Author: DEPlabs Admin

Posted on by

PlayMonster Expands its Kids Arts and Crafts Line with the Classic Spirograph Brand Through its Acquisition of Kahootz Toys!

Pm Kahootz 400x400

November 14, 2019 – BELOIT, Wis. – PlayMonster LLC has taken its next big step in solidifying its fast growth as a multi-category toy and game company by acquiring the assets of the kids arts and crafts company, Kahootz Toys, based in Ann Arbor, MI. Kahootz Toys is the company behind 17 award-winning brands including Y’ART®, SPIROGRAPH®, COLORFORMS®, FASHION PLATES®, LATCHKITS®, PLAY-DOH® and WATERFULS®.

Kahootz, founded in 2012, grew quickly with several programs, including the relaunch of the iconic brand Spirograph, under license with Hasbro. Today that brand stands as one of the strongest performers in the category. More recently, the company has experienced great success with other classic brands like Colorforms in partnership with 9 Story Entertainment, and the girls’ favorite Fashion Plates. This year the company was excited to be awarded the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids award, and is a TOTY finalist for Creative Toy of the Year with a new line, Y’ Art, where kids can “color with yarn”!

Over the past few years, PlayMonster has made several acquisitions to strengthen their position in the toy industry, and Kahootz Toys was a natural fit with its commitment to classic and quality play, an initiative PlayMonster strives for, to meet the needs of today’s consumers.

Bob Wann, Chief PlayMonster of PlayMonster LLC said, “This is PlayMonster’s largest acquisition to-date and we’re thrilled to continue our multi-category growth strategy building and adding classic brands while expanding our footprint in the activity and stationery aisles. Kahootz has shown a commitment to providing innovative products to kids of all ages, and this philosophy aligns with our mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the power of play. Their team has done an outstanding job, and with our help, will continue to grow the Kahootz brand at retail.”

“We are very excited to be joining PlayMonster and the Audax Private Equity family of companies,” said Joe Yassay, CEO and founding partner of Kahootz Toys.  “The addition of our products to PlayMonster’s already impressive portfolio of children’s toys and games is a win-win for everyone involved–our companies, licensors, suppliers and customers.  We look forward to helping PlayMonster champion the power of play by supporting continued growth and market penetration in the mass, specialty and international marketplaces.”

Bambini Partners, LLC acted as Special Advisors to Kahootz Toys in connection with this transaction.

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

 

 About Kahootz Toys

Kahootz Toys has been on a mission to use our skills and passions to bring great kids’ products to the world, founding our company with an award-winning relaunch of the classic brand, Spirograph® in 2013.  Since then, we’ve successfully launched a broad portfolio of children’s toy, craft and activity products, including Fashion Plates® fashion drawing sets, Colorforms® playsets, Latchkits®, Y-Art™ yarn crafts, and many others.  Kahootz believes in “Retro Fun for Everyone”!

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com

Posted on by

PlayMonster Selected as Finalist for Two Prestigious 2020 Toy of the Year Awards

Toty 2020 Vote

Vote today to help PlayMonster win!

 BELOIT, Wis. (November 12, 2019) – PlayMonster is proud to announce that they have been named a finalist for two Toy of the Year (TOTY) 2020 Awards, the industry’s most prestigious achievement. This year, PlayMonster garnered recognition across two different categories: Game of the Year for Orangutwang and Collectible of the Year for My Singing Monsters!

The TOTY Awards are frequently referred to as the “Oscars” of the toy industry, and finalists are announced from a field of hundreds of nominations. Finalists are determined by elite members of the toy industry, including retail buyers, inventors, academics, trade media spokespeople and bloggers. For more information about PlayMonster’s TOTY Award finalists, and to vote, visit playmonstervote.com

“We are honored and excited to have been named a finalist for TOTY 2020,” said Bob Wann, Chief PlayMonster of PlayMonster LLC, and Chairman of the US Toy Association. “It’s an indication of the hard work and determination of our entire team to be recognized as the gold standard in toys by the industry and consumers alike.”

