By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief IPX and Kindred Labs aim to make history by creating the first licensed AI companions with characters from Line Friends, BT21, Zo & Friends and more. Through the partnership, Kindred Labs and IPX plan to create AI-powered companion experiences that bring expressive character personalities into everyday digital life through … [Read more...] about Line Friends to Become First Licensed AI-Powered Companions
Video Games and Software
Popeye Takes Up Digital Gardening on Solitaire Grand Harvest
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The mobile game Solitaire Grand Harvest now features an unusual new character in the form of Popeye ... the Farmer Man? You heard that right. The inveterate sailor who has been cruising the briny blue since 1929 turns landlubber as a character in the popular farming-slash-solitaire sim through May this year. The partnership between … [Read more...] about Popeye Takes Up Digital Gardening on Solitaire Grand Harvest
Data Provides Insight on How TV Series Drive Video Game Sales
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's no question that films and TV series based on popular video game franchises can draw eyeballs. But new data from the gaming marketplace G2A shows that films and TV series can also massively boost video game sales. James Kaye, founder of the industry publication Big Games Machine, recently sent us his summary of the latest … [Read more...] about Data Provides Insight on How TV Series Drive Video Game Sales
Survivor Breaks Into Mobile Video Games to Mark 50th Season
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief After 25 years, it's time to confess my guilty pleasure: I've watched every single episode of Survivor since the first contestants competed in Borneo starting May 31, 2000. I have to admit I didn't buy into the first episode, but my wife loved it, and by episode three I was also irretrievably addicted to the show. Ever since we’ve set … [Read more...] about Survivor Breaks Into Mobile Video Games to Mark 50th Season
Mattel to Acquire Full Ownership of Games Studio Mattel163 for $159 Million
TLL Staff Toymaker Mattel is going all in on mobile gaming, as it moves to acquire full ownership of the games studio Mattel163. The studio is currently a joint venture between Mattel and the Chinese internet software giant NetEase, which owns 50% of Mattel163. Mattel, Inc. announced Tuesday it has reached an agreement to acquire full ownership of Mattel163 in a deal that … [Read more...] about Mattel to Acquire Full Ownership of Games Studio Mattel163 for $159 Million
KessCo and Square Enix Partner on Final Fantasy Tabletop Products
TLL Staff KessCo announced Monday a new licensing partnership with Square Enix to introduce a lineup of Final Fantasy tabletop products. The line will include board games and collectible RPG dice sets inspired by Final Fantasy I through VI Pixel Remaster. The new collection will be showcased at New York Toy Fair 2026 and brings the role-playing game franchise into tabletop … [Read more...] about KessCo and Square Enix Partner on Final Fantasy Tabletop Products
Hasbro Named Toy Maker For Upcoming Street Fighter and Voltron Films
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter U.S. toymaker Hasbro has signed two key licensing deals to produce toys for the upcoming Street Fighter and Voltron films. The Street Fighter movie is scheduled to debut in cinemas on October 16, while the live action take on the anime classic Voltron does not yet have a date for its premiere. Hasbro this week announced its licensing … [Read more...] about Hasbro Named Toy Maker For Upcoming Street Fighter and Voltron Films
Bluey Goes Virtual in First-Ever Crossover Event With Minecraft
BBC Studios has announced a new gaming collaboration that will bring its preschool hit Bluey into the world of Minecraft, expanding the brand’s interactive and digital footprint. Launching globally on February 5, Bluey’s House will be available on the Minecraft Marketplace as downloadable content (DLC) for Minecraft Bedrock players. The experience marks the first official … [Read more...] about Bluey Goes Virtual in First-Ever Crossover Event With Minecraft
Dude Perfect Scores a Licensing Partnership with Nex
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Nex has launched a partnership with Dude Perfect to develop a licensed family-friendly sports game for the Nex Playground system. Developed exclusively for the Nex Playground, the licensed game will bring Dude Perfect's personalities, characters and signature trick-shots to a motion-powered, controller-free gameplay experience. “One … [Read more...] about Dude Perfect Scores a Licensing Partnership with Nex
FIFA Brings Its Flagship Football Game to Netflix Ahead of World Cup 2026
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When the FIFA World Cup 2026 arrives next summer, football fans will have a new way to engage with the tournament beyond the stadium and the screen. FIFA is launching a newly reimagined football simulation game that will be available exclusively through Netflix Games, marking a major shift in how the world’s most recognizable sports brand … [Read more...] about FIFA Brings Its Flagship Football Game to Netflix Ahead of World Cup 2026