Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

PAW Patrol, Bakugan, and a strong preschool line up drive ‘exceptional’ Q2 performance for Spin Master

Another global toy company and another ‘exceptional second quarter performance’ rings in this week, as Spin Master joins the ranks of those experiencing Q2 2021 revenue surges.

Total revenue for the Canada-based toy maker increased 39 per cent this past quarter to hit $390.8 million, up from the $281.1 million it posted in the same period last year, with gross product sales growing 27.2 per cent, driven by higher sales in preschool and girls and boys.

Broken down market by market, gross product sales across Europe grew 23.7 per cent on last year, 23.7 per cent in North America, and 58.2 per cent in its Rest of World market.

“Our strong financial performance this quarter reflects our success in creating exceptional play experiences for children and their families across toys, entertainment, and digital games,” said Max Rangel, Spin Master’s global president and chief executive officer.

“By leveraging this strength of each creative centre, we are differentiating Spin Master in the children’s entertainment space. We are well positioned for the second half with an amazing toy line up, growth in our digital games franchise, and the highly anticipated release of PAW Patrol: The Movie, our first foray into feature films.

“Looking to the future, we are focused on adapting to the changing dynamics of play through innovation, customer driven decision making, partnerships and relentless drive to reimagine where imagination can take us, all while delivering profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Driven primarily by preschool and girls and boys sectors, Spin Master’s gross product sales increased by $70.3 million to hit $352.9 million for Q2 2021. Preschool and Girls grew by 60 per cent thanks to increased sales of PAW Patrol, as well as Gabby’s Dollhouse and Present Pets.

Activities, Games and Puzzles, and Plush decreased by $1.8 million. The decline was driven primarily by the Games and Puzzles portfolio, offset in part by sales of Rubik’s, Influencer, GUND, and Orbeez.

Gross product sales in Boys increased by $23.6 million driven by sales of Bakugan, Tech Deck, and Monster Jam RC. This was partially offset by declines in DreamWorks Dragons.

The outdoor product sector decreased by $1.1million.

In first half of the year terms, total revenue at Spin Master has increased 39.1 per cent on the six months ended June 30th, 2020. Gross product sales have increased by $129.2 million to hit $653.7 million.

Mark Segal, Spin Master’s chief financial officer, said: “We delivered very strong financials and operating performance this quarter.

“Our revenue trajectory continued to strengthen, driven by accelerating momentum in our Digital Games and Entertainment creative centres, which drove margin expansion and we are raising our total revenue outlook for the year.

“We remain committed to our financial framework for value creation, underpinned by our formula for innovation and global growth across toys, entertainment, and digital games.”

Nelvana, Spin Master and TMS Entertainment mark third season return of Bakugan: Geogan Rising and new toy lines

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, Spin Master, and TMS Entertainment have detailed the third season return of the hit action adventure series, Bakugan: Geogan Rising and an accompanying extended toy line.

The new season will premiere on Sunday, January 24 on Corus Entertainment’s Teletoon in Canada, with new episodes airing weekly. It is also available to stream live and on demand on StackTV through Prime Video Channels. Viewers will also be able to find seasons one and two.

Following the launch of the new season, Spin Master is rolling out a new Bakugan: Geogan Rising toy line featuring transforming creatures. The range will land in North America this February and will roll-out across the international markets this autumn.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring Bakugan: Geogan Rising into the esteemed Bakugan franchise as the brand continues to captivate audiences globally,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises. “Together with Spin Master we’ve grown a loyal fan base who love all things Bakugan and the international success is a testament to the dynamic content and new storylines delivered each season.”

Thom Chapman, VP sales and distribution, Spin Master, added: “We’re excited to unleash more brawling action and bring new characters to life as Bakugan captivates fans around the world.

“Partnering with Nelvana opens the door to endless possibilities for adventure as we introduce a new story and reveal epic new collectible toys allowing brawlers to watch, collect and battle.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising sees hero Dragonoid return as the Awesome Brawlers remain in a deep slumber, healing from the last time they had to save the world. This time, the gang will face adventures with a new set of Bakugan characters including Geogan, a Bakugan-like creature fused with elements of crystals and forming a new geometric form.

Not only do Geogans look different than their Bakugan counterparts, but they are exceptionally strong and built to brawl. It’s not long before the Awesome Brawlers turn this group of misfit Bakugan into loyal partners, and Geogan have arrived on the scene, ready to prove their worth and dominate in the Bakugan battle arena.

