Mattel Studios is launching Masters of the Universe: Tales from Eternia, a new 2D animated series targeting a ‘new generation of young fans’ to the brand.

Launching on June 19th on the Mattel Adventures YouTube channel, the show is produced in partnership with animation studio Snipple Animation and spans 20 four-minute episodes.

Episodes will launch globally in multiple languages, with French-language versions releasing beginning July 31st.

Fans also have the chance to meet the Eternians through introductory character shorts on the Mattel Adventures YouTube channel.

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Playmobil is bringing its toys to WHSmith stores across the UK.

The rollout will give families more than 1,000 opportunities to discover Playmobil products across WHSmith locations.

Products are available across WHSmith stores from this month, following an early Heathrow Airport launch where products sold out within days.

“This partnership gives Playmobil a brilliant opportunity to meet families at the point where our products make immediate sense – just before a journey, during a trip or when someone is looking for a thoughtful gift that feels familiar and trusted,” said Mitch Levene, UK & Ireland Country Manager at Playmobil.

“We’re proud of the heritage behind Playmobil, and with parents looking for their children to reduce the amount of screen time, the brand is perfectly positioned to fulfil the role of creative imagination & child development. WHSmith provides that platform. Hence, we’re excited regarding the huge potential that the WHSmith partnership provides.”

Niraj Virji, Head of Buying at WHSmith, added: “Playmobil is a natural fit for our one stop shop offer. As a travel essentials retailer committed to making every journey better for our customers, having a trusted, recognisable toy brand in store means families can pick up everything they need for their journey in one place. The response from the Heathrow launch was really encouraging and we’re pleased to be expanding the range across our UK stores this summer.”

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Registration is now open for Spielwarenmesse’s fifth annual International Game Inventors Convention.

Taking place on Friday February 5th 2027, the event will once again see game designers present their concepts to publishers at Spielwarenmesse.

A new feature for next year is a partnership with Pubblo, a digital platform designed to make communication between game designers and publishing houses more efficient. Through this partnerships, publishers are able to search specifically for suitable concepts and schedule potential meetings in advance.

The Game Inventors Convention will take place in the Brussels and Munich halls, on Level 1 of NCC Mitte. This year’s event was fully booked, attracting 156 participants from 22 countries.

Game designers can now register here. The deadline for registration is December 15th 2026.

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The Toy Association has launched the Toy Desk – a support hub designed to connect members with the Association’s resources, expertise and services.

The Toy Desk provides a single point of entry for questions, requests and support needs. Through a streamlined online submission process, inquiries are routed directly to the appropriate Association team, helping members quickly access the information and guidance they need.

Members can use the Toy Desk to submit inquiries related to events and experiences, networking opportunities, policy and regulatory developments, tariffs and trade issues, safety and technical guidance, promotional opportunities, general membership support, and more.

The launch is the first phase of a broader initiative focused on modernising member engagement and services. Future phases will build upon the Toy Desk’s foundation with additional capabilities and enhancements.

“The Toy Desk reflects our ongoing commitment to putting members first and continually improving how we serve the toy community,” said Greg Ahearn, President & CEO of The Toy Association.

“The Toy Desk is an important step forward in strengthening that commitment. By creating one welcoming front door for support, we can point members to the right resources and expertise across our organization.”

The Toy Desk has a mascot in Gilbert, named in honour of A.C. Gilbert, inventor of the Erector Set, Olympian, entrepreneur and Founder of The Toy Association.

Members can access the Toy Desk on the Association’s website under the Services tab.

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As Toy Story 5 lands in cinemas, Hasbro has launched a Buzz Lightyear version of Bop It.

The game sees players try to follow Buzz Lightyear’s commands as he tells them to bop his head, twist his arm, or pull his feet in different combinations.

To stay in the game, players must respond correctly and as quickly as possible. Each time a player responds accurately, the commands get faster and faster.

The Bop It! game unit features two modes: Solo and Pass It, so fans can play it alone or with friends.

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Studio 100 International has detailed the licensed line-up for Arnie & Barney – The Water Quest across the German-speaking market.

The new franchise from the Maya the Bee universe will debut in cinemas across Germany in September. In August, HABA is launching three games inspired by the film: Dice King Arnie & Barney Edition, Hypno Vision and Drop or Stop.

Elsewhere, Blue Ocean Entertainment will publish the official Arnie & Barney – The Water Quest movie magazine, along with an Arnie & Barney themed bow-and-arrow set, while Sony Music’s EUROPA label will release the official audio drama adaptation of the film.

In addition, Nastrovje Potsdam will introduce an on-demand apparel collection featuring T-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories, while in early October, premium plush figures will launch from Heunec.

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Mattel’s UNO Social Clubs are going global, with a new five-city US tour and expansion to nine locations worldwide.

