The Tubbz brand of cosplaying collectible rubber ducks has made a significant impact on the collectibles sector since these characters made a splash back in 2019. The range has expanded in recent years to offer something for everyone. Mini Tubbz capitalise on the pocket money sector and have been a huge success; Boxed Editions of evergreen licences Minecraft, Minions, Sonic the Hedgehog and DC Comics are always in demand; there are XL versions of larger than life characters such as T-Rex and Toothless; plus some duckies have even become Plushies.

Now Rubber Road has introduced Mystery Eggs, taking Tubbz into the blind sector of collectibles. These new Mystery Eggs offer popular characters from the world of pop culture hatching out of their egg. Each character comes in blind, egg-shaped packaging within a pre-packed CDU featuring 36 individually packed eggs. Plus, there is a chase system to find the elusive, rare editions to add to the excitement.

Mystery Eggs kick off with a Minions collection to capitalise on the hype for the new Minions vs Monsters movie that drops on 4th July. There are 12 Minions characters to collect in total, including three rare characters to chase down:

• Rare characters: Bob and Stuart in silver shells with a 1-in-24 chance of finding.
• Ultra rare character: Gru, the leader, in a gold shell with a 1-in-72 chance of finding.

As with all Tubbz collectibles, it is the detail that resonates with pop culture fans, and no detail is spared here with Minions characters featuring signature glasses and facial expressions. This detail also extends to the packaging; there is a character placed in a clear window at the top so customers can see an example of a Mystery Egg.

Jack Fox, Sales & Marketing Director at Rubber Road, said: “We are so excited to finally reveal our new Mystery Eggs. Blinds were the missing piece of our Tubbz collection, and we have been working on these for a few years. To see this blind format finally hit the shelves is a pivotal moment in our Tubbz journey.

“We didn’t take the easy route of having the same characters in different colours. Each character is unique and stays true to the Tubbz design. The added bonus of rare characters to chase and collect adds both excitement and value. Even if kids don’t find the rare, the quality and quirkiness of the common characters is so good; there will be no disappointment factor here.”

Rubber Road is fortunate to work with the best partners in global entertainment and have access to a wide range of popular licences. There will be another two Mystery Tubbz collections coming later this year with plenty more in 2027 and beyond. UK retail partners on board so far include Hamleys, Tesco, The Entertainer, Morrisons and HMV.

For more information, contact Rubber Road on www.rubberroad.com or sales@rubberroad.com

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Craft Buddy has revealed its latest Harry Potter Crystal Art collection, featuring Harry Potter collectible that fans can create themselves.

The new collection introduces another range of its 2-in-1 badge and DIY Blind Bag pin badges, as well as an update to its sparkling bag charms with two new designs. Designed for fans of all ages, the kits offer a mess-free way to create Harry Potter gear using Craft Buddy’s crystal-placement technique.

The 16 set Harry Potter Crystal Art Pin Badge Blind Bag is aiming to be the next big playground collectible. Each mystery bag contains one of several Wizarding World designs, but users won’t know which one they’ve got until they open it. Once revealed, they simply use the included tools to add the crystals, turning a simple pin into a piece of wearable art for jackets, hats or lanyards.

The collection also features two new Crystal Art Bag Charms, designed to upgrade rucksacks and keys. Fans can choose between the Harry Potter design or the snowy owl, Hedwig. The charms are durable and come with a clip and personalised sticker.

As Crystal Art is completely self-adhesive there is no mess involved. The crystals are placed onto a coded template using a special pick-up pen, meaning no sticky fingers and no glitter-bombed living rooms.

The new releases will be available at craftbuddyshop.com, joining over 40 different products in the Craft Buddy range. To get in touch with the Craft Buddy sales team, call 020 3417 6565 or email trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk

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Outfit7, creator of the Talking Tom & Friends brand, has released a major update for My Talking Tom 2 that changes how the game is played. Talking Tom’s backyard has been expanded, fully reworked and zoomed out into a connected, explorable space.

Players now guide him directly through the environment, moving through a larger, more open backyard. Instead of navigating different spaces, players now explore a world where cooking, flying, relaxing and interacting with pets all happen side by side.

