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

CHICAGO, IL (May 20, 2025) – PlayMonster Group LLC, a leading international toy and game company, is thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with Story Time Learning, creators of the widely-acclaimed, story-based educational games for children ages three and up. This collaboration grants PlayMonster the exclusive distribution and development rights for Story Time Learning’s award-winning products through 2027 in North America and other select global markets.

As part of this exciting partnership, PlayMonster will take the reins on distributing Story Time Learning’s top-selling titles, including 2021 Toy of the Year winner Story Time Chess and 2024 Toy of the Year winner Story Time Backgammon—screen-free games that have captivated families and educators alike with their engaging narratives and developmental value.

Story Time Learning has carved a unique niche in the educational space, combining storytelling and game play to teach complex subjects to young children in intuitive, imaginative ways. All Story Time games are MESH-accredited, ensuring they nurture critical developmental skills such as problem solving, perseverance, conflict resolution, communication, and more.

“At PlayMonster, we’re always looking to bring new, enriching ways for kids to learn through play,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster Group LLC. “Story Time Learning’s fusion of narrative and strategy aligns beautifully with our mission, and we’re especially excited to expand our STEM-based game offerings through this partnership.

Founded by passionate educators and storytellers, Story Time Learning has received numerous accolades for transforming how children learn through immersive, narrative-based play. Their flagship product, Story Time Chess, remains the only game that teaches chess to children as young as three without requiring any prior chess knowledge.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with PlayMonster, a company that shares our passion for joyful, purposeful play,” said Paul Levy, CEO of Story Time Learning. “With PlayMonster’s proven expertise in bringing meaningful games to market, we’re confident that this partnership will help us reach even more families and educators around the world.”

This collaboration marks a major milestone for both companies and reinforces their commitment to playful learning that is accessible, developmentally enriching, and most of all—fun.

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™.

About Story Time Learning
Since 2012, Story Time Learning™, also operating under the brand Chess at 3, has developed a proprietary catalog of stories and characters that teach children as young as three how to solve complex problems through a combination of engaging stories, gameplay and family engagement tools. Its games catalog includes Toy of the Year winners Story Time Chess and Story Time Backgammon. With owned and operated tutoring locations and partnerships in New York, Los Angeles, Singapore and Dubai, the company licenses its curriculum to early education schools, libraries and other centers of learning via its Teach Story Time web platform. The company plans to launch its franchising opportunity this year as Story Time Chess. Story Time Learning’s mission is to improve educational outcomes with a goal of reaching one million children a year with its products and services.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Person

Sarah.person@playmonster.com

The Strategic Partnership Shows Growth in the Adult Games Category

[Beloit, WI – February 21, 2025] – Today, PlayMonster, a leading innovator in the international toy and game industry, has announced major strategic partnership, adding the adult party game Never Have I Ever to its portfolio, from its previous manufacturer, INI, LLC. This iconic game, known for its engaging and often hilarious content, will join PlayMonster’s expanding lineup of beloved party and family games. This partnership will bring four highly acclaimed and best-selling titles to PlayMonster’s games category in the spring of 2025, with additional new gaming experiences to come.

This addition of Never Have I Ever reinforces PlayMonster’s commitment to delivering, engaging, interactive, and shareable gaming experiences for a wide variety of audiences. Never Have I Ever, already a pop culture phenomenon and one of the most recognized titles in the adult games category, will remain available in three popular editions: Classic, Family, and Girls, and its inclusion supports PlayMonster’s mission to expand its portfolio with games that are “fun to play, fun to watch, and fun to share.” This effort complements the company’s existing iconic game titles, including Five Crowns, 5 Second Rule, SET, and Yeti in My Spaghetti, catering to both casual players and game enthusiasts.

