The Licensing Letter

Nintendo

Activision Latest to Launch TV/Movie Studio

By Karina Masolova Activision Blizzard made its latest move in a series set to position the company as a multi-platform entertainment franchise power. The video game development company launched its own TV and movie studio, Activision Blizzard Studios. It joins companies like Mattel and Hasbro, whose in-house studios are set grow their overall business. On the other side of the … [Read more...] about Activision Latest to Launch TV/Movie Studio

Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit

BY MARCY MAGIERA Yo-Kai Watch, the hottest kids’ property in Japan over the past 18 months, will land in North America on Oct. 5, when cable’s Disney XD will begin showing the animated half-hour five days a week. The TV premiere marks the beginning of a licensing campaign that will see a legion of mischievous Yo-kai spirits unleashed across video games, comic books, toys, … [Read more...] about Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit

Who’s News

Two months after the death of longtime CEO Satoru Iwata, Nintendo names Managing Director Tatsumi Kimishima as his successor. Licensing veteran Simon Kay launches a new brand extension and marketing consulting firm SNK Consulting. Sears Holdings names former Disney and Belkin Intl. executive Tom Park as President of its brands business units Kenmore, Craftsman and … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market

By Marcy Magiera Yo-kai Watch is arguably the hottest kids' property in Japan. Now the franchise, about a young boy who uses a special watch to summon spirits who are causing pesky problems for people, is about to hit the U.S. In November, Nintendo will launch a Yo-kai Watch game for its handheld 3DS, about the same time that Viz Media's Perfect Square imprint will introduce … [Read more...] about Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market