The toy industry gets a “do over"...sort of

To say the least, I was extremely pleased to see that the Engage! Virtual Worlds Expo will take place concurrently with Toy Fair and under the same Jacob Javits Center roof. 

In a sense, this is a bit of a “do over” for the toy industry. As we remember all too well, the toy industry missed its chance back in 1974 when it sent Atari founder Nolan Bushnell, already finding success with Pong, packing. Not seen as a toy, the toy industry managed to, by default; enable the creation of  video gaming as a separate industry. 

Because of this important agreement between the TIA and Engage!, Toy Fair exhibitors and attendees  will have the opportunity to meet the people, engage the companies and feel the vibe of those who create this new form of play.   As a result of this, we will see new synergies within the toy industry. New play patterns, alliances and revenue streams will emerge as a result of this collaboration.

Most importantly, virtual play will become comfortably ensconced as a vital part of the toy industry. This time we didn’t let history pass us by.