Tucked away in the heart of east London, Ministry of Stories is a charity that aims to encourage the artist in every child, through after-school clubs based in creativity and collaboration. We chat with the team behind it about how it works
James Corden isn’t the most obvious choice as brand ambassador for a Japanese skincare range, but SK-II has proven that beauty and humour don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We speak to CEO Sandeep Seth about the brand’s refreshingly playful ethos
The skateboarding brand has broadened its appeal, attracting everyone from the halfpipe to the runway to the football pitch, but it’s still held onto its playful spirit. We talk to MPC’s Richard Skinner about creating fun ads for the brand, even as the stakes get higher
Gaming’s creeping influence is being felt across the creative industry, particularly in immersive entertainment. We find out why there’s so much to learn from it, and how a generation that’s grown up playing games is now rethinking the way narrative works
Mobile gaming has come a long way since the days of Snake. But with so many titles now competing for attention, how do you create something that stands out? We explore what makes for a great experience – and what we can learn from successful titles
Technology may be reshaping how we engage with urban spaces, but does it risk sucking the life out of them in the process? We explore some of the creative projects that are making our cities more playful
German store Hornbach has established itself as the cathedral of DIY, with years of tongue-in-cheek advertising that’s appealed to home improvers’ sense of humour. We delve into why it works so well, and what it can teach advertisers about the current mania for purpose
With Ikea’s annual soft toy drawing contest as popular as ever, CR speaks to Bodil Fritjofsson about how they’re making dreams come true one soft toy at a time
Esports have rapidly evolved into a billion dollar industry, but it’s still often deemed the “wild west” for brands. We speak to experts from Copa90 and 72andSunny Amsterdam about why it’s such a complex landscape, and what potential opportunities and pitfalls brands need to look out for
We explore the trends and issues that are shaping toy and game design – and what these tell us about the times we live in
Designing toys has become a seamless part of Gary Card’s practice, which has brought him dream collaborations and a host of weird and wonderful characters
There’s more to creating a playful culture than installing ball pits and pool tables. We talk to Franz Blach, MD at IDEO in Munich, about the importance of ‘playing with purpose’
For nine years, console company Analogue has been helping people rediscover gaming’s past, and highlighting its hugely creative heritage along the way. We met its founder to discuss what makes the history of game play so fascinating, and why it goes far beyond nostalgia
Created by Emily Oberman, the refreshed identity sits alongside a new brand strategy led by Wieden+Kennedy featuring the simple tagline: Let’s be kids
Cas Holman’s play experiences have inspired a whole generation of children to build their own worlds out of simple blocks and shapes – just don’t call her a toy designer
The duo behind hit strategy game Bad North discuss what it takes for independent games studios to stand out, and how our definition and understanding of play is evolving
With its surreal ads and cheerful branding, Mailchimp has shown that B2B marketing doesn’t have to be dull and boring. We talk to head of brand Mark DiCristina about how its playful approach helped Mailchimp become a $4 billion business
The act of playing is one of the hallmarks of childhood, but could it also be the secret to success and happiness in our working lives? CR investigates
Illustrator and toy maker Ed Cheverton uses found objects and silly faces to create toys that are a collectible extension of his artistic practice
During the 20th century, the concept of play blossomed as its creative and educational benefits were revealed. We talk to Shamita Sharmacharja, co-curator of Play Well, an exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London, about its evolution