“Thanks to the expertise of our expert panel of judges, this year’s TOTY finalists embody all the best aspects of play – fun, discovery, and product innovation,” said Ken Seiter, executive vice-president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “From games that put a new spin on classic play to toys offering new play patterns that speak to today’s generation of kids, we are excited to reveal these finalists. All are encouraged to cast votes at ToyAwards.org to help determine the winners!”

The winners of the TOTY 2020 Awards will be announced on Friday, February 21, 2020, at the TOTY Awards Ceremony in New York City. The ceremony is the official kick off for the North American International Toy Fair, which takes place at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, February 22 through February 25, 2020.

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.About The Toy Association

www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org / www.playsafe.org
Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $107.5 billion, and its 950+ members drive the annual $26.5 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

 

As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned North American International Toy Fair and Fall Toy Preview; advocates on behalf of members around the world; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com

Posted on by

PlayMonster Kicks Off the Holidays at the 17th Annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair!

Chitag

Come Out and Experience Hands-On Activities, Inventor Interactions and Exciting Play Events

BELOIT, Wis. – (November 6, 2019) Once again, PlayMonster has many exciting things to share at the 17th annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair beginning November 23, 2019. The weekend’s activities include the Young Inventor Challenge, toys for public meet and greets, hands-on craft and gaming demos and a photo op with the adorable and loveable Furcorn from My Singing Monsters. Additionally, the PlayMonster booth will feature the inventors of two PlayMonster games.

The Young Inventor Challenge
On Saturday, November 23, kids ages 6 – 18 will set up and display their submitted toy and game inventions to the general public, industry professionals and media hoping to win prizes in their category. As a sponsor of the Young Inventor Challenge, PlayMonster believes in inspiring the next generation to use creativity and critical thinking. This exclusive and educational experience provokes imagination, innovation and presentation skills that provide the means of taking these inventions to greater heights with professional critiques from industry experts.

PlayMonster’s Big on Fun Booth
All weekend long, PlayMonster’s booth (#707) will feature tons of fun for families! Kids can stop by and design their very own Fuzzikins, have a total #MeltdownMoment and pose with the Furcorn from My Singing Monsters.

Meet the Young Inventors
When kids aren’t busy playing at PlayMonster’s booth, they can meet and talk with actual game and toy inventors. A schedule will be posted at the booth letting consumers know when they can stop by to see Tiggy, the inventor of Draw Into Crime™, and Edie, the inventor of Goo on My Shoe™. Tiggy and Edie have learned a lot through the process of creating a game. They can’t wait to meet everyone and share their experiences with all the other young inventors out there!

If you’ll be in the Chicago area November 23 ̶ 24, stop by Navy Pier for some fun and early holiday shopping! Tickets available at the fair, or purchase early at chitagfair.com.

About PlayMonster LLC
Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

About Chicago Toy & Game (ChiTAG) Fair
ChiTAG, founded in 2003, is the largest non-hobby toy and game fair open to the public in North America. The event is popular with families, inventors, media, educators and consumers, all of which can attend to play with and shop for the latest and greatest toys and games!

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com

Posted on by

Edie P. – Goo on My Shoe™

Edie For Web

Like any kid, Edie enjoys a lot of the same things her peers do—playing sports, watching TV and spending time with her family. But, what sets Edie apart is that she has invented her own game that has made it to market! Not many grade-schoolers can make that claim!

What sparked Edie’s interest in creating a new game was hearing about the upcoming annual Young Inventors Challenge in Chicago during the ChiTAG event. It called for kids to create their own game and submitting a video to explain it. Then, entrants would go to Chicago and present their idea in person to toy industry leaders. This sounded like a fun and exciting challenge to Edie, and so she got to work!

Edie spent a lot of time brainstorming idea after idea after idea…until it finally came to her when she accidentally stepped in her dog’s poo! And just like that, Goo on My Shoe™ was born! We’ve all stepped in something gross: mud, garbage, goo…but not many people have been inspired by doing so! Sometimes the best ideas are just under your nose, or in this case…under your toes!

