Author: Sarah Person

The Hacky Sack^® hype continues; Following an explosive year for Hacky Sack^®, including the first-ever Championship on ESPN8: The Ocho, PlayMonster is bringing the footbag community together again for a social-first contest celebrating skill, creativity and the viral resurgence of an iconic activity

Chicago, IL – September 8, 2026 – Hacky Sack^®, the biggest comeback story of the summer, is showing no signs of slowing down.

Hot on the heels of the 2026 Hacky Sack™ Championship on ESPN8: The Ocho, PlayMonster is taking Hacky Sack^® from summer breakout to back to school staple. This September, the Hacky Sack^® brand will launch the #HackToSchool social contest, inviting Hacky Sack^® groups, longtime players, and newcomers of all ages and skill level to show off their best skills on TikTok and Instagram for a chance to win Hacky Sack^® swag, a cash prize, and an invitation to the 2027 Hacky Sack^® Championship.

The inaugural #HackToSchool contest will run from September 8-21, 2026, with more opportunities to join the fun in the year ahead. To help launch the first challenge, Hacky Sack^® will team up with influential players, groups and creators who will showcase their skills, rally their communities and encourage everyone, from seasoned to new players, to join the legendary comeback and enter the contest.

Entering the #HackToSchool contest is simple. Fans can post unique Hacky Sack^® videos to TikTok or Instagram, tagging @hackysack.official and using #HackToSchool. Entries are unlimited, giving fans multiple opportunities to get creative, build views, and engage their communities.

The top 5 entries will be determined by viewership and engagement. The grand-prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and an exclusive Hacky Sack^® swag bag. Four runners-up will each receive the exclusive swag bag.

“The #HackToSchool social contest was created to further fuel the incredible momentum behind Hacky Sac^®k and connect even more fans with the community that has made the brand what it is today,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO, PlayMonster. “From schoolyards and college campuses to today’s TikTok and Instagram feeds, Hacky Sack^® is experiencing a fresh wave of viral energy spanning generations. #HackToSchool builds on that excitement, giving fans a new way to show off their skills, join the conversation and invite even more people to discover what makes Hacky Sack^® so much fun.”

PlayMonster, which holds exclusive licensing rights for the Hacky Sack^® brand from Wham-O, continues to drive Hacky Sack^®’s upward trajectory through community engagement both online and in-person, product innovation, and social-first storytelling. Demand for Hacky Sack^® products continues to accelerate alongside the trend’s viral growth; it consistently ranks as a top search on Amazon and TikTok Shop, while PlayMonster’s TikTok Shop product drops have sold out in hours’ time. With #HackToSchool, fans everywhere can demonstrate what made Hacky Sack^® a classic in the first place.

For official contest details and rules, follow @hackysack.official on TikTok and Instagram. For more information on Hacky Sack^®, including new product launches coming this fall, visit https://www.playmonster.com/ and the PlayMonster TikTok Shop.

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 About PlayMonster  

PlayMonster is a leading international toy and game company on a mission to connect people around the world through the power of social, shareable play and creative experiences. The company is committed to delivering exceptional play value through the design, manufacture, and marketing of innovative toys, games, and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes award-winning brands and products such as Marshmallow Madness, Tales, Taco vs Burrito, Never Have I Ever, TOTY Game of the Year Yeti in My Spaghetti^®, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Five Crowns^®, Farkle, Hacky Sack^®, KOOSH^®, Spirograph, Loopdedoo, Fashion Plates^® and Colorforms.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marissa Lambert

mlambert@litzkypr.com

973-752-5364

Just in time for holiday gifting, this action-packed balloon-popping challenge transforms everyday play into unforgettable moments that families and friends will want to play, share, and challenge others to beat; available now at Target, Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok Shop

Chicago, IL, August 13, 2026 – PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, announced the launch of Rump Race, a fast-paced balloon-popping party game designed to turn family game nights into unforgettable, laugh-out-loud competitions. Combining quick-play action, hilarious physical gameplay, and highly sharable moments, Rump Race is poised to become one of the season’s most talked-about family games, bringing together family competition, viral-worthy reactions, and endless replayability. Rump Race is now available on Walmart.com, Amazon.com, Target.com, and TikTok Shop.

Designed for players ages 8 and up, Rump Race challenges two competitors to race against the clock as they inflate their balloons by bouncing up and down on the pump, with one goal: pop your opponent’s balloon before they pop yours. Every round delivers unpredictable twists, big laughs, and the kind of genuine reactions that families and friends love to capture, post, and share. The game includes two pumps, a popping arrow, and 30 balloons, making it easy to play and repeat, long after the first round.