“This strategic partnership enhances our collection of beloved games and strengthens the PlayMonster way of delivering irresistibly fun, engaging, and shareable experiences for all ages,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster. “Never Have I Ever’s strong brand presence and universal appeal makes it a perfect fit with us at PlayMonster, and with this fan-favorite title in our lineup, we can’t wait for fans to experience what’s coming in 2025 and beyond.”

This partnership also includes the fast-paced word game Dabble, another that was previously distributed with INI, LLC. The announcement of Never Have I Ever, comes just ahead of March’s highly anticipated Toy Fair New York, where PlayMonster will showcase its new partnerships alongside the company’s full brand lineup. Attendees can make an appointment to visit PlayMonster in booth #2135 during the show.

For more details on these new game releases including updates and announcements, follow @PlayMonsterFun on Instagram and visit 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” 5 Second Rule Relay and Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus 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:

Madison Kleinman

Mkleinman@litzkypr.com

201.694.5116

#SatisfyingSpirograph initiative allows fans to unwind with ASMR “Brain Breaks” featuring the soothing sights and sounds of Spirograph

BELOIT, Wis (November 12, 2024) – Heading into the 60^th anniversary in 2025 of the iconic spiral drawing kit that has sparked generations of creativity, leading toy and game company PlayMonster Group LLC  is kicking off a Spirograph celebration that aims to promote mindfulness and creativity by blending the therapeutic power of art with the calming effects of ASMR. Launching today ahead of the busy holiday season, the #SatisfyingSpirograph social campaign invites consumers to participate in “Brain Breaks” with Spirograph and leading ASMR content creators.

With the holiday season in full swing, Spirograph will encourage simple, enjoyable, and oddly satisfying activities with brand-forward ASMR content across social media to encourage consumers to take a moment to step away from inevitable holiday stressors. A 2023 study conducted by the American Psychological Association showed that nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults say something causes them stress during the holiday season. From planning the ins and outs of family travel to gift-giving woes, the #SatisfyingSpirograph campaign brings a more mindful approach to dealing with the common stress that surrounds the most wonderful time of the year. Kicking off with a series of TikTok lives hosted by xoxoToysOfficial, fans are encouraged to take a break in their day and unwind with the soothing sights and sounds of Spirograph through ASMR content, featuring Spirograph drawing sessions designed to provide a moment of calm and relaxation.

“Spirograph has remained a classic for nearly 60 years because of its iconic and versatile designs that connect with artists of all ages, and leveraging the ASMR trend will take it even further,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster. “As we continue to see hundreds of millions of views from fans across social media watching ASMR content, we’ll connect Spirograph to today’s consumers directly on the platforms where they’re already scrolling.”

Additional ASMR influencers such as DreamTeamWorld, TheDIYDay, LifewithLainee, and PrettyPretendPlay, will host live Spirograph sessions on TikTok and Instagram throughout the month of November, using the hypnotic sounds of drawing to encourage viewers to take a break from holiday stressors, relax, and refocus. Families and fans are also invited to participate in online challenges and product giveaways by sharing their own Spirograph ASMR content, tagging @playmonsterfun, @originalspirograph, and using #SatisfyingSpirograph for the chance to win exclusive Spirograph prize packs. For full contest details including official rules and eligibility, visit WEBSITE.

Consumers looking to create their own ASMR “Brain Break” activities at home can check out the Fall 2024 Spirograph product line, featuring the classic Spirograph Deluxe Set, the Spirograph Shrink Charms jewelry-making kit, the Spirograph Jr. set specially designed for little hands, and more.

First introduced in 1965, Spirograph stimulates children’s creativity and makes it possible for aspiring artists to create beautifully intricate designs using gears, precision rings, wheels, and colored markers. As master toy license for the classic brand, PlayMonster continues to innovate Spirograph for today’s kids with new drawing experiences, trend-forward sets, and kits featuring top licensed characters.

For more about PlayMonster, visit 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” 5 Second Rule Relay and Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus 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™.

Media Contact:

Marissa Lambert

mlambert@litzkypr.com

201-222-9118

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