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Little Handfuls heading fur new heights in 2014
Esdevium looks to capitalise on Pokémon’s big year
Firm believes launch of X and Y on the Ninendo 3DS will help to drive sales of the new tie-in card game
By Billy Langsworthy
IT HAS been a big year for Pokémonwith the launch of Pokémon Xand Yfor the Nintendo 3DS, and Esdevium Games believes this will give the tie-in card game an extra sales boost. Esdevium Games has a long-running history with the Pokémontrading card game series and believes the launch of the new video games will help draw fans to this new range. “This release comes hot on the back of the two major new video games and marks the shift from the Black & White card series (which has run since early 2011) to the brand new XYseries,” Esdevium Games marketing executive Ben Hogg (right) has told ToyNews. “With this change comes
a new region in which to play, new Pokémon to battle with, new strategies to learn and lovely new products. “We do expect sales to
get a good boost, as this has historically been the case after big video game releases. “It’s a really good time to pick up a new generation of Pokémon TCGfans.”
10 November
We expect sales to get a good boost, as this has historically been the case after a big video game release. Ben Hogg, Esdevium Games
The brand has been a consistent seller for the firm, and Esdevium believes the new look and content should provide its very own push on the card game. “Pokémonis our number one selling product and has been huge for us since 1999,” added Hogg. “It’s a premium trading
card game and with a proven evergreen pedigree, is still going strong after nearly 15 years at UK retail.
“We know the video
games drive TCG sales, but this is by no means the only thing the TCG has going for it. “The new products look absolutely stunning. “Additionally there are a number of new Pokémongift box products with fantastic contentthat look really exciting too.” Esdevium Games: 01420 593 593
Re:creation predicts
‘big things’ for Zip Stix BASED ON snap band technology, Zip Stix can be launched against a series of obstacles, encouraging players to collect and race their Zip Stix against each other. Arriving in late
summer 2014, priced at £2.99, Re:creation is looking forward to the busy year ahead. Rebecca Clarke,
brand manager of Zip Stix, Re:creation, said: “We predict big things for the product, Zip Stix are a really exciting proposition for the summer.”
With the UK launch of the firm’s Air Storm line, Sky Ripperz and new products from VideoHead, Re:creation believes it’s going to be an exciting 2014.
“We believe we are in
for a very busy year,” Katy Fletcher, assistant brand manager, Re:creation told ToyNews. “Our mission for Zip Stix is for the brand to become a playground hit and create a new craze.” Re:creation: 0118 973 6222
www.toynews-online.biz
By Robert Hutchins
A NEW breed of soft toy and puppet hybrid is making its way to the toy market next year, as fledgling firm 2Toobz prepares to launch the Little Handfuls. Making its debut at 2014’s Spring Fair, the new range of little critters features ruffling fur and moving ears and eyes when manipulated in the palm of a child’s hand. A concept developed
by artist and painter Andrew Coates, the Little Handfuls characters have seen several incarnations, including sweet packaging and pencil cases, before becoming a soft toy line.
Coates told ToyNews: “I can’t wait to bring Little Handfuls to the market. Nothing like these little creatures has been seen before.” Targeting the four to
seven year old market with a World of Weeboos line, and older children with a range of Bush Babies, Little Handfuls are predicted to be hitting retail early next year. Coates soon wants the
creatures to cover social media and YouTube. “I have big plans for the
range and the website, including the ability for children to make animated movie clips of their favourite characters.” 2Toobz: 01297 23783
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