|
Post by mrjayberry on Jul 26, 2008 0:05:29 GMT -6
I assume kids still do play with action figures, the window may be getting smaller, I don't know when society starts to pressure kids to not play with figures anymore in my day it was 6th grade to jr. high.
Still though how many people do you know collect say, Ben 10 toys (one on this board that I know of but still), yet I'm continueing to see new waves released of them. So just because kids don't care about Star Wars who appear both overpriced and of lower play quality or Marvel Legends doesn't mean they don't have their own toylines to worry about.
|
|
|
Post by spankweasel on Jul 26, 2008 15:47:46 GMT -6
I just noticed at my local wal-mart, that the action figure isle, which consisted of only action figures on both side now has been cut to about 3/4 of figures to now accompany lego sets, which now has taken over 1/3 the action figure isle. I don't know if this only at my local w-mart.
Plus walking down the figure isle, I noticed that about 3/4 of that is retro or reissues of vintage 80's lines and only 1/3 were new product from new franchises.. but these new lines are based on movies & TV shows. not many or any are created without automatic name recognition. Not like in our day, man-tech other world, earth force, etc. Just a thought.
|
|
dirtytoytrunk
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by dirtytoytrunk on Jul 27, 2008 9:34:27 GMT -6
When I was younger kids really had great imaginations; whatever happened to making a fort out of a blanket and two chairs. Or getting your friends together and playing "war" with your Star Wars action figures; or any action figures for that matter. We didn't need movies because we could make up an entire story and develope every character in that story with just our imaginations and a few action figures. Nowadays, kids sit on the couch and get fat playing video games. So have video games killed imagination and creativity the way video killed the radio star. I certainly hope not; however I can't help but notice the fact that Toys R Us is empty and falling apart when I drop in, and the few customers I see there are older people; where the hell are the children. Then I go down to Game Stop and not only are their stores well kept, but they're packed with young and older customers. I say down with video games. Or maybe I'm wrong; I would definitely appreciate a different opinion on the matter.
|
|
ludevig
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by ludevig on Jul 27, 2008 9:49:08 GMT -6
I would say they have, that and tv shows. How many shows have you seen that never ended up getting a toy line (Skysurfer Strike Force, Roswell Conspiracies etc) On kids tv now is a lot of shows that figures wouldn't work for. They are live action sit coms really or simple animation like Ed, Edd and Eddie, Too many contributing factors have led to the downfall of the toy aisle. I think pricing is another issue.
|
|
dirtytoytrunk
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by dirtytoytrunk on Jul 27, 2008 14:11:24 GMT -6
I just noticed at my local wal-mart, that the action figure isle, which consisted of only action figures on both side now has been cut to about 3/4 of figures to now accompany lego sets, which now has taken over 1/3 the action figure isle. I don't know if this only at my local w-mart. Plus walking down the figure isle, I noticed that about 3/4 of that is retro or reissues of vintage 80's lines and only 1/3 were new product from new franchises.. but these new lines are based on movies & TV shows. not many or any are created without automatic name recognition. Not like in our day, man-tech other world, earth force, etc. Just a thought. I've noticed the same thing at every Wal-Mart I've been in. The youth of today just doesn't have the creativity and imagination to play with action figures. They're to busy sitting around, playing video games, eating fast food, and getting fat.
|
|
joshtx
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by joshtx on Aug 1, 2008 1:52:12 GMT -6
It's not right to blame video games for children being obese or not having imaginations. Maybe blame the parents, but not the games. Being a longtime gamer myself, I like to think of myself as the anti-stereotype when it comes to that kind of thing, as I've kept myself in relatively great physical condition and have maintained school, work, and social commitments while gaming. I believe gaming can be easily abused, and a hobby can turn to an addiction if you have no discipline. But I don't believe gaming should be labeled and instantly "blamed" for kids not turning out the way people want. 90% of the time it is used as a scapegoat for bad parenting.
|
|
|
Post by dannyrand on Aug 1, 2008 8:53:35 GMT -6
I'd have to say Yes. Although, there are a lot of kids out there that have and play with action figures albeit a lot less time is spent compared to when I was I kid, I'd guess.
