LICENSING EXPO 2015
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quare Enix and Taito have released a new guide to assist licensees in developing fashion and trend product across different categories based on the video game Space Invaders. Square Enix commissioned the design agency Watermelon to look at future trends, and together with the licensing agency CPLG, Square Enix identified three strong design directions. New art will feature Space Invaders imagery with a twist intended to engage fans and broaden the brand’s appeal to new consumers. Three themes—Coin-Op Classics, Pixelism, and Point & Shoot—are available now, with further themes set for release later this year. In addition, the guide includes packaging and brand guidelines to give the items a more cohesive presence at retail. CPLG is an entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agency with offices in the UK, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the U.S. Owned by DHX Media, CPLG has more than 40 years of experience in the licensing industry, and provides its clients with dedicated licensing and marketing industry professionals, as well as a fully integrated product development, legal, and accounting service.
72 • THE TOY BOOK
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ower Rangers’ newest series, Power Rangers Dino Charge, currently airs on Nickelodeon in the U.S. and will roll out globally this year. The series is supported by a dinosaurthemed product line from global master toy licensee Bandai America Inc., with products including the Deluxe Morpher, the Dino Charger 3-Pack, the Deluxe Megazord, and a new line of collectible figures. On the digital front, Power Rangers launched a new kid-friendly website, which features action-packed online games, downloadable activities, character profiles, sneak-peek episode clips, and more. Power Rangers: Unite, a free-to-play mobile card game, is avail- Popples able on iTunes and is coming soon to Google Play. Popples, a high-energy comedy series based on the Popples characters from the toy line and TV series from the 1980s, is set to launch on Netflix as an original series for kids this fall. Tied to the new launch, leading global master toy licensee, Spin Master, will release a full range of kids’ toys, including small dolls, collectible figures, play sets, and plush to hit the U.S. market in December, followed by a global rollout across multiple channels next year. In partnership with Jakks Pacific, Saban Brands will also soon launch the multi-platform property Emojiville. The kids’ series will follow the adventures of three emoji friends and will be supported by a full consumer products and toy line from Jakks Pacific, along with mobile and online digital extensions, and digital apps and games.
MAY/JUNE 2015