# Hyper-Realistic Play Toys adopt functional features representative of real-world situations. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 2, 2018 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hyperrealistic-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 2, 2017 to Mar 1, 2019 - Published: Mar 2, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Hyper-Realistic Play trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Hyper-Realistic Play trend means for industry ### For 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 for Hyper-Realistic Play Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 72%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 72% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Hyper-Realistic Play trend 6 featured examples from Feb 2, 2017 to Mar 1, 2019. - [Customizable Cat Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realistic-cat-masks): Shindo Rinka & 91's Service Produces Incredibly Realistic Cat Masks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The art and design industry can leverage the trend of creating realistic cat masks to offer unique and personalized products to consumers. - [Fishmonger Puzzle Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dissection-puzzle): The 3D Tuna Dissection Puzzle Challenges Users to Recall Anatomy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The educational toy industry can explore creating more interactive and realistic puzzle games that combine learning with play. - [Ultra-Realistic Puppy Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/companion-toy): 'Ricky the Trick-Lovin Pup' is a Highly Convincing Companion Toy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation potential in the toy manufacturing industry to create advanced and realistic puppy companion toys. - [Bath-Friendly Grooming Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scruffaluvs): Moose Toys' Scruff-a-Luvs Begin as Matted Balls to Be Washed (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore creating surprise-inspired toys that enhance children's play experiences and promote imaginative play. - [Realistic Driving Performance Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-car): The Enduro Toy Cars are Interactive and Eco-Friendly (Category: Eco) Implication: 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. - [Profession-Focused Doll Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-life-as-dolls): 'My Life As Dolls' Products Are Focused on Their Careers (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: By exploring more diverse and innovative ways to create dolls, toy companies have an opportunity to engage with a broader audience and increase revenue. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)