-Chad
|
|
ludevig
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by ludevig on Aug 1, 2008 9:44:14 GMT -6
I remember when the original NES came out, i played it for hours some days but still ended the day by playing with my figures. Plus if i was a kid now i'd rather spend under $10 for figures than $20 or more for a video game with a pre-written story with no real change in the way the game is played. Also in the older games you could play a level in 5 minutes but now you can have battles (using Final Fantasy games as an example here) where just one battle can last 30 mins. I think ipods, cell phones, the whole download and digital era has been thrust on the kids now but you hardly see any toy commercials. There will always be a market for figures but even the video game industry is taking a blow too. The video game stores where i live usually have 16 yr old and up regular customers. The younger kids (my stepdaughter is 11) have SO much homework to do now it's crazy. They don't have time for playing much anymore. When i was 11 my homework never went more than 1 hour, my stepdaughter can sometimes have 3 hours of homework and after the summer she goes into middle school where she will have even more homework. There are so many contributing factors when it comes to the decline of kids in the toy aisles but as a parent i will always take my kids to the toy aisle as to me the toy aisle was and is a magical place.
|
|
|
Post by dannyrand on Aug 1, 2008 10:15:44 GMT -6
I equate this same question to the comic book industry. It seems to me that most comic collectors (such as myself) have a median age of 35. Back in the 80's a ton of kids my age (7-14) were into comics and action figures.
Now those days are gone. On a Wednesday or even Saturday, kids at the comic shop are far and few between. A lot of action figures being produced today are specifically targeted towards collectors. A $20 DC direct figure doesn't equal the entertainment value of a $40 video game. Likewise a $3.00 comic for 15-30 mins of entertainment does not equal hours of gameplay for $40.
-Chad
|
|
joshtx
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by joshtx on Aug 1, 2008 10:38:39 GMT -6
Yeah I can definetly see that, Chad, being a comic collector as well myself. I don't have alot of free money to throw about these days and I've noticed what has suffered probably the most is my comic book budget. I used to get the Amazing Spider-man every month or twice a month if they were doing it, but it got to be too much and now I just occasionally hit the comic store when I get the itch. I've spent more on videogames because you are right, they do provide more entertainment value for the money.
|
|
|
Post by spankweasel on Aug 1, 2008 12:28:34 GMT -6
I think that video games did not bring the downfall of action figures, because as mentioned by some, NES, Sega, Atari, Commodore & TI all had video game systems back in the late 70's well into the 80's before playstation and Xbox took over. The only difference in the price that these games go for today. compare a NES on the shelves in 85, what was the price of it. 20 bucks or so, but today's games all start at the 40 bucks range and higher. Plus look at the sticker price of some of your vintage 70's & 80's figures. I have Indiana Jones toth MOC and the retail price was $2.89 and that's not even discounted. the new jones figures go for double, triple that when new. kids, before they get a job and start paying things for themselves, have to relie on mom & dad to get their toys and it's probably a toss up between a 10.00 figure or a 40-60 dollar video game that the child desperately want. now add in the tanking economy and there may lie your answer. maybe, I'm wrong.
|
|
barbecue17
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by barbecue17 on Aug 1, 2008 13:00:43 GMT -6
Hey all, new here. I've been posting mainly in the ID marketplace.
I'm 24, soon to be 25, so I definitely grew up with most of the classic 80's and early 90's toylines. I think the greatest thing that has changed the toy aisle is that kids are facing increased pressure to grow up earlier these days. Even in the mid/late 90's when I was in 8th grade, my friends and I were still picking up action figures to play with. Sure, as we got older, we goofed around with them more and played with them less, but we had no qualms about enjoying ourselves.
Kids today seem to be facing increased pressure to grow up faster. Instead of wanting gameboys, they want cell phones. Instead of wanting nintendos, they want laptops, and instead of wanting toys they want designer clothes and accessories. I work with middle and high school kids, and find that a good majority of them believe that they are too cool for most things designed for their ages. The most popular items with the younger crowd are those thigns that make them feel the most grown up, which toys rarely do (which is why I love them) Video games have bridged the gap, it seems, between "toy" and "computer," so it tends to be where young people get their play time. Still fun, yet acceptable for the "mature, hip crowd." While I am an avid gamer myself, action figures are still my number one hobby, and I find that when they are displayed in a cool, fun way, most people are impressed with them. For many, it stirs up fond memories of childhood! The games aren't really the problem, though, it is the fact that we want kids to grow up too fast these days. I'm a graduate student working on two Master's degrees, so i definitely believe that education is important, but do we really need to be pushing and pressuring grade schoolers and middle schoolers to think about college? Many parents these days are so focused on producing successful young adults that they forget about letting them ever be children.