As demand continues to grow for interactive family games, party games, and screen-free entertainment that create memorable experiences, Rump Race stands out with its easy-to-learn gameplay, energetic pace, and crowd-pleasing fun. Whether it’s game night, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or friendly competitions, Rump Race transforms everyday moments into can’t-miss entertainment and lifelong memories.

“Rump Race delivers the kind of spontaneous, laugh-until-you-can’t-breathe moments that people naturally want to experience together,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster. “It’s more than just a game, it’s an experience that’s fun to play, watch, and share, creating the kind of unforgettable moments that keep people coming back for more.”

With its combination of physical action, family-friendly humor, and instant spectator appeal, Rump Race is positioned to become a breakout favorite among families, content creators, party hosts, and anyone looking for the next big game-night obsession.

Rump Race joins PlayMonster’s growing portfolio of laugh-out-loud, socially sharable games, including the 2025 viral hit, Marshmallow Madness, and new launches including Breakfast Blitz, Family Ties, Psychological, and Axe Max. For more information about Rump Race and PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com or follow @playmonsterfun and #RumpRace on socials.

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About PlayMonster  

PlayMonster is a leading international toy and game company on a mission to connect people around the world through the power of social, shareable play and creative experiences. The company is committed to delivering exceptional play value through the design, manufacture, and marketing of innovative toys, games, and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes award-winning brands and products such as Marshmallow Madness, Tales, Taco vs Burrito, Never Have I Ever, TOTY Game of the Year Yeti in My Spaghetti®, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Five Crowns®, Farkle, Hacky Sack®, KOOSH®, Spirograph, Loopdedoo, Fashion Plates® and Colorforms.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Marissa Lambert

mlambert@litzkypr.com

973-752-5364

Kicking off Thursday, August 6, the broadcast marks the latest milestone in the brand’s cultural resurgence, introducing a new era of competitive Hacky Sack

CHICAGO, IL – July 27, 2026 – PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, has announced the 2026 Hacky Sack Championship will air on ESPN8: The Ocho, a four-day programming event across ESPN networks that broadcasts obscure, quirky, and “seldom-seen” sports – bringing competitive Hacky Sack to national television for the first time. Since relaunching the iconic brand earlier this year, PlayMonster has fueled Hacky Sack’s viral resurgence across social media, high school fields, college campuses, and now, sports enthusiasts everywhere. From Thursday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 9, viewers can watch the country’s most elite Hacky Sack teams take center stage, introducing millions of fans to a fast-paced, skill-driven competition that celebrates athleticism, creativity, and community.

“Today’s digital-first generation has turned Hacky Sack into a viral sensation, sparked by creators and athletes at every scale on TikTok and beyond,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO, PlayMonster. “The explosion of challenges and tournaments across social media has redefined Hacky Sack as a cultural phenomenon. Now, we’re partnering with ESPN to take that digital craze to the next level – introducing it to millions of new fans and bringing the excitement from social feeds to one of the world’s biggest stages in sports.”

The televised tournament will introduce a newly established competitive framework that celebrates the remarkable skill, creativity, and precision that have long defined the Hacky Sack community, while inviting a new generation of fans into the sport. Inspired by the trick-shot culture, skill challenges, and creator-led competition that continue to thrive across social media, the broadcast will feature a round-robin style tournament as teams compete for a $1,000 grand prize. Each two-minute routine will be scored across difficulty (50 points), creativity (30 points), variety (20 points), and drops (-2 points per drop). Updated rules, new tournament formats, and championship-level matchups will create an exciting spectator experience while preserving the freestyle spirit that has always made Hacky Sack unique. Adding casual comfort to the game, players will be decked out in HEYDUDE footwear, the official shoe sponsor of the 2026 Hacky Sack Championship.

As part of the programming, viewers can also experience the US Open Footbag Tournament sponsored by PlayMonster’s Hacky Sack brand and showcasing highly skilled players in a more traditional competition.

Sparked by Gen Z’s desire for active, screen-free social interaction, PlayMonster, which holds exclusive licensing rights for the Hacky Sack brand from Wham-O, continues to drive Hacky Sack’s upward trajectory through community engagement both online and in-person, product innovation, and social-first storytelling. Demand for Hacky Sack products is accelerating alongside the trend’s viral growth. Hacky Sack consistently ranks as a top 5 search on TikTok Shop (peaking at #1 for the first two weeks of May 2026), while PlayMonster’s latest TikTok Shop product drops have sold out in hours’ time. On Amazon, Hacky Sack has climbed to the Top 10 most-searched items.