The backyard has been rebuilt as a larger, open space with a zoomed-out perspective that lets players take in the entire environment at a glance. What was once a collection of separate features is now a single, connected space designed for exploration. It is also designed to evolve over time, supporting new activities and experiences.

Built around Tom’s personality, the environment feels active and responsive. Pets roam freely, react to what’s happening and participate in the experience, turning the space into something players move through, not just interact with. Players guide Tom by tapping and dragging, moving naturally between different parts of the backyard.

The backyard is structured into themed zones, each acting as an entry point into different types of play. These include a cooking area, a flight area, a pet area, a chill area and a playground area.

Within the playground, players can jump into activities like basketball, trampoline, boxing bag challenges, swings and drums. It also serves as a flexible entry point for quick, pick-up-and-play moments.

The new cooking system encourages experimentation, with reactions based on player-created dishes. Players can jump into two core cooking experiences, burgers and pancakes, moving through preparation, cooking and plating. Ingredients can be overcooked, combined in unexpected ways or pushed to extremes. Each dish is then served to Tom and his pets, with some combinations triggering bigger, more exaggerated reactions than others.

The new My Talking Tom 2 update is available to download now.

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Hasbro has launched Sixth Wall, a new AI studio dedicated to bringing iconic characters into the AI era. Alongside the launch, the company announced a strategic partnership with ElevenLabs and introduced Behavioral Licensing, a new category of character licensing designed for dynamic interactions.

Millions of consumers are already encountering unauthorised versions of popular characters across chat, voice, gaming and content creation platforms. Sixth Wall was created to give creators, rights holders and partners a trusted framework for bringing characters into these new experiences while preserving authenticity, safety and commercial rights.

Sixth Wall is introducing Behavioral Licensing, a new category of IP licensing focused on how characters think, speak and interact in dynamic experiences – not just how they appear in traditional media. Behavioral Licensing is powered by CharacterOS, Sixth Wall’s proprietary system for preserving a character’s personality, canon, voice and safety guardrails across interactive experiences. Each Sixth Wall character is built using authorised source material and powerful human voice performances. The studio has established a talent participation model that compensates performers and uses only authorised recordings.

Sixth Wall has also announced a strategic partnership with ElevenLabs, the leading AI audio company, to bring select Hasbro characters to the company’s Iconic Marketplace. Twelve Hasbro characters, including Optimus Prime, Megatron, Cobra Commander, Mr. Potato Head and the cast of Clue will be available to request at launch, with more following later this year.

“CharacterOS is compelling because it unlocks a bigger creative canvas while addressing a real challenge in AI, the unauthorised use of content,” said Chris Cocks, CEO, Hasbro. “It is built around a creator-first model that gives voice talent and creatives a meaningful seat at the table. It gives brands a trusted way to bring characters into new AI-enabled platforms without losing what makes them authentic.”

Roberta Thomson, CEO of Sixth Wall, commented: “One of the most meaningful parts of building Sixth Wall has been sitting in the recording studio witnessing legendary voice actors capture the essence of Hasbro’s most iconic characters. AI introduces a new dimension: preserving a character’s personality, not just their voice.”

Sixth Wall’s initial focus is on 13+ experiences and enterprise use cases. The company is not currently developing AI products targeted at young children and is actively contributing to broader industry discussions around safety standards and voluntary guardrails for AI-enabled play experiences.

Sixth Wall is now accepting requests for authorised character access through the ElevenLabs Iconic Marketplace and through sixthwallstudio.com. Partners will be considered for time-bound Behavioral Licensing pilots across a range of use cases, including interactive storytelling experiences, conversational games and digital companions, connected physical products and robotics, AI-powered brand ambassadors, location-based entertainment experiences and dynamic customer engagement agents.

Additional characters, products and pilot experiences will be announced later this year.

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Bluey fans and families can now step into one of Bluey and Bingo’s favourite places with the launch of Bluey’s Library, a brand-new, free interactive digital experience available on the official Bluey website.

Bluey’s Library brings storytelling to life, inviting families to explore a playful virtual library where stories become something to discover, shape and experience together. Designed as a shared digital experience, fans can interact with their favourite Bluey episodes in new ways – further extending the world of Bluey through curiosity, discovery and play. 