|
|
|
Post by dannyrand on Aug 1, 2008 13:04:56 GMT -6
I think that video games did not bring the downfall of action figures, because as mentioned by some, NES, Sega, Atari, Commodore & TI all had video game systems back in the late 70's well into the 80's before playstation and Xbox took over. The only difference in the price that these games go for today. compare a NES on the shelves in 85, what was the price of it. 20 bucks or so, but today's games all start at the 40 bucks range and higher. Plus look at the sticker price of some of your vintage 70's & 80's figures. I have Indiana Jones toth MOC and the retail price was $2.89 and that's not even discounted. the new jones figures go for double, triple that when new. kids, before they get a job and start paying things for themselves, have to relie on mom & dad to get their toys and it's probably a toss up between a 10.00 figure or a 40-60 dollar video game that the child desperately want. now add in the tanking economy and there may lie your answer. maybe, I'm wrong. some good points Spank. The games of today are so much more involved than the ol' screen scrollers of yesteryear. A combination of that and kids seem to be lacking the imagination due to readily available technology. Geesh, I'm starting to sound like a grumpy old man -Chad
|
|
|
Post by dannyrand on Aug 1, 2008 13:07:47 GMT -6
Hey all, new here. I've been posting mainly in the ID marketplace. I'm 24, soon to be 25, so I definitely grew up with most of the classic 80's and early 90's toylines. I think the greatest thing that has changed the toy aisle is that kids are facing increased pressure to grow up earlier these days. Even in the mid/late 90's when I was in 8th grade, my friends and I were still picking up action figures to play with. Sure, as we got older, we goofed around with them more and played with them less, but we had no qualms about enjoying ourselves. Kids today seem to be facing increased pressure to grow up faster. Instead of wanting gameboys, they want cell phones. Instead of wanting nintendos, they want laptops, and instead of wanting toys they want designer clothes and accessories. I work with middle and high school kids, and find that a good majority of them believe that they are too cool for most things designed for their ages. The most popular items with the younger crowd are those thigns that make them feel the most grown up, which toys rarely do (which is why I love them) Video games have bridged the gap, it seems, between "toy" and "computer," so it tends to be where young people get their play time. Still fun, yet acceptable for the "mature, hip crowd." While I am an avid gamer myself, action figures are still my number one hobby, and I find that when they are displayed in a cool, fun way, most people are impressed with them. For many, it stirs up fond memories of childhood! The games aren't really the problem, though, it is the fact that we want kids to grow up too fast these days. I'm a graduate student working on two Master's degrees, so i definitely believe that education is important, but do we really need to be pushing and pressuring grade schoolers and middle schoolers to think about college? Many parents these days are so focused on producing successful young adults that they forget about letting them ever be children. Hey Barbecue, what are your thoughts of muli-media in the classroom. A little off topic, but I attended an interesting panel discussion about this at Comic Con. -Chad
|
|
|
Post by spankweasel on Aug 1, 2008 14:02:12 GMT -6
Thanks dannyrand. I also think about the fact that if you look at toys and kids before 1963-64 when G.I. Joe originally came out. what kids played with and played in the 50's was a direct correlation with TV & technology. TV was new in the 50's and westerns, Sci-fi & superman were on, so all kids had cap guns and superman, hopalong cassidy & roy rogers lunchboxes. I think that ultimately, the child will evolve along with the technology, with the Wii and the next Gen systems taking over. television today has more choices than we had and movies have CG that gives reality to anyone's imagination. Go to the toy store and look at all the non action figures toys and see how many of them are technologically advanced and think, would you want to play with a gun that can track and kill small animals with night vision and GPS* or play with a G.I. joe with 12 points of articulation. Eventually the kids of today will have children with newer and more fantastic technology that puts the stuff we have now to shame, and they might not embrace their parent's "ancient" playthings. I understand and fully embrace the imagination and creativity factor, but were from a different era and maybe we would think differently if we were kids today. I'm just glad I can enjoy the imagination of action figures of my youth and embrace video games of today as well, but I would not have changed my childhood to any other time.