Fans can find official Hacky Sack products on the PlayMonster TikTok Shop and follow Hacky Sack on Instagram and TikTok for brand updates, player spotlights, and new product launches coming this fall across retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and more.

For more information on Hacky Sack, visit https://www.playmonster.com/.

About PlayMonster  

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, Pigs on Trampolines, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph, Colorforms, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Koosh, and the Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Marissa Lambert
mlambert@litzkypr.com
973-752-5364

ESPN: Christine Calcagno – Christine.B.Calcagno@espn.com

The classic party game gets a villa upgrade, bringing all the drama, recouplings, and bombshell moments of the world’s most talked-about reality show straight to your living room

CHICAGO, IL (May 28, 2026) — PlayMonster, the leading developer of innovative games for all ages, today announced the launch of Never Have I Ever — Love Island, a bold new party game that fuses the beloved Never Have I Ever format with the irresistible world of ITV Studios’ global reality phenomenon, Love Island. The game arrives in time to coincide with Love Island’s new season, bringing the heat of the villa into hangouts nationwide.

Timed to the launch of Love Island USA Season 8 on Peacock — the show that shattered records to become Peacock’s most-watched original season of all time and amassed over 18.4 billion minutes streamed — Never Have I Ever — Love Island is designed to let fans and newcomers alike experience the thrill of the villa from their own living rooms. Whether you’re coupled up or flying solo, this is the party game the summer has been waiting for.

Never Have I Ever — Love Island takes the classic Never Have I Ever party game and supercharges it with 250 all-new cards packed with exclusive Love Island content — from fire pit moments and bombshell arrivals to cheeky challenges and dramatic recouplings. Players don’t need to be die-hard Islanders to get in on the fun; the game is built to bring the drama whether you’re watching every episode or just heard about it from your friends. The game supports four to 12 players, making it the perfect companion for watch parties, nights in, and summer get-togethers.

“Love Island has become one of the most culturally dominant franchises on television, and its fanbase is incredibly passionate and engaged. Never Have I Ever — Love Island lets fans bring that same energy into their own social lives — the excitement, the laughter, and yes, the drama,” said Ben Taylor, PlayMonster VP of Marketing. “We took a party game classic and infused it with all the Love Island magic to create a game that will be the life of every watch party this summer.”

Never Have I Ever — Love Island will be available at retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster
PlayMonster® is a leading international toy and game company on a mission to connect people around the world through the power of social, shareable play and creative experiences. The company is committed to delivering exceptional play value through the design, manufacture, and marketing of innovative toys, games, and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes award-winning brands and products such as Marshmallow Madness, Taco vs Burrito, Never Have I Ever, TOTY Game of the Year Yeti in My Spaghetti®, Pigs on Trampolines, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Five Crowns®, Farkle, Story Time Chess, Koosh®, Spirograph, Loopdedoo, Fashion Plates® and Colorforms.

About Love Island
Love Island is a global hit reality dating series produced by ITV Studios. Award-winning, record-breaking, and headline-grabbing, the show delivers the ultimate summer of fun, romance, and drama. Love Island USA airs on Peacock; the UK series is available in the U.S. on Hulu. For more information, visit www.itvstudios.com.

The social media–fueled dice games expand into physical retail as Dumpster Dice earns 2026 TOTY Game of the Year finalist honors

CHICAGO, IL (February 10, 2026) — PlayMonster, a leading innovator in games and toys, today announced a new distribution partnership with Big Discoveries, the creators behind the viral hit dice games Dumpster Dice™ and Trash Dice™. The agreement grants PlayMonster distribution rights across brick-and-mortar retail channels, as well as retailers’ corresponding e-commerce sites, significantly expanding access to the fast-growing fan-favorite games.

With instantly engaging, luck-based gameplay, Dumpster Dice and Trash Dice are easy to learn, quick to play, and impossible to put down. Rooted in classic dice mechanics with a nostalgic foundation, the games still feel young, fresh, and modern – making them equally appealing to families, casual gamers, and classrooms alike.

Already a proven social media phenomenon, the games have exploded on TikTok, with individual videos surpassing 6 million views and fueling massive organic discovery. That viral momentum has made both titles top sellers on Amazon and TikTok Shop, with Dumpster Dice ranked as the #1 dice game on both platforms.