Spin Master and Nelvana sign Hachette Publishing for Bakugan book series in France

The global children’s entertainment company Spin Master and the children’s animated content distributor, Nelvana have struck up a partnership with Hachette Publishing to launch a new Bakugan book series in France.

The partnership will kick off this autumn with the release of two new titles: Le Bakugan Dore, which lands on bookshelves this month, and a second release to land in December this year.

“Building on the strong foundation our team has secured with prime broadcast placement on Gulli and Canal J and along with the support of Spin Master’s international roll-out of toys, we are excited to launch a new publishing programme for Bakugan in France with Hachette,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises.

“Hachette’s leadership and expertise in publishing make them the perfect partner to bring the world of Bakugan to more fans in new ways.”

Season One, Bakugan: Battle Planets (100 x 11 min) and Season 2, Bakugan: Armored Alliance (104 x 11 min) currently air on Gulli weekdays at 4:35PM in France and on Canal J at 6:45PM.

Both seasons air on Cartoon Network in the US, and TELETOON in Canada, as well as on Cartoon Network in Spain, Italy, Middle East, Gulli, Canal J and M6 in Africa, Sony Pop in the UK, Super RTL in Germany, RTL in the Netherlands, Hungary, and Croatia, Nine GO! In Australia, TVNZ in New Zealand, Star in Greece, 1+1 in the Ukraine, PopTV in Slovenia, VMMa in Belgium, and SIA in Lithuania.

Spin Master launched Bakugan: Armored Alliance toys internationally this autumn after a successful launch in North America this past spring 2020. An additional wave of products will also launch internationally this coming Spring. Nelvana, who co-produces the series with Spin Master and TMS Entertainment, manages the franchise’s licensing programs in both France and Canada.

Bakugan: Armored Alliance (104 x 11 min) follows the adventures of Dan Kouzo and his best friends: the first kids on Earth to bond with the mysterious alien creatures known as Bakugan. The fate of not one but two planets rests in the hands of this new breed of Bakugan Brawlers.

Nelvana and Spin Master secure raft of new broadcasters including Netflix for the hit Bakugan franchise

The children’s animated and live action content distributor, Nelvana and kids’ entertainment company, Spin Master have secured a raft of new broadcast partners for both seasons one and two of the hit Bakugan franchise.

The new distribution deal for both Bakugan: Battle Planet and Bakugan: Armored Alliance includes Netflix in the US and Canada, Pop in the UK, 9Go! in Australia, and Dreamia in Portugal for the second season, as well as Televisa in Mexico, Dreamia in Portugal, Nelonen Media in Finland, Dexy Co in Serbia, and Talent Show in Croatia for season one.

These new distribution deals are in addition to the previously announced broadcast partners including TeleToon in Canada, Cartoon Network in the US, Cartoon Network in Spain, Italy and Middle East, Gulli and Canal J in France and Africa, and Pop in the UK, alongside a host of others.

“Bakugan is a revered franchise with a loyal fan base that has achieved great popularity worldwide as the series continues to enthrall and capture the attention of young audiences,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises. “The momentous addition of these leading international broadcasters elevates this powerful franchise to the next level and allows Bakugan to be shared and enjoyed by many more brawlers around the world.”

Thom Chapman, senior director, sales and distribution, Spin Master, added: “The continued influx of international distribution deals is a strong testament to the franchise’s reigning popularity.

“Bakugan is an exemplary franchise for Spin Master proven in its long-lasting brand affinity. We look forward to bringing the epic world of Bakugan to more fans with this expansion.”

Bakugan: Armored Alliance is the second season of Bakugan: Battle Planet. The anime adventure series follows the adventures of Dan Kouzo and his best friends as the first kids on Earth to bond with the mysterious alien creatures known as Bakugan. The fate of not one but two planets rests in the hands of this new breed of Bakugan Brawlers.

The new season launched earlier this year on Cartoon Network in the US, and TeleToon in Canada.

Along with the new season, Spin Master launched Bakugan: Armored Alliance toys in North America in Spring 2020, with a new wave of products launching this autumn in US and Canada. Additionally, the children’s entertainment company will be rolling out their Bakugan: Armored Alliance toy line internationally this autumn.

 

Spin Master and Warner Bros partner to launch Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game to Nintendo Switch

Spin Master, Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, and WayForward have detailed the upcoming launch of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia. a new role-playing video game that will arrive exclusively on Nintendo Switch later this year.

