Moose Toys Announces ‘Akedo’ Franchise, Licensing Program

Toy maker teams with WildBrain and Nickelodeon for marketing campaign around its biggest boys’ brand launch to date.

June 24, 2021

Moose Toys is poised to launch Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors, a brand combining battling action figures at a micro-collectible scale. Akedo will be backed by a full-scale marketing campaign.

The campaign kicks off today with the release of a trailer for a brand-new animated series, produced in partnership with WildBrain’s kids and family AVOD network, WildBrain Spark. Additionally, WildBrain CPLG will manage the licensing program. Nickelodeon will deliver The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament, a branded programming video showcasing an exclusive bracket-style tournament that fans can watch on Nickelodeon’s YouTube Channel.

Derived from the Japanese word for arcade, Akedo has a retro gaming look and combines it with kids battling one-on-one with 39 warriors, including ninjas, robots, gladiators and Vikings, alongside teddy bears, a dinosaur and clowns.

“Our success in the boys’ aisle with the Treasure X and Heroes of Goo Jit Zu lines established Moose as a toy super innovator in the

category,” says Ronnie Frankowski, chief marketing officer, Moose Toys. “We are pulling out all of the stops with the Akedo launch. Combining our expertise in collectibles, WildBrain’s cutting-edge approach to content and licensing and Nickelodeon’s ability to create on-trend interactive events for its highly engaged and loyal audience, Akedo is positioned to deliver a knock-out hit. It’s the most dynamic battling toy ever, and with deep collectability and engaging entertainment, we are delivering a fully rounded experience that meets kids where they are. It’s a bold move that is consistent with Moose WOW innovation. Akedo is the next global boys’ action franchise mega hit.”

“Having successfully managed Moose’s YouTube strategy for a number of years at WildBrain Spark, we know just how incredibly engaged kids are with their content online,” says Rachel Taylor, commercial director, WildBrain Spark. “As more and more kids’ brands move to digital-first launch strategies, it’s a natural step to extend our Moose partnership across WildBrain’s integrated offering of production, distribution and licensing for the amazing new Akedo franchise. Moose has an excellent track record of delivering toys kids love, and we’re confident Akedo is going to be a big hit both on and off screen.”

“Working with Nickelodeon we’ve created an action-packed interactive component to the product launch, The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament, that literally brings to life the Akedo experience in a way no other partner could,” says Frankowski. “Moose has had a long-standing relationship with Nickelodeon, but this is the first time we’ve partnered with them for a branded “as live” event. Tapping into Nickelodeon’s group of top-level influencers to introduce kids to Akedo and this absolute, next-level game play will be entertaining as well as demonstrate how the game is played by enthusiasts that kids can relate to.”

“Through this collaboration with Moose Toys, Nickelodeon continues to push the envelope by creating innovative content and experiences that appeal to fans of all ages,” says April L. McKenzie, vice president, kids and family activation, Velocity, ViacomCBS. “The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament not only spotlights the exciting launch of this new action-based toy, but also offers kids and families an opportunity to be at the center of the action.”

Leading up to The Akedo Super Ultimate Tournament event, beginning Aug. 8, influencers including Ninja Kidz, Onyx Kids, Kyle’s Toys & Games and Ohana Boys will be sharing content that showcases how they are training for battle. On Aug. 15, the event goes live on Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel hosted by digital creator and YouTube star Nathan from Unspeakable calling the action through Aug. 21. Catch it after Aug. 21 on Moose’s YouTube channel, MooseTube Mania.

Akedo will launch on Walmart.com and Amazon in July and in stores at all major retailers in August.