Disguise is set to continue designing, marketing, manufacturing and distributing costumes and costume accessories for Halo due to the brand’s popularity among fans worldwide.

Disguise has announced the extension of its partnership with 343 Industries as a global costume partner for the Halo franchise. This renewal marks a significant milestone in the two companies’ collaborative journey, with Disguise slated to continue designing, marketing, manufacturing and distributing costumes and costume accessories worldwide for Halo fans of all ages.

The Halo franchise line has consistently proven to be a top performer for Disguise. Since the first introduction of the game and its iconic protagonist, the Master Chief, the franchise has transcended the gaming sphere, expanding its influence across various media platforms. The brand enjoys a broad portfolio of record-breaking games, best-selling novels, animated series, toys, collectibles and the critically acclaimed original television series Halo, available on Paramount+.

Tara Cortner, president and GM of Disguise, expressed her excitement about the continued collaboration. She said: “Disguise boasts the largest portfolio of gaming costumes in the industry, and Halo has consistently ranked among our top sellers. We are thrilled to extend our partnership with 343 Industries, a testament to the enduring appeal of the characters in the Halo franchise.”

Tara further emphasised the universality of Halo’s appeal, noting: “As we continue to grow internationally, we see that the Master Chief is a much beloved character for kids, adults and fans across the world. Our designs continue to refresh and reflect updates to the characters in each iteration of the game from the first release through Halo Infinite. We look forward to showing fans more innovation and creativity for years to come.”

Disguise’s extensive line of Halo costumes and accessories are online and at leading retailers and specialty stores worldwide.

February 23rd saw Wizards of the Coast host MagicCon: Chicago, showcasing cards, art and details about upcoming sets for Magic: The Gathering.

Magic: The Gathering, the world’s first modern trading-card game, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and is more popular than ever thanks to collaborations in its Universes Beyond line with legendary partners. Since it was introduced in the mid-1990s, more than 50m people have played Magic in hobby shops and around tables across the globe.

At the weekend, thousands of fans and players descended upon the McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago for an incredible weekend full of Magic. Fans gathered at special preview panels revealing information for upcoming titles including first looks for Outlaws of Thunder Junction, Assassin’s Creed, Modern Horizons 3 and Bloomburrow.

More information on each product and their release dates can be found below:

• Fallout (release date: 8th March 2024)

Magic: The Gathering – Fallout celebrates elements of all Fallout games from 1997 up to Fallout ’76. The set represents the first modern view of some of the classic Fallout games, including updates to characters and settings from Fallout and Fallout 2, and pays homage to Fallout’s high-energy, high-action, post-nuclear RPG roots. Whether players join the side of some of Fallout’s most infamous characters or choose to play as a Vault survivor fighting gangs of raiders, super-mutants, irradiated monsters, and pre-war robots, life in the wastelands won’t be easy.

The collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Bethesda continues with Magic: The Gathering’s Secret Lair × Fallout drops, available exclusively through MagicSecretLair.com. These three limited print run Secret Lair drops, Secret Lair × Fallout: Vault Boy; Secret Lair × Fallout: Points of Interest; and Secret Lair × Fallout: S.P.E.C.I.A.L. come in regular and foil editions. Fans can sign up to get notified the moment these three Secret Lair drops go on sale.

• Outlaws of Thunder Junction (release date: 19th April 2024)

Outlaws of Thunder Junction is Magic’s rowdiest set, introducing a new Western-themed world that offers Magic fans a frontier fantasy gameplay experience and a high-action heist story featuring the return of fan-favourite Oko.

• Modern Horizons 3 (release date: 14th June 2024)

Modern Horizons returns in 2024 with Modern Horizons 3. Magic players love Modern Horizons sets for its rewarding draft format and nostalgic callbacks. Players can expect all of that and more with fan-favourite characters, twists on popular mechanics and new double-faced Planeswalker cards.

• Assassin’s Creed (release date: 5th July 2024)

In collaboration with Ubisoft, Universes Beyond will introduce immersive, epic historical adventures from Assassin’s Creed to Magic: The Gathering. The Assassin’s Creed set features most Assassin’s Creed games released to date, with mechanically unique cards and reprints that feature new artwork.

• Bloomburrow (release date: 2nd August 2024)

Magic fans can venture to Bloomburrow, a charming and cozy new world in Magic that doesn’t include humans at all. Instead, this release spotlights a bold adventuring party of anthropomorphic animal friends – such as squirrels, frogs, rats, and rabbits – that will need to band together on an important quest.

Jazwares has partnered with Mob Entertainment and Huggy Wuggy to introduce the new game Poppy Playtime Forever to the Roblox platform.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding the immersive gaming and user-generated content experience within the beloved Poppy Playtime universe.

