Category
Life-Stages
Constructible Franchises
Trend cluster
Category
Amalgamated
Play
Brands merge analog & digital to create games that involve physical interaction.
3.9
Trend score
Trend
What is the Amalgamated Play trend?
Amalgamated Play: Seeking to maintain an element of physical engagement, toy brands are creating games and platforms that combine digital software with tangible interactions. Integrating this dual-functionality into the foundation of the toy itself, brands are requiring kids to use physical objects like building blocks and letters as a means to activate digital platforms and games. This physical component not only speaks to the benefits of analog play, but it also signifies a turn toward hybrid forms of engagement.
Trend themes
Themes within the Amalgamated Play trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Analog-Digital Hybrid Toys
Toys that combine physical interaction with digital platforms are becoming popular, creating opportunities for products that merge traditional and modern technologies.
02
Incorporation of Physical Toys into Gaming Platforms
Gaming platforms that incorporate physical toys and actions into digital games are on the rise, creating new experiences for players and opportunities for companies to create innovative games.
03
Smart Toy-Alphabet Connection
Smart toys designed to help children learn to read and write using tablets are changing the way children acquire basic literacy skills, highlighting opportunities in the education industry for smart toy companies to develop products that incorporate traditional learning with modern technology.
Industry implications
What the Amalgamated Play trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Industry
Companies in the toy industry can innovate by creating hybrid toys that incorporate analog and digital components.
For
Gaming Industry
The gaming industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating physical toys into gaming platforms by creating innovative games that integrate toys and gadgets.
For
Education Industry
The education industry can benefit from the development of smart toys that aid in teaching children basic literacy skills through a combination of physical interaction and technology.
Workshop question
What can your brand do to employ the familiarity of in-person interactions, with the speed and dynamic nature of tech?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Amalgamated Play
Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 53%, freshness 8%.
Popularity56%
Activity53%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial (not a primary audience)
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Amalgamated Play trend
5 featured examples from Dec 19, 2015 to Jul 20, 2016CategoryTech
Physical Touchscreen Toys
The 'Pocket Racing 2.0' Racing Cars React to the On-Screen Action
The 'Pocket Racing 2.0' Racing Cars introduce a new level of interactivity and engagement to the toys and games industry.
CategoryTech
Talkative Smartphone Toys
The Smapon Communication Toy Works in Tandem with a Phone
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate smartphone integration and interactive features into traditional toy manufacturing processes, providing tech-infused toys for a new…
CategoryLife-Stages
Toy-Incorporating Game Platforms
The 'Yibu' Gaming Platform Blends Real World Toys with Digital
The incorporation of physical toys in digital gameplay creates an opportunity for the toy industry to expand into the digital space.
CategoryTech
Smart Alphabet Toys
These Classic Wooden Letters Teach via iPad Apps
Integrating digital technology with traditional toys to create educational and fun learning experiences for children, disrupting the traditional toy industry.
CategoryLife-Stages
Gaming Puzzle Toys
Learning Game System Puzzlets Gives Kids Coding and Game Development Skills
Toy manufacturers can explore the design and production of STEM toys that combine traditional puzzles with technology to appeal to modern children.
