I say apply if you haven't already. You got nothing to lose!

 

Here you go MP design haters, the chance to make a change!

 

That would be Takara-Tomy, not Hasbro.

 

I've heard that multiple times and earlier I was just repeating what was said, but where did we learn of this? I mean it makes sense but I just wanted to know where the info came from.

 

I don’t remember where/when that info was originally officially confirmed. We’ve known for years that aside from the original 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime (a.k.a. MP-1), the Masterpiece line is primarily designed by Takara-Tomy for the Japanese market. Hasbro’s involvement doesn’t go beyond distribution, except in the cases where their domestic releases required remolded parts due to safety regulations.

If I’m mistaken on any of this and someone has any corrections or additional info, please chime in.  

 

I know it's gotta be confirmed somewhere as yeah, it does make sense. When I was at Hascon, I could find people who designed Marvel Legends figures (they were cool guys and told me a lot of information I don't think I would have known otherwise) but I couldn't find anyone involved in designing TF toys. I mean, they had their brand team and I think there was an artist but no actual toy designers.

 

C’mon guys...we need a mole on the inside...

 

I’m pretty sure it was mentioned in an interview or two with Hasbro and/or Takara-Tomy team members. It’s just been so long that I’d have to do more searching than I’d care to at the moment to find a link.  

Members of the MP design team have made appearances at conventions and toy shows, mostly in Japan but I think they’ve been at some US events too.

 

Being that everything MP related is in Japanese ,safe bet that it's Takara's baby.  

 

I'm to lazy to find the link  , but if you look at the Vintage g1 Optimus thread or the Studio series reveals thread from fan expo Canada. I posted a link somewhere to a live QNA with Warden. In the QNA I believe one the questions asked was if Hasbro had any influence or part in developing the MP line. The answer was Basically, no Hasbro has no part in helping develop the "main MP line". Another thing he said is basically Hasbro wouldn't know what MP's Takara is making/working on until the brand team took one of their many trips to Japan and Takara would show them. Warden's response would be "oh cool you guys are making that!"

He finished the question by saying that Hasbro plans on to continue importing Takara's "main" MP line via Hasbro pulse and other fan channels for the NA market's. He also said MPM's are another story Hasbro has a direct part with Takara with helping develop and making them.​

 

Thanks! I knew something like that was out there somewhere. And I completely spaced mentioning Hasbro's involvement in the MPMs, so thanks for filling in that gap.  

 

Sounds cool, but i think that\'s too serious thing for minors
So not for me yet.

 

I can think of several folks that 3d print stuff over on Radicons that need to apply.

 

How cool. If any of you are applying, my fingers are crossed.

 

As a G1 fan, who grew up with G1 before there even was a "G1"...let me say this. Come up with SOMETHING NEW.
Millions of years of TF history, and here comes another Sideswipe toy.

 

Pretty sure they'd have to sign some sort of employment NDA.