Within each story, players can digitally explore animated elements, scrolling scenes, lift-the-flap surprises and hidden longdogs, encouraging curiosity and discovery on every page. Beyond the stories themselves, users can create personalised colouring sheets and bookmarks using digital stickers, save them in their own book bag and print them out to continue the fun offline. 

“At BBC Studios, we think about how stories become worlds that families can live with,” said Simon Clarke, Director, Digital, BBC Studios. “Bluey’s Library builds on what audiences love about Bluey, creating an interactive space that feels true to the brand – playful, creative and full of surprises – while giving families new ways to explore, create and experience those stories together, both on and offline.”  

Bluey’s Library launches with three fan-favourite episodes – Army, The Adventure and Stories – reimagined as immersive, interactive journeys, with more stories to be added. Through gamified story elements, fans can progress through each story, triggering animations, uncovering hidden surprises and making choices that influence the story’s path, artwork and locations. 

Each story features brand-new artwork designed in collaboration with artists at Ludo Studio, offering a fresh and visual take on beloved episodes, helping recreate the warmth and humour of the original episodes that fans know and love. Stories are narrated by Australian children and enhanced with recognisable sound effects and catchphrases from the original cast, creating a rich and authentic audio experience.  

The experience also welcomes back familiar voices, with Kate McMahon and Mary Bolling – hosts of the Gotta Be Done podcast – reprising their roles as the Librarians last seen in the Bluey Series 3 episode Promises, guiding users to navigate Bluey’s Library and its interactive features. 

Developed in collaboration with award-winning children’s digital agency Jollywise and award-winning Ludo Studio, Bluey’s Library is available now on the official Bluey website.

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Outright Games, in collaboration with Nickelodeon, has revealed the first gameplay trailer for Paw Patrol: Dino World, offering a closer look at the upcoming adventure game set on the prehistoric Dino Island. Inspired by the world of the upcoming Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, produced by Spin Master Entertainment and arriving in cinemas globally in August, the game launches 31st July on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

The new trailer offers a first look at the exciting adventures awaiting players, including new pups, familiar characters from the Paw Patrol universe and a sneak peek  at Dino Plains – one of the vibrant areas players will be able to explore across Dino Island. Packed with rescue missions, playful minigames and cooperative gameplay, the trailer showcases how young players can jump into action alongside the pups.

Joining Chase, Marshall and Skye are fellow pups Zuma, Rubble and Rocky, each bringing their own unique abilities and vehicles to the adventure. Zuma can swim and dive to assist with underwater rescues, Rubble uses his jackhammer to break obstacles and clear paths, and Rocky keeps missions running smoothly with his repair kit, fixing broken mechanisms and restoring pathways across the island.

Players will also encounter several familiar faces who will guide them throughout their adventure. Ryder, the leader of the Paw Patrol, joins the pups on Dino Island to coordinate rescue missions, while palaeontologists Eugenia and Heidi, from the upcoming Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, help players navigate the prehistoric setting. Dinosaurs roam the island as players explore, creating opportunities for rescue missions and playful interactions along the way.

Additionally, the trailer introduces Dino Plains, the first explorable region revealed from Dino Island. This expansive area features wide valleys, rocky terrain and water zones designed to showcase each pup’s abilities and vehicles. While Dino Plains is the first location unveiled, more areas of Dino Island will be revealed closer to launch.

Designed specifically for younger audiences, Paw Patrol: Dino World features accessible adventure gameplay that encourages exploration, teamwork and problem-solving. Players can enjoy the story solo or join forces in two-player co-op, tackling rescue missions and minigames together in an experience tailored for pre-school players and families.

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Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir and Rabbids are joining forces for a first-of-its-kind cross-IP event on Roblox. For the first time on the platform, a leading global TV franchise and a transmedia gaming IP will activate simultaneously across multiple live experiences, creating a connected player journey that signals a new evolution in how brands collaborate on Roblox.

The initiative brings together two of France’s most successful entertainment exports: the global kids and family phenomenon Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, from Miraculous Corp, and Ubisoft’s long-running Rabbids franchise known for its anarchic humour. On Roblox, Miraculous, developed and published on Roblox by Toya, ranks among the platform’s top-performing entertainment IPs, with its flagship role play experience Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug and Cat Noir, approaching 930m lifetime visits, while Rabbids Takeover marked a breakout branded debut for Ubisoft when it launched in December 2025.

