Nostalgia Trend Brings Back Iconic '80s Toy: MadballsNostalgia Trend Brings Back Iconic '80s Toy: Madballs

The Millennial and Gen Z generations currently have a significant influence on the market as they continue to revive pop culture, clothing, toys and characters from the '80s and '90s. And one of these toy brands is Madballs — a collectible series of tennis ball-sized rubber balls with different graphics and characteristics. The toy series, an intellectual property owned by Cloudco Entertainment, was created in 1985 and is best known for its unconventional designs and for unapologetically embracing weirdness and individuality. In fact, the '80s television commercial tagline was “Freaky fun for everyone!” And, the original eight balls were named Argh, Bash Brain, Dust Brain, Horn Head, Oculus Orbus, Screamin’ Meemie, Skull Face and Slobulus, and this revival comes just in time as the brand prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025.

Madballs 40th Anniversary in 2025

To commemorate the milestone, Madballs will expand its presence in gaming and web3, target new territories and ring in the new year with a Hunter Products toy partnership. During this time, Cloudco Entertainment will also rebrand Madballs to re-capture the attention of longtime fans and engage a new generation of collectors in an exciting, unique way.

“We couldn’t be more excited to kick off the next wild chapter of Madballs," says Sean Gorman, president, Cloudco Entertainment. "It’s not just a nod to the past — it’s a launchpad into the future.”

Related:Cloudco, Hunter Products Mark Madballs 40th Anniversary with Toy Relaunch

Why Hunter Products?

The company chose to collaborate with Hunter Products for the rebrand and anniversary because it shares similar values and is open-minded in growing Madballs while staying true to its heritage. Laura Freedman-Dagg, head of retail, Global Licensing Group, agrees with this strategy.

“When companies look beyond big names to find a partner that aligns with their own values and aesthetics, it can be even more successful,” says Freedman-Dagg.

This partnership will consist of several new Madballs lines, and the first will be Core Madballs. This line will include fan favorites and brand-new characters with hairy features like crazy eyebrows, beards and mohawks. Plus, they will be baseball sized. Fans can expect an exclusive launch of Core Madballs in early Q1 at Walmart stores across the U.S.

Following the exclusive launch with Walmart, the line will roll out internationally in spring 2025 in territories such as Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand with more countries to be confirmed. The company will also be placing an emphasis on Asia, where the collector community is booming. Shortly after, Madballs Slime Lab, Bladder Balls, mini blind capsules, playsets and Madballs with compounds will roll out to the marketplace in fall 2025.

Related:Madballs in The Sandbox Metaverse

Core Madballs

“Madballs stands out because of its disruptive humor that flips the script on what’s expected," says Robert Prinzo, head of global licensing, Cloudco Entertainment. "So, we value partners who are as bold and creative as we are, unafraid to push boundaries and want to try new things.”

Meeting A New Generation Where They Are

Along with physical products, Cloudco will continue to embrace the digital world since the younger generations are the most active on smartphones, social media and the internet. Another reason is the consistent growth the gaming industry has been experiencing. The global games market is expected to generate about $187.7 billion in 2024, according to NewZoo, a leader in games market research, data and insights. And, it is set to keep growing in 2025.

Madballs has had previous success in the gaming space, specifically in The Sandbox, and will be strengthening its position through Madballs Fortnite, which is set to launch in spring 2025 by Big Honeycomb Studios. Fans can also look forward to a Madballs virtual reality experience as it is currently in development for Meta under license with Australia’s Spunge Games. Bare Tree Media will also be introducing digital collectibles and multiple Madballs-themed multiplayer experiences within The Sandbox platform, including “Madballs Rundown Fair XP,” which went live on Oct. 22nd, and “Polluted City,” launching on Dec. 7th. 

“As these products roll out, we want our fans to feel a sense of fun and freedom," says Gorman. "Whether they’re tossing around classic Madballs or exploring the digital universe, we want them to feel part of a unique world that champions quirkiness and self-expression.”

That’s Not All For Madballs

Cloudco Entertainment has more anniversary activations and limited-edition pieces with artists that will expand into other licensing categories, for instance, apparel, lifestyle and entertainment. It is also planning to have a major presence at Licensing Expo 2025 to showcase Madballs’ new product lines, collaborations and digital integrations and connect with future partners.

“We’re looking to establish Madballs as a cultural icon synonymous with creative rebellion,” says Prinzo.