Pac-Man Tamagotchi
BANDAI AMERICA’S NEW TAMAGOTCHI CELEBRATES PAC-MAN’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Bandai America is commemorating the 40th anniversary of Pac-Man with a new Tamagotchi device starring the iconic video game character. In the game, Pac-Man stars as a virtual pet character in the world of Tamagotchi. Players need to keep their virtual pet alive by nurturing it, which is similar to other Tamagotchi games. This time, Pac-Man is there to help by saving kids’ pets from ghosts and bugs. Players can also feed their Tamagotchi PacMan’s favorite snack: cherries. »
ZAG, PLAYMATES TOYS ENTER LONG-TERM GLOBAL ALLIANCE
Following the successful debut of a toy line based on the animated series Power Players, ZAG and Playmates Toys are taking their partnership to the next level. The independent animation studio entered into a long-term global alliance with the toymaker to manufacture and distribute new toy lines for ZAG’s entire portfolio of brands, including Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. »
THE U.S., CHINA SIGN HISTORIC PHASE ONE TRADE AGREEMENT
The trade war between the U.S. and China took a toll last year before hitting the brakes on Dec. 13 as the last wave of tariffs — List 4B, which included toys — were called off due to a phase one trade agreement that the countries reached. On Jan. 18, both parties officially signed the deal. President Donald J. Trump and the
Office of the United States Trade Representative are calling it a historic and enforceable agreement that requires structural reforms and other changes to China’s economic and trade regime in the areas of intellectual property, technology transfer, agriculture, financial services, and currency and foreign exchange. The phase one agreement also includes a commitment by China that it will make substantial additional purchases of U.S. goods and services in the coming years. The agreement also establishes a dispute resolution system to ensure prompt and effective implementation and enforcement. Accordingly, the U.S. has agreed to modify its Section 301 tariff actions in a significant way. »
PJ MASKS SUITS UP FOR FIFTH SEASON
Entertainment One (eOne), France 5, and Frog Box, in collaboration with Disney Junior, entered production on the fifth season of PJ Masks, with 52 11-minute episodes set to debut next year. In the new episodes, the preschool heroes will explore new locations as they face off against new villains and challenges. Since its U.S. launch on Disney Junior in 2015, PJ Masks has become a global franchise spawning toys, consumer products, and live events in more than 85 markets. Season four will launch globally on Disney Junior this year. »
lodging experience combining the iconic brand with a one-of-a-kind video gamethemed destination.” Atari Hotels will include entertainment and experiences for all ages and gaming availability, and will feature both virtual reality and augmented reality games. Select locations will also include esports venues and studios. Additional locations are planned for Las Vegas; Denver; Chicago; Austin, Texas; Seattle; San Francisco; and San Jose, California. »
JAZWARES’ BLIPPI TOYS ARE AVAILABLE NOW
Jazwares‘ toy line based on the YouTube sensation Blippi is now hitting store shelves. Blippi has been a popular “edutainer” with kids ages 2-7 since 2014, and his energetic videos have racked up more than 12 billion views. The new line includes surprise boxes, mini vehicles, a plush Blippi, Blippi figures, and a Blippi costume that are available now from Walmart and Amazon. »
MOOSE TOYS INTRODUCES OH! MY GIF COLLECTION
The new Oh! My Gif collection, from Moose Toys, is inspired by internet GIFs, memes, and stickers. The collection brings popular GIFs to the real world as moving collectible toys. The collection first debuted at the London Toy Fair. Oh! My Gif single packs and studio packs will be available this May. »
ATARI, GSD GROUP PARTNER FOR ATARI-THEMED HOTEL CHAIN
Atari is getting into the hotel business. The famed game and entertainment producer inked a deal with GSD Group for a chain of video game-themed Atari Hotels. Under the new agreement, GSD acquired the rights to build Atari Hotels in the U.S. with the first location set to break ground in Phoenix later this year. The hotels are described as “a unique
Oh! My Gif collectible
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