Adding to the excitement, Dumpster Dice has been named a 2026 Toy of the Year (TOTY) finalist for Game of the Year, cementing its status as one of the most talked-about games in the industry.

“Dumpster Dice and Trash Dice are exactly the kind of lightning-in-a-bottle games we love—simple, social, and instantly fun,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster. “Partnering with Big Discoveries allows us to bring these viral hits into physical retail, where we know they’ll thrive with families, gift-givers, and beyond.”

“PlayMonster’s retail expertise and passion for innovative games make them the perfect partner,” said David Cross, CEO of Big Discoveries. “This partnership marks a major milestone as we take Dumpster Dice and Trash Dice from social feeds to store shelves everywhere, ensuring these games remain household staples for years to come.”

Dumpster Dice and Trash Dice will begin rolling out to brick-and-mortar retailers as early as Fall 2026.  For more information, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster® is a leading international toy and game company on a mission to connect people around the world through the power of social, shareable play and creative experiences. The company is committed to delivering exceptional play value through the design, manufacture, and marketing of innovative toys, games, and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes award-winning brands and products such as Marshmallow Madness, Taco vs Burrito, Never Have I Ever, TOTY Game of the Year Yeti in My Spaghetti®, Pigs on Trampolines, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Five Crowns®, Farkle, Story Time Chess, Koosh®, Spirograph, Loopdedoo, Fashion Plates® and Colorforms.

About Big Discoveries

Founded in 2022 by brothers David and Jon Cross, Big Discoveries began with a goal to create fun, screen-free products that inspire kids to discover the world through play. What started small has grown into a collection of outdoor-themed toys, games, and puzzles that spark curiosity, laughter, and a love of adventure.

CHICAGO, IL (February 5, 2026) — PlayMonster, a leading global toy and game company, today announced it has secured the brick-and-mortar distribution rights for Tales, the breakout social-first card game that has rapidly gained traction through its viral online presence and repeat-play appeal. The agreement expands PlayMonster’s games portfolio while reinforcing the company’s focus on titles that are fun to play, fun to watch, and fun to share.

Since its Amazon launch just over a year ago, Tales has experienced a meteoric rise fueled by its highly sticky gameplay and a powerful digital presence, with more than 4,000 TikTok videos created around the game and over 500 million impressions across Meta and TikTok. This momentum quickly established Tales as the #1 conversation card game on Amazon for 2025.

Building on this rapid growth, the agreement gives PlayMonster the ability to significantly expand the brand’s retail presence through new brick-and-mortar placements, as well as participating retailers’ corresponding e-commerce platforms. This expanded distribution, combined with the ability to drive new product innovations, sets the course for a strong long-term partnership and brand growth.

“This partnership is a natural fit for PlayMonster,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster.  “Tales has already demonstrated strong consumer demand and broad appeal, and we see tremendous opportunity to scale the brand at retail while also investing in new ideas and innovations that will keep the game fresh and relevant for years to come.”

For Tales, the partnership represents a key step in scaling the game beyond e-commerce and into mass retail.

“Partnering with PlayMonster marks an exciting new chapter for Tales,” said Spencer Wise, CEO of Tales. “PlayMonster’s proven expertise in retail distribution and brand development gives us confidence that Tales will reach more players than ever before, while also opening the door to new creative possibilities for the game’s future.”

The collaboration underscores both companies’ shared commitment to growing the games category through innovation, accessibility, and memorable play experiences. Tales is expected to debut in stores beginning fall 2026.

For more information, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster   

PlayMonster® is a leading international toy and game company on a mission to connect people around the world through the power of social, shareable play and creative experiences. The company is committed to delivering exceptional play value through the design, manufacture, and marketing of innovative toys, games, and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes award-winning brands and products such as Marshmallow Madness, Taco vs Burrito, Never Have I Ever, TOTY Game of the Year Yeti in My Spaghetti®, Pigs on Trampolines, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Five Crowns®, Farkle, Story Time Chess, Koosh®, Spirograph, Loopdedoo, Fashion Plates® and Colorforms.

About Tales

Tales is the creator of the bestselling conversation card game series designed to deepen your most important relationships. With six editions — Couples, Family, Friends, Teens, Kids, and Life Story — Tales has generated hundreds of millions of organic impressions, been featured on Good Morning America, and earned the #1 ranking in its category on Amazon. For more information, visit www.tales.com.

