Toys & Games

Licensed toys took home half of the awards at this year’s TOTYs, with winners including LEGO Marvel Minifigures, Playmobil’s VW Camper Van and Just Play’s Ada Twist doll.

Funko Games also revealed details of a new Parks and Recreation party game.

Inspired by a trip to Spring Fair, Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how the legacy of music icons like The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse are being preserved through smart brand extensions.

Funko Games is also bolstering its Something Wild range, with Something Wild: Spider-Man and Something Wild: Boba Fett.

“The brand has significant potential beyond the core toy range,” said Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG.

“There are few bands that defined pop culture in the same way the Spice Girls did back in the 1990s, and it’s been such fun bringing the band to life in our BrickHeadz style,” said LEGO designer Daniel Squirrell.

The founder of Small Fries Games, Nat Marco, talks about developing ideas – and taking a bold step toward licensing…

Why Game Bud Talking Tom is the tip of the licensing iceberg for Huge! Play’s Adrian Roche.

Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how Aardman’s recent partnerships with the likes of Royal Mail, P&O and Wild in Art showcase innovation around brand extensions.

2000 AD editor Matt Smith and Cartoon Museum director Joe Sullivan on why the character Judge Dredd still endures…