For Edie, having a good idea wasn’t the hardest part of creating a game…the hardest part was creating the rules and having a plan in place so everything was organized and fun! She was determined to create something that brought as much fun and laughter as her favorite game — 5 Second Rule! After lots of thought and work, and game testing with friends and family, she had a great game to submit for the Young Inventors Challenge. It was there that she impressed PlayMonster’s VP Product Development, and her game started down the path of production! Her game will now launch with PlayMonster in Fall 2019 on Amazon and in specialty stores! Edie’s friends and family, including her older sister, all love the game and are super excited for it to come out — maybe they’ll even get a chance to play it in Edie’s dream destination…HAWAII.

When Edie isn’t designing fun new games, you’ll likely find her watching TV (Stranger Things on Netflix is her favorite!) or playing basketball, hockey or softball. Edie’s love for sports started when a teacher let the class play fun games and tag in PE, and now that’s Edie’s favorite class! If that’s not enough activity for this 5th grader, when given the choice, Edie would spend the whole weekend at Six Flags, although growing older does have its perks as Edie is looking forward to being tall enough to ride ANY roller coaster! When Edie takes a break to relax, she enjoys drawing just like her role model, Bob Ross.

Posted on by

Tiggy S. – Draw Into Crime™

Tiggy For Web

Typically, a 13-year-old can be found spending their time watching YouTube, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and so on. It’s not every day that a middle-schooler will use their limited free time from school, activities and chores to focus on a challenging project like inventing a board game, but that’s exactly what Tiggy did…and she did it full-force!

It all started when Tiggy watched a drawing challenge, where one person was trying to copy another person’s drawing without having seen it, and only asking questions. Tiggy thought it was a cool activity, and wondered if it would be a fun game with some added elements to make it more challenging. She thought about what the game would need to be unique and fun to play: drawing without having to be good at it, asking questions and making educated guesses, and an air of mystery! This is how Tiggy’s game, Draw Into Crime™, was born!

Tiggy knew she had a good idea for a game, but she needed help to fully develop it and make sure it wasn’t repetitive so it would be fun to play over and over again. She went to her parents for feedback and worked on making her “Sketchy Game of Sketchy People” the best it could be. When she had some rules set and a prototype made, she started play-testing the game with her cousins. The more she played the game, the more kinks she worked out, and was really happy with how it turned out.

Tiggy decided to enter her game in the Young Inventors Challenge in Chicago at the annual ChiTAG event. This required her to create a video explaining the game, and to also present her concept to multiple toy industry leaders at the event. It was there that she met PlayMonster’s VP Sales & Marketing, Scott Flynn, and impressed him so much that PlayMonster offered to work with her to further develop her game, and then produce it! It was an exciting moment for her and her family, and has been a rewarding experience working with a toy and game company. Her game will now launch with PlayMonster in Fall 2019 on Amazon and in specialty stores!

Other than inventing, Tiggy enjoys lots of activities.  She has tried out for the US Olympic Luge team, loves watching animé, and runs cross country. There’s a lot that keeps her busy! She is also a member of the National Honor Society (she’s a straight A student), likes improv and performing in plays, and even has time to play the euphonium in middle school band!

Tiggy cherishes her experience as a game inventor, and when asked what piece of advice she would give to other young inventors, she said, “Believe in your idea, enjoy the process, and be open to suggestions.” Great advice from a great young woman.

 

Posted on by

PLAYMONSTER HITS THE HIGH NOTE WITH MUCH ANTICIPATED MY SINGING MONSTERS COLLECTIBLES

Msm Presale

BRING THE SOUNDS OF PLANT ISLAND HOME AS PRE-SALE LAUNCHES ON AMAZON

BELOIT, Wis. (August 22, 2019) —My Singing Monsters, the mobile game that‘s captivated millions around the world, will be harmonizing in homes later this fall with new collectible figures!

Since 2012, over 80 million people worldwide have downloaded Big Blue Bubble’s popular My Singing Monsters game. Wind Sun Sky Entertainment is leading the My Singing Monsters franchise expansion, partnering with PlayMonster to further build on this worldwide phenomenon. Audiences will have an opportunity to bring the music home with figures that use never-before-seen technology to harmonize and sing in-sync with each other and recreate the beloved Plant Island song featured in the game. PlayMonster has created an adorable collection of six adult Monsters and eight Baby collectibles. Plus, just like in the mobile game, the more Monsters you collect, the fuller the song becomes.

