New App Encourages Problem-Solving and Creative Thinking, Featuring Open-Ended and Neurodivergent-Friendly Play Experience

February 29, 2024 (EL SEGUNDO, CA)—Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, today announced Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll, a fun, new mobile app, created in partnership with StoryToys and designed under the guidance of neurodiversity consultants. The app is slated to be released during Autism Acceptance Month in April, with pre-orders now live via Google Play and the App Store.

Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll is an app for children ages two to four, fostering problem-solving and creative thinking. Through open-ended play experiences, children can learn independence and strengthen their ability to focus as they join their favorite Thomas & Friends characters on exciting journeys across the Island of Sodor.

“StoryToys has been a wonderful partner in helping bring to life an app that keeps inclusion at the heart of play,” said Mike DeLaet, Global Head of Digital Gaming at Mattel. “This collaboration further propels the ongoing expansion of Mattel’s digital portfolio aimed at providing players of all ages with captivating experiences and first-hand play opportunities with beloved characters like Thomas the Tank Engine, Bruno the Brake Car, Kana, and more.”

In celebration and support of Autism Acceptance Month, Bruno the Brake Car, Thomas & Friends’ first autistic character, will be available free from launch. Introduced in 2022, Bruno was developed in close partnership between Mattel, The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and Easterseals Southern California. Once released, Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll will be supported with ongoing updates, including new characters, locations, and seasonal content, ensuring a consistent flow of learning opportunities for children as they progress.

“It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Mattel to create a safe and accessible environment for all children, both neurodiverse and neurotypical, to learn and play,” said Emmet O’Neill, CEO of StoryToys. “We are committed to ensuring neurodiverse users can have the best possible experience in Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll. Each element of the app has been carefully designed to cater to the diversity of players and to help each one learn life-long skills through play. Children can set their own pace in our app, fostering confidence and autonomy.”

About Mattel:
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

About StoryToys
StoryToys, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Team17 Group plc, creates apps to give parents the peace of mind that their kids are having fun with their favorite characters while also engaging in activities that help them learn and grow.

The company has produced apps with many leading children’s brands, including The LEGO Group, The Walt Disney Company, Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Mattel, Penguin Random House, Warner Bros, Sesame Workshop, Dick Bruna, Hasbro, and Nickelodeon. Key titles include LEGO® DUPLO® WORLD, Disney Coloring World, Marvel HQ, LEGO® DUPLO® MARVEL, LEGO® DUPLO® DISNEY, and Hungry Caterpillar Play School.

For more information about StoryToys, visit www.storytoys.com.