blogs

Blogs

        Hidden Role: The Brains Behind your Favorite Games --- When inspiration strikes, how does someone take it from an idea to a success story? Learn from t...

      Hidden Role: The Brains Behind your Favorite Games --- Dan Klitsner breaks down his creative process and takes us on a Bop It journey. The beloved toy is fast appro...

      Hidden Role: The Brains Behind your Favorite Games --- From McDonalds happy meal toys to Pretty Pretty Princess to Outburst Jr. to Mad Gabs, Peggy Brown is a serial...

        Hidden Role: The Brains Behind your Favorite Games --- In this episode, we talk to Mary Couzin, president and founder of ChiTAG, recently rebranded as Peopl...

      Hidden Role: The Brains Behind your Favorite Games --- Actor and entrepreneur Matthew Lillard knows how to turn a passion into a fulfilling career. He\'s bes...

In 2020, a meeting of the minds brought David Yakos and Branson Faustini to the same conclusion; they were going to make a podcast. David was 2-time Toy-Inventor-of-the-Year and a lifelong inventor wi...

Barbie has always been on top of the latest fashion trends, and the ‘80s were no exception. From big hair to big shoulder pads, Barbie rocked it all. Check out this list of the most iconic Bar...

The latest film to join the Barbie media franchise, the upcoming “Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams” is more than just another Barbie movie — it marks the first time Barbie has been por...

We are bringing the Business and Community of Play into one as: People of Play...

Join the staff of GPI for a Nonepub hosted discussion about numerous topics to keep in mind when designing your next game.  Get insight on:PackagingDesigning with retail in mindDigging into ...

Emergent Strategist or Master Planner?Working as an entrepreneur versus in a formal company role, I have had the opportunity to learn more about my authentic work style, the style that comes most natu...

Q. I’m worried about the declining birthrate—what strategies can I employ to grow my business if the toy category declines in the face of low birthrates?A. While each business can obviously d...

Q: Can you please keep the questions coming? Thanks! I recently received a wonderful download of dozens of questions from readers. Some are pretty straightforward, so I’ll take a...

The ‘70s were a decade of big changes for Barbie, with new faces, hair play features, and, of course, new fashions! I’ve created a list of the most iconic Barbie dolls from the ‘70...

Create the Space for Unstructured Play   Our garage was built on a steep hill and had an unfinished “cellar” space below, with an open side accessible from the steep hillside.&nbs...

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2021 TOY & GAME  INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN - INTRODUCING 2 NEW CATEGORIESPeople of Play (POP) now accepting TAGIE nominations through August 1st ...

Creating illustrations, characters and packaging for the toy industry and loving it!  ArtWorkPlay with Kenny K is about sharing insights, WIP pics and anecdotes...

Creating illustrations, characters and packaging for the toy industry and loving it!  ArtWorkPlay with Kenny K is about sharing insights, WIP pics and anecdotes...

Creating illustrations, characters and packaging for the toy industry and loving it!  ArtWorkPlay with Kenny K is about sharing insights, WIP pics and anecdotes...

Creating illustrations, characters and packaging for the toy industry and loving it!  ArtWorkPlay with Kenny K is about sharing insights, WIP pics and anecdotes...

Sometimes you see a great concept underperforming in another market, and you think, with some tweaking this could be GREAT! We took Tomy\'s Battle Decks line and made it US friendly, getting retailers ...

KROMA - Lightbulb Moments to Milestones   The Find - Sometimes it is a Journey I’ve been working with the KROMA team for nearly 4 years from the day I first walked into the NYU Game...

Q: The toy industry is nuts right now. Is this a good time to join?I live near a lake, and I love to watch how boats navigate its ever-changing waters. Placid mornings will be followed ...

Happy 99th Birthday, Reuben Klamer! You are a Winner in the Game of Life and Loved by Many!   A note from Reuben after receiving the many birthday greetings: \"To Mary, George and to all my fr...

Barbie has had many iconic looks over the years, but to vintage Barbie lovers, the dolls from the 1960s are some of the most iconic. Here I’ve gathered a list of the most iconic dolls from Barbi...

So You Want to be Strategic?Q. How can I ensure I have the best strategy for growing my brand?A. Many of the people I have worked with think strategy is represented by the words on a page in a Po...

Switching companies can be jarring in one\'s career. However, in the Toy Industry, there\'s a striking familiarity of the work and always a familiar friendly face to ease the transition. Here is one of ...

What exactly do you do in the industry? I am the National Sales Manager for Endless games in Matawan, New Jersey. That said, we are a small company so I get to work in production, product developme...

Q. We have a great toy concept that we think appeals to kids of all ages—what are the advantages and disadvantages of targeting a large consumer segment like Kids 3+.A. In my experience wo...

Tait & Lily, Inventors of Betcha Can't!