The new video game is the latest extension of the Bakugan franchise that already spans its anime adventure TV series, innovative toy line, card game and more. The game will centre on an new original story and the franchise’s signature Bakugan brawls.

“We’re pleased to partner with Spin Master and WayForward to bring the brawling action of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia to Nintendo Switch,” said Kevin Kebodeaux, senior vice president, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The global popularity of Bakugan is undeniable, and this game is sure to excite players everywhere.”

“Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia expands the popular brawling franchise with a new exhilarating, interactive game format with customization, competitive action, deep strategy, and anime-style characters and worlds that all gamers and Bakugan fans will love,” said Simonetta Lulli, vice president, Spin Master Studios. “Whether playing solo or against Bakugan brawlers online, the game offers endless hours of play at home or on the go.”

“The brand new, action-packed video game and our partnership with Nintendo Switch and WayForward is so important to the Bakugan franchise as it continues expand globally,” said James Martin, SVP Brand Marketing and GBU Lead of Bakugan. “Now, a whole new generation of fans can experience the excitement and skill of Bakugan in more ways than ever before.”

Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, produced by Spin Master and developed by WayForward, the Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game will take players on a journey through an original story expanding on the hit TV series and toy franchise. They can create and fully customize their Brawler to fight side-by-side with the mysterious alien Bakugan as their human partner in battle.

The game features a fully navigable 3D world divided into different districts each with dedicated battle arenas. Players can interact with other characters, go on quests, and explore with their Bakugan friends. They can also test their brawling skills online in head-to-head multiplayer against friends or players from the around the world to become a true Champion of Vestroia.

A physical Deluxe Edition pack, featuring the video game, an exclusive Ultima Dragonoid toy which transforms into a fierce Bakugan, Ultima Dragonoid trading card, Ultima Dragonoid metal gate card, plus two powerful BakuCores™ will also be available at launch.

Spin Master and Warner Bros partner to launch Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game to Nintendo Switch

Spin Master, Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, and WayForward have detailed the upcoming launch of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia. a new role-playing video game that will arrive exclusively on Nintendo Switch later this year.

The new video game is the latest extension of the Bakugan franchise that already spans its anime adventure TV series, innovative toy line, card game and more. The game will centre on an new original story and the franchise’s signature Bakugan brawls.

“We’re pleased to partner with Spin Master and WayForward to bring the brawling action of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia to Nintendo Switch,” said Kevin Kebodeaux, senior vice president, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The global popularity of Bakugan is undeniable, and this game is sure to excite players everywhere.”

“Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia expands the popular brawling franchise with a new exhilarating, interactive game format with customization, competitive action, deep strategy, and anime-style characters and worlds that all gamers and Bakugan fans will love,” said Simonetta Lulli, vice president, Spin Master Studios. “Whether playing solo or against Bakugan brawlers online, the game offers endless hours of play at home or on the go.”

“The brand new, action-packed video game and our partnership with Nintendo Switch and WayForward is so important to the Bakugan franchise as it continues expand globally,” said James Martin, SVP Brand Marketing and GBU Lead of Bakugan. “Now, a whole new generation of fans can experience the excitement and skill of Bakugan in more ways than ever before.”

Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, produced by Spin Master and developed by WayForward, the Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game will take players on a journey through an original story expanding on the hit TV series and toy franchise. They can create and fully customize their Brawler to fight side-by-side with the mysterious alien Bakugan as their human partner in battle.

The game features a fully navigable 3D world divided into different districts each with dedicated battle arenas. Players can interact with other characters, go on quests, and explore with their Bakugan friends. They can also test their brawling skills online in head-to-head multiplayer against friends or players from the around the world to become a true Champion of Vestroia.

A physical Deluxe Edition pack, featuring the video game, an exclusive Ultima Dragonoid toy which transforms into a fierce Bakugan, Ultima Dragonoid trading card, Ultima Dragonoid metal gate card, plus two powerful BakuCores™ will also be available at launch.

Spin Master updates financial outlook for 2020 following coronavirus pandemic

The global entertainment company, Spin Master – the home of brands including the popular PAW Patrol and Bakugan franchise – is to withdraw its 2020 outlook in connection to projected product sales, stating that the potential impact of the developing COVID-19 situation on the firm is as yet unquantifiable.

The firm previously provided a 2020 outlook on March 4th this year, but, as the global coronavirus pandemic continues to deepen, will issue no further guidance in the near term due to the uncertainty surrounding it.