 

After receiving a tremendous response from members of the press, digital influencers, and My Singing Monsters fans alike at The Toy Insider’s legendary Sweet Suite 2019 event, the collectibles are making their monstrous debut with limited quantities hitting pre-sales on Amazon.com today. This is music to the ears of the legions of faithful My Singing Monsters fans as they will now have a new and exciting way to engage with their favorite characters.

 

Fall 2019’s launch will begin with familiar faces like Noggin, Toe Jammer, Mammott, Maw, Furcorn and Entbrat. Each Monster in this first series comes with an accessory that the character likes in the game, as well as an exclusive code for an in-game reward. There is also a special collector pack available, which includes three of everyone’s favorite Monsters: Toe Jammer, Mammott and Noggin. The Baby Monsters each come with their own unique “egg” that they fit inside.

“We fell in love with My Singing Monsters from the moment we saw them — we are very excited to be adding this license to our roster,” said Scott Flynn, VP Sales & Marketing of PlayMonster. “The immense success of the mobile game showed us how important it was for us to stay true to the game which is why we made sure these collectibles feature harmonizing technology to create the signature Plant Island Song for a seamless online/offline experience.”

 

“PlayMonster has brought their passion as an innovative toy company to develop the most compelling music-based figures in the market today. We couldn’t be more excited to share these toys with our current and future fans.” added Catherine Winder, CEO at Wind Sun Sky Entertainment.

 

“We are really excited to be partnering with PlayMonster,” said Bryan Davis, SVP, Business Development at Big Blue Bubble. “Their playful work ethic embodies what Big Blue Bubble and My Singing Monsters hopes to bring to all of its’ fans worldwide. We are excited to start this journey with such an amazing brand!”

For more information please visit: https://www.playmonster.com/brands/my-singing-monsters/

 

About Big Blue Bubble:

Big Blue Bubble is an established mobile gaming company with more than a decade of experience creating fun, innovative, and accessible titles. They develop mobile games that inspire creativity and encourage people of all ages to embrace their playful side. Big Blue Bubble is a pioneer in the mobile gaming industry and has developed more than 100 video game titles since 2004. Having entered the field long before the days of smartphones, they maintain a proven track record of being the first to market with a variety of innovations in technology and game design, including original gameplay mechanics and revolutionary cross-platform game engines. These milestones have solidified Big Blue Bubble as a long-standing industry veteran. Big Blue Bubble’s commitment to producing fun, engaging games has earned the studio recognition from prestigious organizations around the world, including awards from Deloitte, BAFTA, and IGN for economic growth, people’s choice and editor’s choice, respectively. Big Blue Bubble continues to produce award-winning titles that stand the test of time, including our top-grossing flagship franchise, My Singing Monsters.

 

About Wind Sun Sky Entertainment:

Wind Sun Sky Entertainment is a Canadian multimedia entertainment company led by former LucasFilm executive, Catherine Winder (Invincible, The Angry Birds Movie 1 & 2, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Robert Kirkman’s Secret History of Comics). Based in Vancouver Canada, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment (WSS) builds franchises with a focus on creator-driven content for the global marketplace producing in all mediums including interactive, film, television (live action and animation) and games. Under the WSS umbrella is Skybound North, who use expertise in building global brands to expand IP from Skybound’s vast library as well as new IP into the right forms of content, merchandise and beyond. WSS is currently in production on an animated TV adaptation of Invincible for Amazon, and in development on the successful Canadian mobile game My Singing Monsters, which is being adapted into television, interactive, merchandise and more.

 

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com

Shauna Wynne
Director of Public Relations– Wind Sun Sky Entertainment
(310) 746-1443
swynne@skybound.com

Posted on by

PLAYMONSTER SWINGS INTO ACTION WITH THE ORANGUTAN PROJECT PARTNERSHIP

Orangutwang E1565625323640

COMPANY KNOWN FOR BEING “BIG ON FUN” SHOWS IT IS BIG ON GIVING BACK

BELOIT, Wis. (Aug 12, 2019) — PlayMonster has joined forces with The Orangutan Project to raise awareness for the protection and conservation of orangutans and their habitat. Coinciding with National Orangutan Day on Aug.19, 2019, PlayMonster has committed to a year-long Green Partnership and plans to support The Orangutan Project with initiatives across North America.

