Play professionals and toy fans from around the globe gathered virtually on February 12th, 20201 to honor the year's most outstanding playthings and inspiring individuals at The Toy Association's 21st annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards and Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Proceeds from the TOTY awards program support the charitable work of The Toy Foundation. The Pokémon Company International won Game of the Year for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy.

The Pokémon Company International Wins Game of the Year at the 2021 Toy of the Year Awards

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy Recognized for Being an Ideal Board Game for Families

Bellevue, Wash.—Feb. 15, 2021—The Pokémon Company International announced today that the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Battle Academy, the first-ever board game adaptation of the iconic Pokémon TCG, has been awarded Game of the Year at The Toy Association’s 2021 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards.

Known as the “Oscars” of the toy industry, the annual TOTY Awards celebrate the top toys, games, and children’s properties, with winners decided by votes cast by the public and industry, based on a pool of finalists determined by expert judges. The coveted Game of the Year category is evaluated based on the product’s creativity, design, playability, and marketing.

“The Pokémon TCG is a cornerstone of the brand, and with Battle Academy, our mission is to give families a fun and accessible way to spend quality time together,” said Barry Sams, vice president of Pokémon Trading Card Game at The Pokémon Company International. “We are thrilled that Battle Academy has been recognized for these efforts, and it’s rewarding to see so many kids bonding with parents over their love of Pokémon TCG cards.”

Battle Academy reimagines the classic Pokémon TCG, one of the most beloved and best-selling trading card games in the world, as an easy-to-learn and fun-to-play experience for the whole family, including parents and children who may be new to the game, by providing everything a “Trainer” needs to master the basics of the Pokémon TCG.