Latest Company News & Highlights

February 20, 2024 | Take a look below for a roundup of the latest news and product launches from a variety of companies, including Creative Kids, People of Play, WiT, and more.

WiT Introduces Tabletop Gaming Learning Community
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has launched the Tabletop Gaming Learning Community, a new initiative geared to create an inclusive and supportive space for women working in, or aspiring to enter, the tabletop gaming industry. Led by seasoned tabletop industry professionals, the community will harness diverse talents and insights of its members to explore trends, tackle challenges, celebrate successes, and champion impactful change within the industry.

Mattel Promotes Krista Berger to Senior Vice President, Barbie and Head of Dolls
Mattel, Inc. has promoted Krista Berger to senior vice president, Barbie and head of dolls. In her new role, Berger will lead product and brand marketing for Mattel’s dolls category globally. Berger's career at Mattel began in the dolls division, where she established a robust foundation of intellectual property, licensor management, and commercial expertise across the dolls portfolio and the U.S. Barbie business.

People of Play Announces Winners of 18th Annual Young Inventor Challenge
People of Play has revealed the winners of the 18th Annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC), which was held on November 4, 2023 at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. The YIC is a yearly competition where students between the ages of 6 and 18 have the opportunity to create an original play product and pitch it to professional toy and game inventors for a chance to win prizes.

Moose Games Launches Game Based on Pickleball
Moose Games, the gaming division of Moose Toys, launched Pickleball Blast, a family board game that puts a new spin on the fastest growing sport in the U.S., pickleball. The game launched exclusively at Target stores this week, with expanded retail rollout in the fall.

ICTI Ethical Toy Program Rebrands to Ethical Supply Chain Program
The rebrand to Ethical Supply Chain Program reflects growing demand for compliance accreditation services across the entire supply chain, according to the organization. The new brand will be phased in over the course of the year, as part of the organization’s wider global strategy to diversify into new sectors, develop new services, and operate in new locations.

Creative Kids Inks Deal for Paramount’s Nickelodeon Slime Brand
Creative Kids Group has signed a deal with Paramount to manufacture and globally distribute Nickelodeon Slime products beginning this spring. The new product lineup will include pre-made jars of slime, DIY kits, novelty toys, science kits, game sets, and outdoor toys.

Want to be included in a future news roundup? Email The Toy Association’s Maddie Michalik with your company news.