[webz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neoblackdragon

I think you misunderstood me. I'm not speaking of a Monopoly in that Hasbro owns all the brands that the US govt needs to step in. I'm speaking of how rivals can improve your own product/work. If your brand is the only on on the shelf, you have no reason to improve.

The only thing holding the toy industry back is cost and the technology of production, not competition. Playmates hired expensive sculptors to make the faces of the Star Trek figures back in the early 90's. These were as close to lifelike as anyone had seen back then. No one else felt compelled to copy them, it was too expensive. Now, with face printing technology, every brand based on a likeness can do it, even the $9 WWE toys. The biggest dilemma for Hasbro, Mattel, McFarlane, and every other toy company is "What can we make that fits Walmart & Target's price structure" That's it. The companies look at each other for inspiration, and they cannibalize each other's talent, but it's closer to the rivalry of DC & Marvel than it is Ford and Chevy.