[trebleshot]

It's a very risky market these days and given the status of the economy, I think most toy companies would rather back proven concepts for the short-term and occasionally test the waters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxBart

When I wander down the Preschool/Baby toy Aisle, I see some very large & intricate items (see the playstations and bouncers, or plastic play kitchens and such). These things, I am estimating, contain the same amount of Plastic as the U.S.S. Flagg. Yet for the most part, they cost less than $100. I sometimes wonder if the toy lines with adult collectors are subsidising the baby and toddler toys, but I digress.

Take it from a father: babies are expensive all by themselves. If toys for them were as expensive as action figures, then very few parents would buy them.

Having said that, the price difference is most likely due to the exta R&D and licensing that goes into the action figures. Face it, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to come up with a plastic stove these days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmacq1

Hasbro's been asked about the "build a playset" idea over and over and over and over again, and they've very consistently said "no, no, no, and no."

Given the massive failure of Playmates' Star Trek attempt to utilize that very concept, I don't see Hasbro changing their mind anytime soon.

I think the problem with the Star Trek set was the same problem all BAF-style toys have: if you can't complete the set (or figure), what you have feels incomplete and less appealing (or outright useless, depending on what you have).