Set to launch on 29th February, Poppy Playtime Forever lets players join forces with up to 10 players to overcome challenges, survive and escape the confines of the Playtime Co. toy store, while unlocking new environments and creating user generated content along the way. Players will encounter some familiar faces throughout the game, including Huggy Wuggy and Kissy Missy.

With its best-in-class developers, Poppy Playtime Forever puts players in the driver’s seat, allowing them to create user-generated content with a level editor to shape and share their own stories and challenges within the game. Players will also have access to an avatar accessory collection allowing them to customise their avatar with exclusive Poppy Playtime-themed accessories.

Poppy Playtime Forever, developed by the Jazwares Game Studio, promises a thrilling adventure for players of all ages. As the only official Poppy Playtime game on Roblox, players can expect a new level of excitement and engagement as they delve into this new world.

“Jazwares Game Studio brings IP to life like nobody else can and we’re thrilled to team up with  Mob Entertainment and introduce Poppy Playtime Forever to the Roblox platform,” said Kyle Hulse, director of Gaming at Jazwares. “With Poppy Playtime’s massive popularity and Roblox’s rich history of community-generated content, it’s the perfect match as the brand ventures into various realms of gaming.”

“We are excited to see the Poppy Playtime universe continually expand, and this collaboration with Jazwares represents a new chapter in delivering immersive gaming experiences to our players,” said co-founders Zach Belanger, CEO, and Seth Belanger, CCO, of Mob Entertainment. “Roblox entertains 350m users each month and we have received a lot of feedback from fans to develop an official game for the platform. Poppy Playtime Forever is set to revolutionise the Roblox gaming landscape, offering a blend of storytelling, the ability to collaborate with other players, and creativity that will captivate players worldwide.”

To learn more about the company and stay up to date on news and announcements, visit www.mobentertainment.com or join the discussion on the company’s Discord channel.

Rubies has released a new costume collection for EMEA featuring the iconic Care Bears, now available to order.

Rubies has announced the launch of a new Care Bears costume collection for EMEA. This vibrant collection features iconic characters, including Cheer Bear, Good Luck Bear and Grumpy Bear, which are now available as Comfywear onesies.

Designed with nostalgia in mind, these onesies provide fun and fond memories while being extra comfy. Whether worn for a cosy night in or as a standout costume at events and parties, the team at Rubies has designed these onesies to provide a blend of comfort and style.

The Care Bears Comfywear Onesies are made from premium materials to ensure durability. Each onesie features the signature colours and unmistakable symbols associated with each respective Care Bear.

The Cheer Bear is adorned with cheerful rainbow stripes and a heartwarming rainbow emblem, while the Good Luck Bear features a playful shamrock pattern and the iconic good luck symbol. Grumpy Bear boasts a cloud and raindrop pattern alongside the iconic grumpy face emblem.

“Our new Care Bears costume collection adds another fan favourite to our portfolio. Many of us grew up loving these beloved bears, and the new range adds modern style to the nostalgia of the characters,” said Fran Hales, head of Portfolio at Rubies. “We are looking forward to adding more Comfywear Onesies to the range, offering the perfect mix of costume and apparel for consumers.”

The Care Bears range is available in a range of sizes. To find out more, visit the Rubies website or contact customerservices@rubiesuk.com for more details.

The set, which features 10 mini-figures and recreates memorable details from the iconic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs film, will be available from June 2024.

The Lego Group has unveiled the enchanting Lego Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Cottage set, a tribute to the very first Disney Princess character. This quaint forest cottage meticulously recreates the memorable details from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film in brick form.

Based on the original 1937 Disney Animation film, this 2228-piece set contains 10 mini-figures, including Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, the Prince and the Queen with the red apple, as well as accompanying animal friends. A wishing well featuring a dove is also included, along with the glass box depicting Snow White’s awakening.

Nestled deep in the enchanted forest, the iconic cottage is packed with nostalgia, from the bedroom with seven beds to the room with the pipe organ, baking table, sink and cupboards. The set is designed for users aged 18 and over, and includes 2,228 pieces. The dimensions of the build are 35cm in length by 20cm in height and width.

The Lego Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Cottage set will be available for Lego insiders from 1st March 2024 online, and at Lego stores for all from 1st June 2024 and will be priced at £189.99.

Catering to builders of all ages, the Lego Group has also recently announced a highly anticipated Peppa Pig partnership, as it continues to develop its innovative portfolio with new products, characters and storylines set to launch later in the year.

Creative Kids has signed a licensing deal for Paramount’s popular Nickelodeon Slime brand to create a range of products.

