The Sphero remote-controlled BB-8 is among one of the most iconic products to have been released alongside The Force Awakens in 2015. Since then, Sphero updated BB-8 with a Force Band and also brought out working three-legged astromech droids R2-D2 and R2-Q5. The business has grown at a phenomenal rate encompassing products from other licences including Cars and Spider-Man.
However, the firm’s CEO Paul Berberian has stated that its licensed toys business required “more resources than it was worth”. The toys reportedly sold well when released with a movie, but interest waned over time as the movie became more distant. The firm has confirmed that they will be clearing out its remaining licensed inventory and won’t be restocking supply. App support will continue for “at least two years, if not longer,” said Berberian.
The company still sold ‘millions’ of BB-8s but company data has suggested that the toys weren’t used much after initial play time.
“When you launch a toy, your first year’s your biggest,” he said. “Your second year’s way smaller and your third year gets really tiny.”
However, Berberian has stated that of the company’s non-licensed educational robots, the opposite is true.
The company is now focusing on building out its educational ecosystem with a particular interest in getting more products into schools. The firm has also recently released a programmable robot with LED lights and acquired Specdrums.
This is sad news indeed, but if you still want your own astromech we suggest you get one on deep discount whilst stocks last — happy hunting!