Beginning 10th June and running for an initial two-week period, the event unfolds across Miraculous RP, Miraculous Tower Rush and Rabbids Takeover, linking three independently operated experiences through a shared narrative. The story centres on a Rabbid being “akumatized” by Miraculous villain Hawk Moth, triggering a ripple effect that corrupts Rabbids and destabilises multiple experiences, forcing players, alongside Ladybug and Cat Noir, to contain the chaos, push back the takeover and restore balance across Roblox. Each experience preserves its core gameplay while introducing event-specific content tied to the overarching storyline. Integrated teleportation systems allow players to move seamlessly between titles, effectively connecting them into a unified, cross-experience ecosystem designed to encourage exploration and sustained engagement.

“This is about moving beyond standalone collaborations and building connected worlds,” said Elinor Schops, VP of Digital and Gaming at Miraculous Corp. “Players aren’t just participating in separate events; they’re stepping into a shared story that unfolds across multiple experiences, where their actions contribute to something larger.”

Ubisoft is thrilled to see the Miraculous and Rabbids universes come together. “Rabbids and Miraculous each have incredibly distinct identities, so bringing them together is an opportunity to create a crossover that feels both unexpected and highly entertaining,” said Vincent Coudert, Director Global Brand Partnerships at Ubisoft. “With Roblox as the entry point, we’re able to introduce that collaboration in an interactive way while exploring how these two universes can come together across broader storytelling and entertainment experiences.”

The campaign will be supported by a global marketing push spanning TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X and Discord, alongside an original CGI trailer and coordinated social and PR activations from both Miraculous Corp and Ubisoft. Deep linking will play a central role in the rollout, directing users from social channels into specific in-game moments tied to the event.

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Mattel has officially released its first self-published mobile game, Skeletor: Until Next Time, developed in partnership with Amber. This fast-paced endless runner is available now on iOS and Android, just ahead of the Masters of the Universe film’s 5th June debut.

In Skeletor: Until Next Time, players take control of Skeletor as he charges through Snake Mountain in a relentless chase across Eternia. With danger escalating at every turn, players must push their reflexes to the limit, running faster, swiping smarter and surviving the chaos of Eternia.

Key features include:

• Swipe to Survive: Master smooth swipe controls as players dash forward, leap over traps and outrun devious obstacles. Every run pushes players’ timing, focus and reflexes to the limit.
• Turbo-Powered Action: Activate powerful abilities, summon Panthor and unleash villain energy as players push deeper into the chase and the pace accelerates.
• Heroes, Magic and Sorcery: Unlock iconic heroes and villains from the world of Masters of the Universe, each with unique abilities and powers that bring new energy to every run.
• Retro Style, Modern Speed: Inspired by the classic Masters of the Universe era, the game blends bold retro visuals with fast-paced modern runner gameplay.

Skeletor: Until Next Time is the latest addition to Mattel’s expanding digital gaming line-up ahead of the 5th June theatrical release of Masters of the Universe, joining Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite (launching on Amazon Luna 5th June), He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction (launching for PC/console later this year) and more exciting experiences still to come.

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Visitor registration is now open for Brand Licensing Europe (BLE). Off the back of a record-breaking Licensing Expo in May reflecting a truly buoyant and optimistic global licensing industry, 2026 is expected to be BLE’s biggest ever. Double digit, year-on-year growth among exhibitor numbers is a clear nod to the industry’s confidence and growing appetite to meet face to face.

BLE (in partnership with industry association Licensing International) takes place 6th-8th October 2026 at ExCel London. Registration is free before 5th October for anyone working in the global licensing industry.

“With four months still to go and coming hot on the heels of a record breaking BLE in 2025, which attracted over 11,000 attendees and an 8% uplift in visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Spain, 2026 has started strong to say the least,” said Ella Haynes, BLE Event Director.

“This growth is more than just numbers; it represents the diversity, innovation and newness entering the licensing industry. With 222 exhibitors already confirmed, including first-time participants like Tate Modern, ATP Tour, Navigare and Del Monte Europe, BLE 2026 will showcase a broader range of sectors, territories and creative opportunities. Our museum and heritage space will be even bigger. Sport continues to grow in a big way and an influx of fashion IP is reaffirming the sector’s strength and potential. BLE attendees can expect to discover fresh ideas, forge new partnerships and explore untapped markets.”

