Category
Life-Stages
Constructible Franchises
Trend cluster
Category
Hyper-Realistic
Play
Toys adopt functional features representative of real-world situations.
5.2
Trend score
Trend
What is the Hyper-Realistic Play trend?
Hyper-Realistic Play: Seeking to provide greater authenticity, toy brands are integrating hyper-realistic features that are reflective of what one would encounter in real life situations. Moving beyond simply aesthetic similarities, toys are adopting characteristics that focus on specific details like performance or operational qualities, allowing the toys to function like the product they're mimicking. This focus on functional details showcases a commitment from brands to provide more authentic qualities, which are held in high regard from younger consumers like Gen Z.
Trend themes
Themes within the Hyper-Realistic Play trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Hyper-Realistic Toys
Toy brands are using hyper-realistic features that mimic real-world situations in order to provide greater authenticity to younger consumers like Gen Z.
02
Career-Focused Toys
Toys are beginning to focus on careers rather than simply fashion, providing a realistic alternative to the many dolls on the market that tend to propagate harmful expectations on young children.
03
Eco-Friendly Toys
More toy companies are designing products with sustainability in mind by using environmentally friendly materials such as wood, natural rubber, leather remnants, and aluminum.
Industry implications
What the Hyper-Realistic Play trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Manufacturing
The toy industry has the opportunity to innovate by creating more authentic and career-focused toys while also incorporating more environmentally-friendly materials.
For
Pet Industry
The realistic features of some of these toys, like 'Ricky the Trick-Lovin Pup,' presents opportunities for toy makers to broaden their audience to older pet owners who are unable to properly care for a real animal.
For
Gaming Industry
3D puzzles that are interactive and educational like the 3D Tuna Dissection Puzzle represent an opportunity to make learning into a fun, interactive activity for kids.
Workshop question
How can you alter your product or service to provide your consumers with a more authentic, genuine experience?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Hyper-Realistic Play
Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 72%, freshness 8%.
Popularity76%
Activity72%
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
Evidence
Examples of the Hyper-Realistic Play trend
6 featured examples from Feb 2, 2017 to Mar 1, 2019CategoryLifestyle
Customizable Cat Masks
Shindo Rinka & 91's Service Produces Incredibly Realistic Cat Masks
The art and design industry can leverage the trend of creating realistic cat masks to offer unique and personalized products to consumers.
CategoryLife-Stages
Fishmonger Puzzle Games
The 3D Tuna Dissection Puzzle Challenges Users to Recall Anatomy
The educational toy industry can explore creating more interactive and realistic puzzle games that combine learning with play.
CategoryLife-Stages
Ultra-Realistic Puppy Toys
'Ricky the Trick-Lovin Pup' is a Highly Convincing Companion Toy
Disruptive innovation potential in the toy manufacturing industry to create advanced and realistic puppy companion toys.
CategoryLife-Stages
Bath-Friendly Grooming Toys
Moose Toys' Scruff-a-Luvs Begin as Matted Balls to Be Washed
Toy manufacturers can explore creating surprise-inspired toys that enhance children's play experiences and promote imaginative play.
CategoryEco
Realistic Driving Performance Toys
The Enduro Toy Cars are Interactive and Eco-Friendly
The toy industry has an opportunity to create more environmentally-Friendly toys that do not compromise on creating an interactive and engaging experience for children.
CategoryLife-Stages
Profession-Focused Doll Collections
'My Life As Dolls' Products Are Focused on Their Careers
By exploring more diverse and innovative ways to create dolls, toy companies have an opportunity to engage with a broader audience and increase revenue.