A London stop is launching later this year, with others planned for Barcelona, Berlin, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

Each UNO Social Club will feature classic UNO gameplay and local DJs and MCs. Fans will also have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes, including branded merchandise and UNO product packs.
In addition, a US tour kicks off next month, visiting:

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Kung Fu Necktie on Wednesday, July 1st.
• Brooklyn, New York – Xanadu on Thursday, July 23rd.
• Miami, Florida – Cerveceria La Tropical on Thursday, July 30th.
• Houston, Texas – Dan Electro’s on Thursday, August 6th.
• Los Angeles, California – No Vacancy on Thursday, August 27th.

“At the heart of UNO is a simple truth: play brings people together,” said Katie Buford, Vice President and Global Head of Mattel Games.

“After an incredible first year, we’re excited to launch UNO Social Clubs in even more cities around the world. The enthusiasm from fans has been incredible, and their passion continues to inspire us. We look forward to welcoming even more players to the table.”

For more information on UNO Social Clubs visit Mattel.com/unosocialclub

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BBC Studios has partnered with tonies to bring Bluey to the Toniebox for the first time.

The collaboration expands one of the world’s most beloved TV series into immersive, audio-first experiences for kids and their families. The range rolls out across North America, DACH, the UK, France, Australia and New Zealand from June through October.

The offering spans three Classic Tonies figurines – including Bluey, Bingo and Muffin – that will debut in North America, DACH, the UK, France and New Zealand. Themed accessories, including Bluey Listen and Play bags and a Bluey Toniebox 2 sleeve will be available across all markets.

“At tonies, we’re listening to our audience and responding to what excites them,” said Tobias Wann, CEO of tonies.

“Few brands capture family connection and playful storytelling quite like Bluey. For years, families around the world have asked for Bluey on the Toniebox, and we are incredibly proud to bring this beloved world to life in a way that feels uniquely tonies. This partnership is another powerful example of why many of the world’s leading family brands trust tonies to thoughtfully extend the stories fans already love.”

Suzy Raia, EVP Global Consumer Products at BBC Studios, added: “Bluey has always encouraged children to jump into play and tonies brings that spirit to life in a truly special way. We are especially excited by Tonieplay and how it invites families to actively take part in the stories they love. Together, we’re thoughtfully expanding the Bluey universe through immersive storytelling and play in ways that feel authentic, playful, and true to the heart of the brand.”

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Asmodee’s Moodbox Games has detailed its debut slate of party games.

Launching this July, the range includes Guess the Mess, Link Out Loud, Photo Dump, and Who Says? Friends.

Link Out Loud – a team-based party game co-designed by Jeremy Posner and Ken Gruhl, and developed by Hedyverse – challenges players to think quickly, make connections, and communicate creatively with teammates.

Elsewhere, Guess the Mess is a ‘mildly competitive’ family party game – designed by Jack Degnan and developed by Hedyverse – that sees players race to decipher chaotic clues.

Who Says? Friends is an individual or team-based quote-guessing party game designed by Lloyd Mintz and developed by Bolt Games. The game sees players test their knowledge of memorable quotes and pop culture moments.

Finally, Photo Dump is a cooperative party game from emerging designer Annika Wierichs and developed by Hedyverse. Built around ‘storytelling, humour, and moments of connection’, Photo Dump turns players’ own photos into perfect clues and encourages players to share perspectives and experiences in unexpected ways.

Guess the Mess, Link Out Loud, and Photo Dump were developed, edited, and published by teams of women – reflecting Moodbox Games’ collaborative and inclusive creative approach from concept to shelf.

“The goal with Moodbox Games is to create experiences that instantly bring energy, laughter, and connection to the table,” said Kelli Schmitz, Head of Moodbox Games.

“This first line-up reflects the kind of social play we know people are craving right now – games that are approachable, highly interactive, and memorable whether you’re playing with family, close friends, or a large group.”

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Craft Buddy has partnered with SEGA on a Sonic the Hedgehog range launching later this year.

Spanning EMEA, North America, and LATAM, the agreement will see Craft Buddy translate the fast-paced world of Sonic the Hedgehog into collectible craft formats.

“Signing with SEGA for Sonic the Hedgehog is a landmark moment for Craft Buddy and an incredibly exciting step into the gaming category in 2026,” said Gary Wadhwani, Co-Founder of Craft Buddy.

“Sonic is a truly global icon with multi-generational appeal and enjoys ongoing momentum across entertainment and retail. We’re looking forward to bringing Sonic to life through Crystal Art in a way that feels fresh, collectible and aligns with today’s craft and gifting audiences.”

Gemma Daniels, Senior Licensing Manager at SEGA for UK and EMEA Hardlines and Publishing, added: “Sonic the Hedgehog has been inspiring fans for over three decades and we’re always excited to bring new and creative ways for the community to engage with the brand.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Craft Buddy to bring Sonic’s energy and vibrant world to life in a completely new format.”

Further product details will be revealed in the coming months, with initial hero lines forming part of Craft Buddy’s Autumn/Winter 2026 slate.

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