New brands at BLE 2026 include:

• Heritage: Tate Modern, National Trust for Scotland, Rene Magritte
• Sports: ATP Tour
• Food and Beverage: Del Monte Europe
• Toys (Spain): Market Plush
• Manufacturers: Polyflame Europe (France) and Red Robin Design (Belgium)

Returning exhibitors include Hasbro, Sega, Sanrio, IMG, Lego, Paramount, Mattel, Netflix, Natural History Museum, UEFA, Van Gogh Museum, Pokémon, Warner Bros. Discovery, Crunchyroll and many more.

“BLE 2026 is set to be the biggest edition yet building on last year’s record-breaking momentum and reinforcing its position as the ultimate meeting hub for the European licensing community to grab the opportunities offered by this $389.8b global powerhouse of an industry with both hands,” added Ella.

“Visitors who register early are unlocking the best ROI by using the event’s powerful planning and education tools to maximise their experience and readiness. Early registration ensures attendees are notified when the Event Planner goes live, allowing them to research brands, schedule meetings and curate their agendas well in advance. With BLE 2026 set to be the biggest and busiest edition yet, preparation is key.”

In 2025, BLE welcomed over 11,000 visitors from across Europe including over 1,100 retailers including Zara, Carrefour, El Corte Ingles, Tesco, Dunelm, Abercrombie & Fitch, Simba Toys, Path Entertainment, H&M, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and many more.

Visitors can now register for their pass here.

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The Lego Group and The Pokémon Company International have unveiled the latest sets in the Lego Pokémon range, bringing to kids around the world opportunities to play with their Pokémon in Lego brick form.

Thanks to Lego Smart Play technology, Lego Pokémon now have the power to play back. Going beyond building, the sets are all about training, nurturing and battling.

The Lego Smart Play System is powered by the Lego Smart Brick, making Lego builds respond to how kids play through light, sound, motion and sensing.

With 12 new Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets launching, fans can dive into interactive play with some of their Pokémon, including Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Gengar, Eevee, Mew and more.

Children can feed their Lego Pikachu a brick-built Lego Smart Tag sandwich or tickle their Lego Charizard to get a laugh. The more they play, the stronger the bond, as they prepare for battles with friends and family.

“We are thrilled to bring together two beloved brands that are known worldwide,” said Julia Goldin, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at the Lego Group. “For the first time ever, Lego Pokémon creatures respond to children’s actions: meaning fans can build, train and interact with their Lego Pokémon creatures through hands-on, imaginative play that encourages creativity, confidence and storytelling.”

Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokémon Company International, added: “Pokémon has always been about the joy of discovery and connection, and we see every day how powerful imagination can be when it’s nurtured and given the space to grow. Working with the Lego Group and its Smart Brick technology brings those shared values to life in a new, interactive way.”

The new Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets include a variety of builds designed around different Pokémon, their characteristics, environments and training moments. Lego Smart Play All-in-One sets include at least one Lego Smart Brick, Smart Charger and Lego Smart Tags, whilst Lego Smart Play Compatible include at least one or more Smart Tags, but not a Smart Brick. Two Lego Smart Play All-In-One sets and 10 Lego Smart Play Compatible sets will be introduced.

All Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets are available for pre-order now via www.lego.com/themes/pokemon and sets will be available to purchase from 1st August from www.lego.com, Lego Stores and select retailers in launch markets. Fans can also visit select Lego Stores in launch markets to experience a Lego Pokémon Smart Play demo and see the new playsets in action.

Lego Smart Play will continue to expand, with the Lego Group set to reveal more additions in the future.

To celebrate the launch, select Lego Stores will transform into PokéStops and Gyms in Pokémon Go!, allowing fans to unlock exclusive rewards while supplies last. From August to September, fans will get the chance to unlock exclusive rewards both in-game and in-store, including a Lego Smart Tag, Lego Pokémon digital backgrounds, Lego Pokémon stickers and exclusive branded apparel in the app.

For more information about Lego Smart Play, visit www.lego.com/smart-play. The Lego sales team can be reached on 01753 495 000.

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