31 Jan Funko Games Expands Presence in Oceania, Partners with Big Wheel Toys and Let’s Play Games
Funko Games Expands Presence in Australia and New Zealand
Acclaimed Studio Announces Partnerships with Oceania-Based Distributors
Seattle (January 31, 2023) – Funko Games, today, announced its expansion in Australia and New Zealand with distribution partners Big Wheel Toys and Let’s Play Games. These partnerships are the latest moves for Funko Games as it continues to grow its worldwide presence and connect more families and fans through immersive board game experiences.
“Regional partners like Big Wheel Toys and Let’s Play Games will be an essential component to our growth in the coming years,” said Deirdre Cross, General Manager of Funko Games. “Both companies have a track record of strategic, sustainable growth across the Oceanic region and we’re confident that they’ll be able to help us bring the best quality game experiences to fans and families in Australia and New Zealand.”
The toy and games industry is on the rise in both countries. According to market research firm Statista, the toy market in Oceania is currently worth $1.39 billion dollars (USD), and is expected to increase 5.68% annually through 2026.
“Over the past decade, board games sales in our region have grown extensively and I’m confident that Funko Games products will be a key component in the next stage of growth,” elaborated Nicholas Rappo, General Manager of Let’s Play Games. “Funko Games is a powerhouse creator of tabletop games experiences, and their products align perfectly with Let’s Play Games’ deep connection with hobby retailers.”
Founded as a brick-and-mortar store in 2006, Let’s Play Games has since become the premier distributor of tabletop games in Australia and will leverage connections with key gaming communities to ensure Funko Games are available and accessible at local retailers. Meanwhile the award-winning Big Wheel Toys will support Funko Games through its network of major retailers in the region, developed through relationships with some of the world’s most recognized toy brands.
“Big Wheel Toys shares Funko Games’ passion for pop culture, entertainment, and all things fun,” said Cameron Stewart, the owner of Big Wheel Toys. “This is not only a fantastic opportunity for us but also for Australian retailers to support one of the fastest growing game companies in the world.”
The distribution partnerships will enable customers and fans to find Funko Games games on store shelves in early 2023.
About Funko Games
Funko Games, home to legendary game design studio Prospero Hall, is the creator of hundreds of popular games played by millions of fans and generations of families worldwide. Since 2019, Funko Games has created nearly 200 original board game experiences – bringing favorite movies, characters, stories, and fandoms to life through gameplay. Funko Games shares Funko’s passions for pop culture, entertainment, and all things fun while embracing the ideals of invention, design, and playtesting to create tabletop classics that delight, entertain, and inspire gamers of all experience levels. For more information, follow @FunkoGames on Twitter or visit the website at www.funkogames.com.
About Big Wheel Toys
Big Wheel Toys is based in Melbourne, Australia and was founded in 2014. We have built a strong reputation for sourcing world class toys & games for retailers and consumers, including licensed products from LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro and Funko games. We are also proud to have won three Australian Toy Of The Year awards!
For more information, follow @bigwheeltoys on Instagram or visit the website at www.bigwheeltoys.com.au
About Let’s Play Games
Let’s Play Games (LPG), based in Sydney, is Australia’s premier distributor of tabletop gaming products. Founded in 2011, LPG is staffed by game experts with a deep personal and professional commitment to supporting tabletop retailers across Australia and New Zealand.
To learn more about Let’s Play Games, please visit letsplaygames.com.au
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Contact:
42West/BHI, on behalf of Funko Games
Jonah Keel