Market analysts have been pimping both Hasbro and Mattel recently, and it’s not hard to see why. Even for a Eurogame champion like me who doesn’t play tired, traditional games, it’s easy to see that both of these companies are run by strong decision-makers who are doing a fine job of keeping their companies relevant in the 21st century.

Hasbro is up in Q1, well ahead of last year’s dismal slide and even ahead of analysts expectations. Strength: Littlest Pet Shop and games and puzzles. And this year they’re releasing the movies Iron Man 2, Toy Story 3, Battleship, Stretch Armstrong, Captain America, and Spiderman 4, as well as their new TV channel. (source)

Mattel was also up and beating market expectations in Q1, on sales of WWE figures and games, Toy Story (also), Thomas & Friends products, and Barbie. (source)

Hasbro Game Development

I just thought I’d throw this in here, but Hasbro is entering the game development and printing business. Stickers on games Hasbro handed out at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair promote its game-development services. If you have a game idea and want details, contact Russ Davies at  Hasbro.