(*I do not condone the killing of small animals for fun, maybe for good eatin' and to make furry or feathery socks, but that is all. thank you, from the management.)
|
|
spockoda
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by spockoda on Aug 1, 2008 15:23:05 GMT -6
I still say kids today want something to entertain THEM,they don't want anything they would have to put out too much effort to entertain themselves with. I'm not an expert,but I feel this is an issue of society today,with video games playing a part but they aren't the whole issue. Just my opinion.
|
|
barbecue17
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by barbecue17 on Aug 1, 2008 16:05:34 GMT -6
Hey Barbecue, what are your thoughts of muli-media in the classroom. A little off topic, but I attended an interesting panel discussion about this at Comic Con. -Chad [/quote] multi-media presentation in the classroom, properly implemented, is absolutely one of the best ways to teach anything by both making it interesting and making it accessible to a diverse group. A large part of my grad education has focused on how to prepare and implment lesson plans using multi media resources: video clips, images, music, and traditional teaching methods. Just a few weeks ago, one of my classes brought in a guest lecturer who used a multi-media presentation to teach our class about Jewish feasts and festivals. Not only did he use lecturing and images, but he also brought in a scale model of the Jewish tabernacle depiced in the Hebrew Pentateuch. This model was really neat: the figures were like sized like little army men, and the tabernacle was made out of cloth with real rope and metal rings. While his lecture was good, the extra images supplied by the lecturer, such as actually seeing a scale model, really helped me to grasp the material. That is quite interesting that they had a panel on multimedia in the classroom at SDCC.
|
|
aeutlutian
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by aeutlutian on Aug 1, 2008 17:48:31 GMT -6
I know video game collecting for myself has taken over my action figure collection, as a matter of fact I have only a very few figures out on the shelves anymore, all my shelves are consumed by video game collecting , I have 16 consoles up and running on one tv , I have many drawers filled with games , bottom line My action figures just sit there and my video games satisfy entertainment needs and my collector needs , ,
Also video games have easter eggs and hidden messages and cool history , my action figures just sit on my shelf , ,,,,I do love them though,
|
|
spockoda
Guest
May 16, 2024 22:54:11 GMT -6
|
Post by spockoda on Aug 1, 2008 21:56:10 GMT -6
I know video game collecting for myself has taken over my action figure collection, as a matter of fact I have only a very few figures out on the shelves anymore, all my shelves are consumed by video game collecting , I have 16 consoles up and running on one tv , I have many drawers filled with games , bottom line My action figures just sit there and my video games satisfy entertainment needs and my collector needs , , Also video games have easter eggs and hidden messages and cool history , my action figures just sit on my shelf , ,,,,I do love them though, This is exactly my point....the figures don't "do anything". They do require a degree of good old imagination. Although this instance is different,you being of adult age,you don't buy figures with the expectation of taking them home to "play with".
|
|
|
Post by dannyrand on Aug 4, 2008 18:32:48 GMT -6
Hey Barbecue, what are your thoughts of muli-media in the classroom. A little off topic, but I attended an interesting panel discussion about this at Comic Con. -Chad multi-media presentation in the classroom, properly implemented, is absolutely one of the best ways to teach anything by both making it interesting and making it accessible to a diverse group. A large part of my grad education has focused on how to prepare and implment lesson plans using multi media resources: video clips, images, music, and traditional teaching methods. Just a few weeks ago, one of my classes brought in a guest lecturer who used a multi-media presentation to teach our class about Jewish feasts and festivals. Not only did he use lecturing and images, but he also brought in a scale model of the Jewish tabernacle depiced in the Hebrew Pentateuch. This model was really neat: the figures were like sized like little army men, and the tabernacle was made out of cloth with real rope and metal rings. While his lecture was good, the extra images supplied by the lecturer, such as actually seeing a scale model, really helped me to grasp the material. That is quite interesting that they had a panel on multimedia in the classroom at SDCC.[/quote] That makes perfect sense to me. The panel was pretty cool. The legalities of implementation and content were big issues with adopting classroom multimedia. Teachers seem all for it but education boards seem a little reluctant due to potential legal issues. -Chad
|
|