India Theme.

[Pynedor]

Depends on the anime genre. Some of it is not too out there.

I agree. Some of it is quite cool, but a lot of it is also quite bizarre and exaggerated, and Playmobil seems to me to be more realistic than that, even within its fantasy limits.

Anyhow, I don't see them succeeding with an ancient Chinese theme, unless a big movie or something comes out around the same time. Ancient worlds are probably more interesting to collectors than your average kid.

I've heard from many that the Roman theme did very well, so that could prove that ancient themes can do well in the market. But, of course, ancient Rome is probably more known in the markets where Playmobil is promoted than ancient China or India. Rhalius's suggestion of a more Medieval-era India would be accepted quite well though I think, especially because the sets and parts could be so easily intermingled with other themes or sub-themes, like the Crusaders, merchants and traders, Egyptians, and many others.

[Rhalius]

I don't think movie releases have much to do with playmobil's plans. Granted, the last pirate batch seems inspired by pirates of the carribean, but playmobil have had pirates in store since the late seventies with movies in the genre being very rare.

Same for western, although its been gone for some years its back now without any recent cowboy movies. And Cavemen, and egyptians.. Not sure how well the cavemen are selling though.

[Ismene]

I don't think that Playmobil releases most sets with movies in mind. However, if there are popular movies in that genre, then the theme is likely to sell well. The Roman theme had "Gladiator". Even if it's not a kids' movie, I guarantee some children saw it, and those who didn't probably thought it must be cool because their parents watched it but wouldn't let them.

And there is plenty of reasonably realistic anime out there, though I think a lot of it is geared towards girls more than boys. A lot of boy anime have fantasy elements, while many girl anime are more focused on romance.

[Rhalius]

Considering how that Lego even releases lego versions of movies that are not appropriate for children to watch, playmobil seems to be wise to not be influenced by movies so much.
I am pretty sure that children would be shocked to see a guy melt at the end of the first indiana jones movie, seeing a guy get his arm cut off in star wars, so I am really having the idea they focus too much on profits than on whats good for children.

Many playmobil themes could work, as long as they properly advertise it and have a sense of unity amongst the sets.. that the entire theme combined gives something wonderfull. If its just a fort with soldiers, it wont add anything since thats done with medieval already. 

[Ismene]

Sadly, a LOT of American children do watch completely inappropriate movies. They're not shocked by anything. And Lego purposely profits off of this. I had an 8-year-old tell me his favorite movie is the Exorcist. 

[Rhalius]

Of course parents need to take their responsibility when it comes to what is and isnt appropriate for their children, but producers of toys have a responsibility as well.

After children play with indiana jones lego and play the indiana jones lego games, they will want to see those movies. Its just a bit odd to make toys from a movie that would probably give most kids nightmares, and arent even allowed to watch due to a 12+ or even 16+ rating.
I am pretty sure lord of the rings has a 16+ rating  due to rather graphic violence, yet lego makes toys focusing on it while those movies would probably not even be that interesting to any child under ten due to the amount of dialogue.

[Pynedor]

I'd certainly agree with both of you about children watching movies hat ought not to, but I would also say that no one should watch some of those movies, namely the modern ones with the excessive swearing and unjust violence. It's very disappointing that some parents allow their children to watch that stuff, but it's even more disappointing that the culture has lead to such things being appropriate for anyone.

Back to the India theme though, there would be plenty of ways to make completely peaceful sets, as you've mentioned!

[bonniebeth]

I'd certainly agree with both of you about children watching movies hat ought not to, but I would also say that no one should watch some of those movies, namely the modern ones with the excessive swearing and unjust violence. It's very disappointing that some parents allow their children to watch that stuff, but it's even more disappointing that the culture has lead to such things being appropriate for anyone.

I agree with every word of this! 

But you're right, back to the topic.

[Rasputin]

oh, if there was a historic Indian theme I would love to see the Khajuraho Group of Monuments       

with out it you would have a Roman theme with out an arena, the Egyptians with out the pyramids or the pirate theme with out a ship