Creative Kids Group has inked a deal with Paramount to manufacture and globally distribute Nickelodeon Slime products, bringing the brand’s iconic green goo to shelves this year. The new product line-up by Creative Kids will include on-trend pre-made jars, DIY kits, novelty toys, science kits, game sets and outdoor toys. Nickelodeon Slime under Creative Kids will be available in more than 40 countries including the US, UK and throughout Europe, Asia and South America.

“It couldn’t be a better time to get slimed,’” said Creative Kids chief marketing officer, Daniel DeLapa. “We’re already expecting to distribute more than 1m pounds of Nickelodeon Slime in 2024 – and we aren’t stopping there.”

The first wave, launching spring 2024, will include six sweet scents, such as Lavender Boba, Pink Lemonade and Marshmallow Dreams in a variety of Slime types like Bingsu, Cloud and the classic Glass style, and even proprietary formulas.

Initially available in the US this spring, the slime will then enjoy international distribution later in the year.

“Creative Kids is a long-time partner of Paramount, and we are looking forward to the relationship being extended to include Nickelodeon Slime,” said Priya Mukhedkar, SVP Consumer Products, Paramount. “Nickelodeon Slime has an amazing legacy, and we’re thrilled to have this new iteration launching all around the world.”

Additional pre-made jars, DIY kits and toys will be released in the latter half of 2024 at mass market retailers as well as specialty shops.

For more information on Creative Kids, please visit www.creativekids.com.

Under its new remit, Grapevine PR will support arts & crafts specialist Craft Buddy’s growth plans across the retail and consumer sectors.

Craft Buddy has appointed Grapevine PR to manage its UK trade and consumer media relations.

Following a strong period of growth over the last three years, Craft Buddy has expanded its licensed portfolio significantly within its key brands, Crystal Art and Paint by Numb3rs, and now has active partnerships with Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Warner Bros., Paddington Bear, L.O.L! Surprise and Peter Rabbit. The business, led by directors Gary and Dino Wadhwani, wanted to invest in PR that could support their in-house team across toys, arts & crafts and licensing, with connections that can support their long-term growth strategy.

With a core objective of driving consumer engagement for the company’s licensed ranges, Grapevine PR will create a calendar of activity that reaches consumers at multiple touchpoints across the year, spanning seasonal occasions from Easter through to Christmas, summer events and influencer activations. There will also be a Consumer Press Office function.

Additionally, the agency will support the Craft Buddy team at key trade shows, particularly in building relationships with the licensing community to support the company’s growth aspirations in the UK and internationally. The agency will work closely with the directors and the marketing team to drive brand awareness, support the onboarding of new IPs and increase retail growth, whilst showcasing Craft Buddy’s expertise in product development, production and brand partnerships.

Gary commented: “We are excited to work with Grapevine PR. Kirsty [Barr] and her team have brought with them a raft of experience in the toys and hobbies industries, and they are also well-known in the licensing business, which we believe will help Craft Buddy to achieve its goals: expanding its licensed range locally and internationally, as well as establishing its craft kits as a leading brand for UK consumers.”

The news follows the agency’s welcoming of freelance consumer PR specialist Emilia Fuller to work on its portfolio of toy and licensing clients. Grapevine PR says it has long-standing relationships in both the toy and licensing industries and more than two decades of expertise. Well-connected in both sectors, the team has a breadth of knowledge and experience for clients to tap into.

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced industry veteran Philippe Roucoule as senior vice president of EMEA Consumer Products, effective immediately.

Philippe, who recently held the position of vice president, Category and Retail Business Development for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), will report to Robert Oberschelp, head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Revenue & Strategy division run by chief Revenue & Strategy officer, Bruce Campbell.

Philippe succeeds longtime European Consumer Products head, Julian Moon, who previously announced his upcoming retirement after 33 years with the company. Julian continues to oversee Consumer Products for the Asia Pacific region as he works with Oberschelp and WBD leadership on succession plans.

In his new role, Philippe leads all Consumer Products operations across EMEA, with oversight of WBDGCP’s business in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland as well as agent markets across the regions. Philippe will work with Robert Oberschelp and WBD leadership across EMEA to develop and drive WBDGCP’s strategic, operational and financial initiatives to maximise the potential of key brands and franchises including DC, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Game of Thrones, Discovery and more, in support of WBD’s global multi-billion dollar retail consumer products licensing organisation.

As part of Philippe’s leadership team, Johanne Broadfield has been named group vice president, EMEA Franchise & Category Management. In addition to her current role overseeing Franchise Management and Marketing for WBDGCP EMEA, she will take on responsibilities for the management of regional licensing partners and retail development, reporting directly to Philippe.