As the creators of the fun-filled kids’ game Orangutwang™, PlayMonster wanted to show that not only is it Big on Fun, but it is also big on helping one of the world’s most intelligent, yet highly endangered, mammals alongside The Orangutan Project.

Since 1998, The Orangutan Project has worked tirelessly on orangutan conservation, including orangutan rescue, rehabilitation and release programs, as well as securing forest habitat protection and regeneration, education, research and local community partnerships. Over the past two years, The Orangutan Project has leased 38,000 hectares of rainforest, bringing its total to 3,500 orangutans in over 330,000 hectares of protected habitat patrolled by 90 Wildlife Protection Rangers. In addition, The Orangutan Project has rescued 65 orangutans, cared for over 200, and released another 44 into the wild, bringing its survival rate to 70% of rescued orangutans released into the wild.

“Partnering with The Orangutan Project is a no-brainer for us,” said Lisa Wuennemann, Master Marketing Monster at PlayMonster. “By becoming a sponsor of The Orangutan Project, we’re dedicated to the success of this project and to the beginning of an important conversation, which will lead us to having more orangutans swinging through the trees.”

“The Orangutan Project relies on support from our supporters and partners like PlayMonster to raise vital awareness and funds to secure the survival of critically endangered orangutans. The Orangutan Project has already funded over $10 million worth of urgently needed conservation projects, and currently protect over 330,000 hectares of forest, 3,500 wild orangutans and care for over 200 orphaned, infant and displaced orangutans,” said Troy Kenah, Development Director at The Orangutan Project, “But there’s so much more to be done, and this critical work is only possible due to the generous support of people and partners like PlayMonster.”

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

 

About The Orangutan Project:

Since its formation in 1998, The Orangutan Project has contributed more than $14,000,000 directly into orangutan conservation projects and has earned a reputation amongst its partners and donors for being financially responsible and transparent.

They are committed to making sure your donations work as hard as possible. They don’t have an office – each member of their team works from their own home, using their own electricity, internet and infrastructure. This helps keep their overheads amongst the very lowest in the sector and ensures as much of your donation as possible goes straight to where it’s needed most.

They are also working hard to increase and secure their future income streams. Their big goal is to raise $20 million dollars every year because they know that’s the only way, they can secure the long-term survival of all orangutan sub-species, and safeguard their jungle habitat. And they will achieve this, with your help!

 

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com

 

 

Posted on by

PLAYMONSTER EYES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH NEW VP INTERNATIONAL

Richard

Respected and Accomplished Industry Leader to Head PlayMonster International Division

BELOIT, Wis. (July 29, 2019) — Richard Gill, well-known for international development and success in the toy industry, is the newest member of the PlayMonster management team as VP International, or Chief Explorer Monster as the playful company calls him! Gill brings over 30 years of experience to his new role, and will use that to develop and lead PlayMonster’s international division, covering all markets outside of the US, Canada and UK. Interplay will continue to be run as a separate subsidiary, managed by UK Managing Director Adrian Whyles.

Prior to joining the PlayMonster team, Gill successfully co-owned and managed McGill Assocs., an international sales and marketing consultancy, for nearly 20 years. With products placed in over 50 markets worldwide, McGill Assocs. provides instant international development function to small- to medium-sized toy industry clients looking for international partners, licensees or distributors. For the last seven-plus years, Gill has consulted and worked with PlayMonster to expand its games into 50 countries outside of the US and Canada. His greatest accomplishment with PlayMonster has been with the popular game 5 Second Rule, which to date, has reached 44 countries in 28 languages and is a top-seller both in and out of the US market.

