2016 was a big year for retail sales of video games—but, interestingly enough, licensed games didn't make much headlines (with the one obvious exception). In fact, it was just the opposite: Metacritic's lowest score of the year was for Activision's Ghostbusters. Meanwhile, Pokémon emerged as one of the hottest brands of 2016, topping the list of Google's breakout searches … [Read more...] about Video Game Sales Up; Licensed Options Grow
Interactive/Online
2016 Only Gets Better for $100+ Entertainment/Character Brands
Karina Masolova, additional reporting by Glenn Demby and Marcy Magiera A total of 44 properties made TLL's latest list of entertainment/character brands that cleared $100 million in licensed retail sales in the U.S. and Canada. For the first time, we're casting our predictions for what next year's look will look like. See the retail sales breakdown here, and look below for … [Read more...] about 2016 Only Gets Better for $100+ Entertainment/Character Brands
44 Entertainment/Character Brands Make the $100 Million List
Karina Masolova, additional reporting by Glenn Demby and Marcy Magiera Forty-four entertainment/character properties make our list of brands that generate over $100 million in retail sales of licensed merchandise in the U.S. and Canada—accounting for a total of $41 billion in sales worldwide in 2015. See the full list here. Three brands cleared $1 billion in the U.S./Canada … [Read more...] about 44 Entertainment/Character Brands Make the $100 Million List
Franchise Films Losing Ground to Publishing Adaptations
By Marcy Magiera Franchise films still consistently top the U.S. box office, but 2016 has seen many sequels and reboots fall flat with audiences, causing many observers to question whether consumers have hit an unanticipated limit when it comes to Hollywood's franchise obsession. It takes time, however, before those concerns are reflected in studio production schedules. Our … [Read more...] about Franchise Films Losing Ground to Publishing Adaptations
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