CHICAGO, IL (July 21, 2025) — In a move that adds even more flavor to its growing menu of hit family party games, PlayMonster Group LLC, has officially acquired the wildly popular Taco vs Burrito game portfolio from Hot Taco — including the original best-selling card game and two fan-favorite expansion packs. This strategic addition reinforces PlayMonster’s commitment to delivering playful, memorable experiences for families and game lovers of all ages.

Taco vs Burrito isn’t just any game — it’s a phenomenon with a heartwarming origin story. Invented in 2018 by a 7-year-old game creator, Alex Butler, the game quickly won the hearts of families and friends everywhere. Its clever blend of strategy, humor, and a dash of the absurd made it an instant classic, proving that big ideas can come from even the youngest imaginations.

Since its debut, Taco vs Burrito has become a staple at game nights and family gatherings. With over 20,000 5-star reviews, the game has rapidly grown from a Kickstarter launch to ranking as the #16 best-selling game across all of Amazon in 2024, reflecting its widespread appeal and staying power in a competitive market. Its expansions have only added more delicious layers of fun, ensuring players keep coming back for seconds — and thirds.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Taco vs Burrito into the PlayMonster family,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster. “This game embodies everything we love — it’s original, it’s playful, and most importantly, it brings people together. As we continue to expand our lineup of hit party and family games, Taco vs Burrito is a perfect addition that will delight our customers around the world.”

“From the beginning, we’ve been passionate this game and the way it brings people joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories,” said Leslie Pierson, President of Hot Taco Inc. “Joining forces with PlayMonster — a company that shares our values and creative spirit — is an incredible milestone for us. We can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes Taco vs Burrito with their expertise and passion behind it.”

With this acquisition, PlayMonster plans to leverage its marketing expertise and global reach to introduce Taco vs Burrito to even more households. Fans can also look forward to new ideas and playful surprises from this beloved brand under the PlayMonster umbrella.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, Pigs on Trampolines, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph, Colorforms, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Koosh, and the Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Person

Sarah.person@playmonster.com

 Just in time for summer fun, socially shareable tabletop game is now available for pre-sale on Walmart.com beginning today, with plans to launch in Walmart stores nationwide later this fall

Jam-packed with mini marshmallows, hilarious “tiny hands,” and fast-paced family-friendly competition, the highly anticipated Marshmallow Madness game is fluffy, fun, and full of laugh-out-loud surprises

Chicago IL, June 24, 2025 – Today, leading international toy and game company, PlayMonster Group LLC, announced the launch of Marshmallow Madness, a sweet new interactive family game guaranteed to bring laugh-out-loud fun to celebrations and game nights of all kinds year-round. The game, anticipated to be the next summer must-have and viral sensation, is available now exclusively on Walmart.com for $19.97, with plans to launch in Walmart stores nationwide later this fall.

Marshmallow Madness is an easy-to-play game that caters to friends and families searching for fun, screen-free options that deliver simple, shareable, and laughable moments. Complete with a set of viral “tiny hands,” the game makes a unique addition to any game night shelf and is primed to become a standout favorite this summer and holiday season. To start, players simply grab their favorite people and a bag of mini marshmallows, stand behind the silly illustrated face plate, and race to see who can eat the most marshmallows in 60 seconds or less using the tiny hands. The game is ideal for players ages 8 and up.

“Walmart is always on the hunt for unique products that offer our shoppers engaging experiences and high play value, ” said Aaron Bañuelos, Walmart Merchant for Games & Puzzles.  “Marshmallow Madness, along with the rest of PlayMonster’s comprehensive product portfolio, fits that bill, and we’re proud to be the first retail partner to bring this creative and quirky game to families nationwide.”

“From fan-favorite tiny marshmallows, to trending and hilarious tiny hands, Marshmallow Madness was designed to take kids and families back to the basics of simple and screen-free gameplay, and keep the whole family laughing and coming back for more togetherness,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster. “At PlayMonster, we remain committed to delivering high-quality and entertaining experiences for families and gamers alike, and we think we found a recipe for success with Marshmallow Madness.”

Marshmallow Madness follows behind a series of popular games from PlayMonster that are fun to play, fun to watch, and fun to share, including “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and 5 Second Rule. For more information on Marshmallow Madness and PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com or follow @playmonsterfun and #MarshmallowMadness on social.

About PlayMonster  

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, Pigs on Trampolines, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph, Colorforms, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Koosh, and the Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marissa Lambert

mlambert@litzkypr.com

973-752-5364