Born in the United Kingdom, but living primarily in the US since 1993, Emmy-nominated Richard Gill was responsible for overseeing the phenomenal international successes of both Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary for 15 years, before the sale of the Pictionary business in 2001. As the former co-owner and developer of the Pictionary brand, Gill built an international network for the board game into over 60 markets and 35 languages while successfully extending the brand into a syndicated TV show, publishing, electronics, the gaming industry, party goods and the confectionary businesses, among others.

“Having known and respected Richard for over 20 years now, I am very excited to have him as part of the PlayMonster team,” said Bob Wann, CEO and Chief PlayMonster. “His vast experience and track record of success with our brands and others will be key in the company’s rapid growth and successful international expansion.”

“I’ve enjoyed working with PlayMonster over the last several years and am thrilled to be part of the team,” said Richard Gill. “It feels like the right time to join the company to focus on their international expansion goals. PlayMonster is a perfect fit for me with its culture of playfulness and determination, and commitment to innovation. It’s an honor to join the respected management team here and I look forward to working more closely with them to create a stronger global presence.”

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

 

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com

 

Posted on by

PLAYMONSTER’s BRINGIN’ THE PARTY WITH TWO NEW GAMES

New Party Games Logo And Bass

Players Will Have a Blast with Pop Culture Trivia and Cheeky Humor!

BELOIT, Wis. (July 22, 2019) — Keep the party going strong with all new PlayMonster games! Game night fun just gets better with The Logo Game’s® trivia about America’s favorite brands, and the hilarious attitude of Kiss My Bass™–Pucker up, buttercup!

The Logo Game joins PlayMonster’s award-winning party game line for 2019. The game was a top-seller for years, and PlayMonster recently gained the license and is excited to release a new version of the game. The Logo Game will have all new content featuring new and nostalgic brands, and players will have fun with trivia about popular logos, commercials, facts and more! Plus, the new version features 3D pewter pawns of fun items and characters! For 2 to 6 players ages 12 to adult.

On the other end of the spectrum comes a sarcastic fish that’ll tell you to “Kiss My Bass!” This game, which could also be an amusing novelty gift, features a 3D electronic talking fish that dares/tells players to touch him in certain areas (touch points) and responds whether the player does it correctly or not—he’s not happy if you don’t do as he says! Players take turns touching his fin, back, etc. or kissing his lips or his…ahem…”bass.” If he farts on a player during a smooch, that player is out! It’s a hilarious game for two or more players, ages 10 to adult.

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com

 

Posted on by

PLAYMONSTER GROWS FAMILY GAMES LINE WITH INNOVATIVE, ACTION-PACKED NEW ADDITIONS

Untitled Design 4

Get Up and Move or Practice a Steady Hand with Butts Up and Meltdown!

BELOIT, Wis. (June 20, 2019) — PlayMonster—the company behind award-winning games like Chrono Bomb®, Farkle and Stratego®just —launched two new games in the family category for 2019. Expanding their games offering is always a priority for PlayMonster, and this newest wave is full of exciting, unique ways for kids and families to have fun together!

Butts Up™, an exciting twist on musical chairs, urges players to fess up (or brag!) about things they’ve done, stuff they like, and things they want! All players but one sit in a chair, while one player stands in the middle and reads one of the 400 prompts from the electronic device, such as “Butts Up if you have gone zip lining.” If that applies to you, get up and race to another chair someone has vacated! The player left without a chair is the new one in the middle! It’s a great game for families or groups of kids. Player can choose from two modes of play: Full statements (“Butts Up if you like broccoli”) or open-ended statements that allow players to fill in the blank and customize (“Butts Up if you don’t like eating…[fill in the blank]”).This active play game is for 3 or more players ages 7 and up.

The new light strategy family game Meltdown™ is an innovative an unpredictable stacking game due to the unique putty goop used in game play! Players shape the putty goop however they want, place it atop the tower, and then stick the balancing platform on the goop. From there, they take turns stacking their cubes on the slippery, always-shifting plate without letting them fall. If there’s a “Meltdown” and any cubes fall, that player has to add them to their pile. The first player to get all of their cubes stacked wins! It’s a fun game that requires a bit of strategy, thought and skill. For 2 to 4 players ages 6 and up, Meltdown is an exciting addition to any game collection!

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com