The Licensing Letter

Video Games and Software

Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you want to know how investors feel about NFTs right now, just follow the sound of the screaming. That should lead you to the hilariously apt Bear Market Screaming Therapy Group on Twitter and the communication app Telegram, where holders of Goblintown Ethereum NFTs (as= in the photo above) have gathered to post groans, howls, sobbing, … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?

IMG Signs Agency Agreement With Gaming Giant Ubisoft

IMG continued its hot streak in July, announcing it has been named the exclusive licensing agency for Ubisoft franchises Assassin's Creed and Rainbow Six Siege in Europe and Asia. Just last week, TLL reported IMG had signed a mammoth contract with Lionsgate Studios, currently considered the sixth largest film studio in the world by revenue. Now, IMG VP of Licensing Mickael … [Read more...] about IMG Signs Agency Agreement With Gaming Giant Ubisoft

NFT Backlash Continues As Mojang Bans the Tech from Minecraft

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Minecraft, one of the world's most popular games and metaverse platforms, has banned the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The move is part of a much wider backlash against NFTs in the gaming community, but the ban from Minecraft is particularly damaging given the platform's importance in the development of the metaverse. The policy was … [Read more...] about NFT Backlash Continues As Mojang Bans the Tech from Minecraft

Experiential Licensing: Angry Birds Staging First-Ever Live Show

Allison Watkinson TLL Editor in Chief Angry Birds is tapping into the explosive growth of Location-Based Entertainment, announcing its first-ever live show. The new show will be produced in partnership between Kilburn Live, a global market leader in branded live family entertainment, and Rovio Entertainment Corporation, creators of the global phenomenon Angry Birds mobile … [Read more...] about Experiential Licensing: Angry Birds Staging First-Ever Live Show

Who’s News: Mike DeLaet To Lead Mattel’s Future in Gaming, Metaverse

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US toy giant Mattel has recruited gaming industry veteran Mike DeLaet to guide its future in digital gaming and Web3 licensing. The former SVP of mobile game developer Scopely will be tasked with creating new products and licensing opportunities as Mattel's new global head of digital gaming. In that role, DeLaet's primary reponsibility will … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Mike DeLaet To Lead Mattel’s Future in Gaming, Metaverse

Squishmallows Unveils Pokemon Plush at San Diego Comic-Con

Jazwares officially said, "Pikachu! I choose you!" this week, as the innovative toyco unveiled its new Squishmallows x Pokèmon collection at San Diego Comic-Con. The plush collection is a collaboration with The Pokémon Company International, combining the loveable personalities of Squishmallows with the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise. “Joining forces with Pokémon to … [Read more...] about Squishmallows Unveils Pokemon Plush at San Diego Comic-Con

Spin Master Lands Master Toy Agreement with Sony Interactive

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Canadian-based Spin Master has just landed a massive deal with Sony Interactive, making it the master toy maker for all PlayStation and SIE video games. Spin Master will now hold the toy license for hits like God of War, The Last of Us, UNCHARTED, and Horizon Zero Dawn, among many others. Spin Master plans to release lines in the categories … [Read more...] about Spin Master Lands Master Toy Agreement with Sony Interactive

Character Licensing: Pokemon Getting a Poetic Apparel Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The specialist apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has partnered with ASOS to design and manufacture a Pokemon-themed apparel collection. The collection features t-shirts, dresses, hoodies, knitwear, shorts, a denim jacket, denim short dungarees, swimwear and accessories. “We are thrilled to launch this '90s inspired cross category collection … [Read more...] about Character Licensing: Pokemon Getting a Poetic Apparel Collection

Metaverse Licensing: Forever 21-Barbie Twin With Your Avatar Trending on Tik Tok

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Barbie and Forever 21 fans are trending on Tik Tok by posting videos of themselves with their avatars on Roblox, as part of the Forever 21 Shop City metaverse project. The partnership, forged by Virtual Brands Group (VBG), has been among the most successful metaverse licensing projects to date. In fact, VBG and Forever 21 won the Licensing … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: Forever 21-Barbie Twin With Your Avatar Trending on Tik Tok