It is anticipated that the spread of COVID-19 and global measures to contain it, will have an impact on the company, however it is challenging to quantify the potential magnitude of such impact at this time. Spin Master is regularly assessing the situation and remains in contact with its customers and suppliers to assess any impacts and risks. It will provide a further update when it reports Q1 2020 results on May 6, 2020.

The 2020 outlook provided by Spin Master on March 4, 2020 reflected the information available to the Company at that time. This information included factory capacity in ChinaVietnam and India, labour return rates, tooling availability, raw material and component availability, the ability to shift production between various geographies and products and customer acceptance of modified delivery dates.

Since that time, production levels have increased significantly and are approaching normal levels. However, due to the current market disruptions and heightened uncertainty caused by the spread of COVID-19 in global customer markets, the company is withdrawing such guidance.

“Since early March we have seen a substantial improvement in our Asian supply chain, particularly in China, as expected. However, the disruption we are now seeing in key customer markets resulting from the impact of COVID-19 is significant and we are withdrawing our fiscal 2020 guidance statement as a result thereof,” said Mark Segal, Spin Master’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“Our balance sheet remains strong, with cash on hand and committed credit lines available, which provides us with significant financial flexibility. Spin Master is known for its resiliency and entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in our ability to withstand any issues and continue to succeed.”

Spin Master taps WildBrain CPLG, Tycoon and Haven for global licensing efforts

Spin Master has entered into strategic agreements with three international licensing agents in order to build out consumer product campaigns across its portfolio of brands, including Hatchimals, Bakugan, Toca Life, Zo Zo Zombie, Etch A Sketch, and Tech Deck.

The global toy company has tapped WildBrain CPLG for EMEA, Tycoon for Latin America, and Haven for Australia and New Zealand.

These international licensing agents will work with Spin Master to initiate and drive licensee activity across apparel, accessories, back-to-school, food and beverage, gift and novelty, health and beauty, home décor, party goods, publishing, seasonal, sporting goods and promotional partnerships.

Global licensing efforts are already underway for Bakugan, Spin Master’s ninth television series, complete with an innovative toy line, card game and mobile app.

The licensing program leverages the key attributes of the brand – battling, gaming, and collectability with a style guide based on anime-styled art, building on the brand’s rich heritage and adapting to a new generation of fans.

In 2019, Spin Master unveiled the significant licensing potential behind Toca Life with a back to school programme at H&M featuring a fashion collection for both girls and boys. The capsule collections combined the characters of Toca Life with fashion by channeling the spirit of the game.

Based on its successful performance, the collaboration will be further expanded on in Spring 2020. With over 13 million downloads of Toca Life, there exists an exciting pipeline of global opportunities.

“Evergreen global properties combined with new IP have established Spin Master as a leader in content creation, toy development and franchise building,” said Juli Boylan, vice president of franchise development and outbound licensing at Spin Master.

“We are thrilled to join forces with WildBrain CPLG, Tycoon and Haven, all with stellar reputations and proven track records in their respective markets. Each share our entrepreneurial spirit and are sure to accelerate our global licensing efforts by bringing our brands, characters and stories to consumers in new and unique ways.”

“Spin Master is globally known for its innovative toys and brands and we are excited to be aligning our complementary skills and expertise across these core properties, seeking fresh new opportunities to grow their presence with both new and established fans worldwide,” added Maarten Weck, executive vice president and managing director, at WildBrain CPLG.

The news arrives just as Spin Master celebrates another successful London Toy Fair this year, where the firm was recognised at the annual Toy Industry Awards with a slew of wins, presented by the BTHA and the Toy Retailers Association.

In a ceremony held on the first day of the London Toy Fair, Spin Master was named Global Supplier of the Year and PAW Patrol Pre-School Range of the Year for a second year in a row.

Additionally, the BTHA named Spin Master’s newly launched DC toy Batman 12inch Deluxe Figure with Rapid Change Utility Belt as one of the ‘Toy Fair Heroes’.

“It’s a great honour for Spin Master to once again be recognised with these important industry awards, a true reflection of our team’s dedication to both product innovation and partnerships,” said Ben Gadbois, Spin Master’s global president and COO.

“Spin Master is committed to continuous innovation and we are excited to unveil our 2020 line up that is sure to encourage creativity and ultimately make life more fun.”

“We’re delighted to be recognised at this prestigious industry event, an amazing start to another new year in this fantastic industry,” said Hedley Barnes, general manager Europe. “In addition to accolades for our brands, it is wonderful to be acknowledged for Spin Master’s part within the global toy industry, something we take pride in achieving.”