NEWS
Minecraft “almost as successful” as One Direction for GB Eye
Firm sees no sign of popularity of brand slowing down by Billy Langsworthy
GB EYE’S line of Minecraft products is proving just as popular as its One Direction range.
The firm has a line of
Minecraft posters and merchandise including badges, stickers and sticker packs. “Our Minecraft range has been almost as successful as our One Direction range,” Nicola Hallam, product and marketing manager at GB Eye, told T
oyNews. “Also known as social
LEGO, Minecraft owes its success to the ability it offers players to create absolutely anything online and to communicate and collaborate with others while doing so. “Kids aren’t encouraged
to play outside as much as they once were so Minecraft is something of a substitute – instead of digging in the dirt in the local fields they can do so virtually and be masters of their own universes, controlling it and creating whatever they can imagine.” While the brand has been a hit for the firm this
Heidi, targeted at girls
aged four to six years old, is being revived with a refreshed CGI series set to land on screens in early 2015.
The series has been sold to over 100 countries to date and a range of toys are in development with a master toy deal soon to be announced. Elsewhere, K3, based on the popular band, has proven to be a ‘phenomenal success’ throughout Benelux, while
plan can ensure that their message reaches all areas of a girl’s life; whether that’s on television, in the supermarket or in their homes,” said
international licensing director at Studio 100, Marie-Laure Marchand. “Through far-reaching
broadcast and licensing initiatives, Studio 100 will be hoping to replicate the success of competitors such as these for K3 Animation and Heidi.” Studio 100:
+32 (0) 3 877 60 35
JHS is pitch perfect with new Turtles instrument line New collection of TMNT inspired ukuleles and guitars launch to engage young musicians
By Robert Hutchins
THE TEENAGE Mutant Ninja Turtles are turning musical, thanks to a new collection of real licensed instruments featuring the acrobatic foursome. From John Hornby
Skewes and Co, the new range includes two different ukulele designs and a three-quarter sized guitar outfit. Retailing at £29.99, each ukulele carries nylon strings and geared machine
www.toynews-online.biz
heads, specially designed for accurate tuning. Each ukulele is finished with a purple back and sides and Turtles graphics.
“Both these ukuleles
are attractively packaged and come complete with a nylon carry bag, pitch pipe and plectrum,” said Ben Robinson, John Hornby Skewes’ house accounts manager for UK and Eire. “It’s everything you need to start playing.” Meanwhile, the three- quarter sized acoustic
guitar is “perfect for the budding young player.” Nylon strung for ease
of playing, the guitar outfit includes a carry bag, strap, pitch pipes, plectrum and a spare set of strings. The Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles guitar retails at £59.99. Inspired by Nickelodeon’s popular animated series, each instrument features Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo. John Hornby Skewes: 0113 2865 381
August 25
year, GB Eye sees no sign of Minecraft’s popularity slowing down. Hallam added: “Minecraft
is a future classic that people will play for years, so there will always be a certain level of demand.
“Amazingly there are still some buyers out there that do not know what it is and the current craze will be extended by those people when they finally start ordering product.” GB Eye: 0114 2767454
Girls’ market a major focus for Studio 100
Firm to compete in the market with Maya the Bee, Heidi and K3
by Billy Langsworthy
STUDIO 100 believes it can compete with the likes of Winx Club and Hello Kitty in the girls’ market with brands including Maya the Bee, Heidi and K3.
a new 2D animation series is currently in production. “We find the girls
market an extremely competitive area with the likes of Winx Club and Hello Kitty demonstrating how positive brand values and an extensive business
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