“Timing Toy Fair New York to meet the needs of an evolved and evolving industry will ultimately better serve the business needs of our members and the buyer community,” said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association.

Brian Chapman, Head of Global Design and Development at Hasbro, discusses why we’re in a great time for toy and game design.

Big Monster Toys’ Sam Unsicker, Peggy Brown Creative’s Peggy Brown, Ulco’s Don Ullman, Creating Unique Toys’ Adam Borton, PlayLenz’s Richard Heayes and ToyZone’s Alex Prieto tell us what guides their approach to inventing great kids’ games.

Jazwares’ Squishmallows was named overall Toy of the Year, and also picked up the People’s Choice award and Plush Toy of the Year award.

Elliot Rudell tells us what he feels is key to successful relationships between inventors and toy companies.

Funko Games is also bolstering its Something Wild range, with Something Wild: Spider-Man and Something Wild: Boba Fett.

“The brand has significant potential beyond the core toy range,” said Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG.

Rich Mazel – VP of Innovation and Inventor Relations at Spin Master – tells us why it’s a great time to be a toy inventor.

“There are few bands that defined pop culture in the same way the Spice Girls did back in the 1990s, and it’s been such fun bringing the band to life in our BrickHeadz style,” said LEGO designer Daniel Squirrell.

Gamefound is the first company to receive funding from Ravensburger’s innovation and investment program, Next Ventures.