“I’ve known and worked with Philippe for a long time. His business acumen and deep relationships with retailers and partners across the region are unparalleled and I am thrilled for him to take on this role as we continue to grow our business in EMEA,” said Robert Oberschelp, head of Global Consumer Products for WBD.

In his previous role, Philippe oversaw regional management of licensing partners, including global partner Lego, and was responsible for retail development across the EMEA region. Prior to joining the company, he spent nearly a decade at The Walt Disney Company working in Home Entertainment and the Consumer Products business, with responsibilities for Retail and the Food, Health and Beauty categories for the UK and Ireland.

Hunter Price has been appointed to create a complementary range of homewares based upon the Paw Patrol Calm Sleep Stories collection. 

Hunter Price International has kicked off 2024 by announcing a collaboration with Paramount Consumer Products and leading mental health brand, Calm.

It was recently announced that top-rated pre-school brand Paw Patrol, and Calm, the No. 1 app for sleep, relaxation and meditation, have teamed up for the first time to create an exclusive collection of Sleep Stories and meditations to aid a relaxing bedtime routine.

To fully complement the partnership and new bespoke content, which is now available on Calm, Hunter Price has been appointed to design, develop and deliver an impactful range of homeware, accessories and weighted plush.

Paw Patrol’s much-loved pups are featured throughout the range of products, which covers everything from bedding, blankets and fleeces to cushions, plush and mindfulness activities including colouring and activity books. All will encourage a calming and delightful evening wind down and a restful night’s sleep.

The debut collection was unveiled publicly for the first time at the London Toy Fair last month and the first items will arrive in retailers nationwide this summer.

Speaking about the deal, Hunter Price’s newly promoted commercial director, Allana Holmes, explained: “This is a partnership with real purpose and it feels great to be able to bring this global collaboration to life through meaningful consumer products. We really believe this range will connect with its target audience through the empowering content created on Calm for Paw Patrol. Mindfulness, mental health and sensory awareness is so much more than a trend: it’s a movement and we’re proud to be playing our part.”

“After working with Hunter Price for a number of years, we were fully confident that the team would be the perfect partner for the Paw Patrol and Calm collaboration,” said Rebecca Jenkins, VP, Consumer Products, UK, Ireland, ANZ and Israel, Paramount. “We’re on a journey with this special partnership, which now includes Hunter Price International. Together, we’re providing young children the valuable tools to navigate their worries and empower them to embrace daily adventures with joy and ease.”

“Hunter Price has perfectly infused the magic and delight of Calm into this product line,” added Greg Justice, Calm chief content officer. “This collaboration brings our content and the heroic Paw Patrol pups to life in a whole new way, inspiring kids to both take on the day and get a great night’s rest.”

Paw Patrol is produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airs on Nickelodeon.

Mattel Television Studios will be launching its one-hour movie Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue on Netflix this March.

The film will air in the US on 14th March and in the UK in September. The hour-long special will follow Barbie’s middle sister, Stacie, as she quickly comes to the rescue of Barbie and Skipper. Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue marks the first time Stacie plays a lead role in Barbie content and includes five new original songs as well as new friends.

In Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue, the two characters embark on a brand-new journey. Adventurous Stacie finds herself caught in the middle when the Roberts family heads to Wisconsin for a hot air balloon festival where she is too young for adult activities, yet too old to play with the little kids. When her older sisters Barbie and Skipper find themselves in trouble, Stacie finds she has the right skills to save the day.

“Our animated Barbie content is developed to both empower and entertain,” said Michelle Mendelovitz, global head of Mattel Television Studios. “By placing Stacie at the centre of the story, Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue provides audiences with a new heroine in Stacie and an entirely new perspective on the Barbie universe. We cannot wait to share this fun-spirited special with Barbie fans.”

The latest instalment of Mattel’s animated Barbie content follows 2023’s fan-favourite series Barbie: A Touch of Magic as well as other successful titles including Barbie: It Takes Two, Barbie: Epic Road Trip, Barbie: Mermaid Power and Barbie DreamHouse Adventures. Mattel Television Studios’ family-friendly series and specials allow fans of all ages to feel the imagination and fun of Barbie while instilling messages of friendship, discovery and kindness.

Christopher Keenan and Frederic Soulie serve as executive producers on Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue, which is written by Kay Donmyer. The movie will be available on Netflix in the US, Canada, APAC (excluding China) and EMEA (excluding the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland and Romania) on 14th March. The special will debut in Latin America, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Romania and MENA on 5th September, also on Netflix. Broadcast partners including Super RTL, Cartoonito, POP, Kanal2 and Kidzone will distribute the special throughout the year.

The five-song music album for Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue will also release on 14th March and be available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music.