Why no Mega Blocks Transformers?

[Bruticus82]

So I was reading an article about MEGA Brands, the people who make Mega Blocks and Neoshifters, among others. I read this:

"Mr. Muller also argues Mega Brands has not taken full advantage on former licences it held in the past for brands such as Transformers."
Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/mega-brands-hitches-fortunes-to-thomas/article1168118/

How could they have the transformers license for a building toy, and then not capitalize on that? Is it just me or does this seem like a really dumb move on their part?

I mean, I guess Neoshifters were kind of transformers, but if they had the transformers brand, all they had to do was slap the name on that line and they would have seen an increase in sales!

Speaking of which, anyone know who has the license now? I've never seen any announcement about it...

[onecoin]

I think building block TF's were only explored with Transformers Armada. Which we all know was a failure, I still see the toys at the local liquidator.

Plus I don't think there is a marketable opening for them to exploit within the range of TF Toy merchandise. TF's are already pretty interactive. And now there is a broad range of detailing and complexity within Hasbro's own line up. From RPM right up to Supreme Class.

I just don't think a blocky TF can compete. Unless it was something like Technic, but the even the Lego technic line has been lind up more as an exploratory brand rather than a model building on.

[JLvatron]

I don't believe Mega Brands ever had the Transformers license. Hasbro made 'Built To Rule' BTR toys for TFs and GIJ.

[edit] Didn't they?

[onecoin]

Originally Posted by JLvatron

I don't believe Mega Brands ever had the Transformers license. Hasbro made 'Built To Rule' BTR toys for TFs and GIJ.

Oh yeah. I just keep thinking it was Mega Brands. regardless who had it was fail.

[Bruticus82]

Originally Posted by JLvatron

I don't believe Mega Brands ever had the Transformers license. Hasbro made 'Built To Rule' BTR toys for TFs and GIJ.

[edit] Didn't they?

The BTR ones may have been made by Hasbro, but the article says rather clearly that at some point in the past they had the Transformers licenese, and they failed to capitalize on it. I'm not sure at what point in time that was, or who has it now.

It's also quite possible they just bought it to prevent other companies from using it. But I'm still surprised they didn't just slap the Transformers name on something like Neoshifters.

[onecoin]

Did you get this from today's announcement about the acquisition of the Halo license?

[Bruticus82]

Originally Posted by onecoin

Did you get this from today's announcement about the acquisition of the Halo license?

Actually the link is about their acquisition of the Thomas the Tank Engine license, which they acquired, ending Lego's relationship with Thomas.

Although I do remember them acquiring Halo too. Where are those products?

[onecoin]

Originally Posted by Bruticus82

Actually the link is about their acquisition of the Thomas the Tank Engine license, which they acquired, ending Lego's relationship with Thomas.

Although I do remember them acquiring Halo too. Where are those products?

They're actually creating new blocks just for Halo, and other 14 plus oriented licenses.

[JLvatron]

Originally Posted by onecoin

Oh yeah. I just keep thinking it was Mega Brands. regardless who had it was fail.

The BTR's were compatible with other block toys (Lego & Megablocks), which was cool.
The problem was how they were designed to LEGOform: disassemble blocks then reassemble, not actually TRANSform.
Proving they had no moral control.

Also, some pieces were sharp compared to Lego.

[Pascal]

To be successful, Lego Transformers need to transform. Like that Japanese G1 Prime Lego-former. Otherwise it's pointless.