the fray—totaling 460+ licensors and agents representing over 35 countries. See this coming Wednesday's Deal Sheet for a complete breakdown of new properties showcased and deals announced. The top trends that we'll see in licensing over … [Read more...] about Franchises and the 360 Experience Dominate Vegas
360 Degrees to Every Brand
More than ever before, consumers are demanding access to brands on multiple platforms. This is nothing new: companies around the floor have been aware of the need to develop what are now being called "360 programs," where linear and digital entertainment, live experiences like shows and theme parks, social media, advertising and consumer merchandise are all essential parts … [Read more...] about 360 Degrees to Every Brand
Licensed Properties Play at E3
Seventy thousand-plus people, including 20,000 fans, flocked to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles last week for the digital entertainment industry's annual parade of video game properties, both new and well known. The hot topic of the show was Virtual Reality (VR) with Sony announcing that its PlayStation VR headset for PS4 will become available Oct. 13, … [Read more...] about Licensed Properties Play at E3
Can Movie Give a Lift to Angry Birds Licensing?
By Marcy Magiera Mobile game maker Rovio is counting on a new 3D animated movie to create a licensing lift beneath the wings of its Angry Birds franchise. The Angry Birds Movie will open May 20 in the U.S. and China, following its May 12 debut in other international markets. Angry Birds counts more than 3 billion downloads and 100 million-plus monthly active users, according to … [Read more...] about Can Movie Give a Lift to Angry Birds Licensing?
Video Game-based Merchandise Back on Track
This year video game/interactive/online-based merchandise turned around from a 4% loss in retail sales of licensed merchandise in 2014 to a 2% gain for 2015 according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Business Survey. The category has begun to recover from the sharp decline caused by Angry Birds, which made up the bulk of sales in the sector. Growth came from the resurgence of … [Read more...] about Video Game-based Merchandise Back on Track