Four Global Toy Giants Inducted Into 2026 Industry Hall of Fame

Stanley Weston was posthumously inducted this year. In 1963, he came up with the idea for the special forces doll (G.I. Joe), which was launched by Hasbro the following year, becoming the world's first "action figure" series.

This innovation not only created the market for boy dolls but also allowed children to imagine themselves as heroes through role-playing, profoundly influencing American culture.

In its early years, Hasbro launched the G.I. Joe action figures.

In addition, Stanley Weston was involved in the development of the "ThunderCats" animated series and toy line, and through his company Leisure Concepts, he promoted the licensing of entertainment brands including "Star Wars" and "Nintendo." His pioneering work in cross-industry collaboration and licensing models provided a model for the integration of the toy and entertainment industries and laid a solid foundation for the development of the industry in later years.

Isaac Larian, with his continuous entrepreneurial passion and spirit of innovation, has created several globally popular brands.

In 2001, he launched the Bratz dolls, which challenged Barbie's market position with their bold fashion style and diverse images, becoming a cultural icon for a generation. Subsequently, he sparked a trend with the L.O.L. Surprise! dolls, creating a blind box unboxing experience that set off the most influential toy craze of the past decade.

Isaac Larian and Bratz dolls

Today, MGA Entertainment has become one of the largest privately held toy companies in the world, with annual retail sales reaching billions of dollars, and is therefore regarded as a representative figure that continually disrupts traditional market patterns.

Melissa & Doug was founded by Melissa and Doug Bernstein in 1988 and has become known for its wooden puzzles, role-play sets, arts and crafts, and educational toys. The brand eventually developed into the largest preschool toy brand in the United States. They consistently advocate for open-ended play, emphasizing the importance of children developing creativity and problem-solving skills through independent exploration in an environment free from screen distractions.

For over thirty years, their products have accompanied countless families and become synonymous with toys for preschool children in the United States. Melissa herself has personally designed over five thousand toys, and these creations are regarded as durable and classic childhood memories that can be passed down through generations. In 2024, Melissa & Doug was acquired by Spin Master.