Games & Toys
January 8, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Syfy wants to explore how emerging technology, from virtual reality to 3-D printing, could enhance its TV programming. The NBCUniversal-owned cable network has launched Syfy Labs, a new group with a 13-person digital team dedicated to testing such new technology. “You look at a show like ‘The Expanse;' it’s an hour long, and it airs…
January 5, 2016 at 3:49 pm
"Star Wars" fans are upset that Rey, one of the starring characters of "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens," has been left out of merchandising, such as action figure sets, and that merchandisers have focused too heavily on male characters. Now, fans are upset that Rey is not included as a playing piece in…
December 29, 2015 at 4:04 pm
Bobbleheads have been a staple of stadium giveaways for a long time. Lately, teams have expanded on the idea of a traditional bobblehead celebrating a player and added themes (like putting players in the "Star Wars" universe). But now it…
December 21, 2015 at 3:43 pm
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Ace Bayou Corp., New Orleans, is carrying out a voluntary recall of approximately 2.2 million bean bag chairs sold from 1995 to 2013. So far, only 790 customers who bought…
December 21, 2015 at 2:34 pm
These days, it’s next to impossible to walk out your door, look at your Twitter feed or go on the Internet without being hit in the face with a lightsaber. And it’s not just coming from the studio. Marketers and brands across all sectors are evoking "The Force" via robust licensing deals to drive results…
November 23, 2015 at 4:13 pm
As focus continues to grow on Marvel’s adult-focused characters through various Netflix series, Marvel and Disney Consumer Products have announced new merchandise plans for these characters, including Daredevil, The Punisher, Jessica Jones and Deadpool. This new development addresses a key Marvel strategy to tap into the…
November 23, 2015 at 3:36 pm
You may have noticed a lot of Star Wars items on store shelves recently. Experts say retailers are hoping to cash in big following the release of the upcoming film, “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” The movie hits theaters next month, and there's already a video game out called "Battlefront." Other items range…
November 13, 2015 at 3:44 pm
Several roommates were miffed when 600 bobbleheads bearing the face of a former San Diego Padres player mysteriously turned up near their doorstep in University City, San Diego. Now they're resorting to handing them out as party favors. The woman who answered the phone at the San Diego Police Department told Philip Jia it was the…
November 6, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Despite outstanding seasons from third baseman Yandy Diaz and closer Jeff Johnson, the Akron RubberDucks fell short of the playoffs this year. But the minor league baseball team picked up a different postseason win thanks in part to wacky promotions like “Brian Williams Pants on Fire Night” and a Goonies-themed bobble-belly giveaway. Minor League Baseball…
November 4, 2015 at 3:50 pm
It’s one of the most iconic outfits in "Star Wars," and sci-fi in general: The metal bikini Princess Leia is forced into by Jabba the Hutt during "Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi." But, it’s not without controversy—and Disney may be making moves to remove the skimpy outfit from future "Star Wars"…
