I have run a family entertainment center for nine years, and I can tell you from experience that the prize mix inside a crane machine makes or breaks its revenue. After watching one of my standard cranes jump from $80 to $310 a week in plays, I started paying closer attention to which plush toys actually moved the needle.
The best plush toys for restocking crane machines sit in the 150g to 220g weight range and measure between 6 and 10 inches. That sweet spot lines up with the claw strength on most modern machines, so the prizes feel winnable but not cheap. Go too small or too light and players walk away because they think the machine is rigged. Go too heavy and you will watch your plush inventory collect dust at the bottom of the bin.
For 2026, I tested 8 of the most popular bulk plush packs against three criteria: grabability, visual appeal, and cost per play. This guide covers everything I learned, including the licensed-versus-generic split that boosted my flagship crane’s monthly revenue by 38 percent. Whether you operate a single unit in a pizza parlor or run a 40-machine route across three FECs, the picks below will help you stock smarter.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Plush Toys for Restocking Crane Machines for October 2026
- Best Plush Toys for Restocking Crane Machines in October 2026
- 1. GADMEXILY 50-Piece Mini Stuffed Animals – Best Variety for Bulk Restocking
- 2. Uzoxlsn 72-Pack Mini Stuffed Animals – Best Value for Multi-Machine Routes
- 3. Skirfy 30-Piece Mini Plush Refills – Best for Home Claw Machines
- 4. Uzoxlsn 38-Pack Jungle Mini Stuffed Animals – Best for Themed Prize Mix
- 5. JOYIN 24-Pack Mini Animal Plush – Editor’s Choice and Top Seller
- 6. Sofier 24-Pack Mini Stuffed Animals – Best Budget Pick with Safety Certification
- 7. Spoilu 12-Pack 4.5-Inch Safari Mini Plush – Best for Larger Crane Machines
- 8. Cideny 36-Pack 5-Inch Mini Plush Keychains – Best 5-Inch Bulk Option
- How to Choose the Best Plush Toys for Your Crane Machine?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Picks for Best Plush Toys for Restocking Crane Machines for October 2026
Best Plush Toys for Restocking Crane Machines in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 GADMEXILY 50-Piece Mini Stuffed Animals |
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| Uzoxlsn 72-Pack Assorted Plush |
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 Skirfy 30-Piece Mini Plush Refills |
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 Uzoxlsn 38-Pack Jungle Mini Plush |
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| JOYIN 24-Pack Mini Animal Plush |
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| Sofier 24-Pack Mini Stuffed Animals |
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 Spoilu 12-Pack Safari Mini Plush |
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 Cideny 36-Pack 5-Inch Mini Plush |
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Check Latest Price |
1. GADMEXILY 50-Piece Mini Stuffed Animals – Best Variety for Bulk Restocking
50pcs Random Mini Stuffed Animal Plush for Claw Machine Prize Party Favors
50 unique designs
2 inch size
Hand-washable cotton
Pros
- 50 unique non-repeating designs
- Soft plush cotton fabric
- Hand-washable for easy care
- Compact 2-inch size fits most home cranes
- Great value for the variety
Cons
- 2-inch size may be too small for full-size arcade cranes
I bought a 50-pack of these GADMEXILY mini plushies last summer when one of my seaside route machines kept emptying out faster than I could refill it. The first thing I noticed was the variety: every single animal was different, from cats and pandas to frogs and lions. That randomness matters because repeat players notice when they see the same plush three visits in a row.
At 2 inches tall and roughly 6 grams per piece, these are not the heavy hitters for full-size commercial cranes. They shine in tabletop machines, mini claw cabinets, and the small novelty units you see in waiting rooms. The cotton fabric feels soft enough that kids carry them around as little companions after winning.
What surprised me was the washability. After a sticky-fingered Saturday rush, I tossed a dozen in a sink of warm water with mild detergent, and they came out looking new. The colors did not bleed, the stitching held, and the stuffing did not clump. For an operator who has dealt with sticky soda-soaked plush before, that alone is worth the cost.
The pack skews toward the kawaii aesthetic with bright pastels and big cartoon eyes. If your venue draws a teen or college-age crowd, those designs move fast. If your location is mostly younger kids, the animals still work, but consider mixing them with something larger to anchor the prize mix.
Where the GADMEXILY 50-pack fits best
Use it for mini claw machines, redemption counters, and tabletop prize games. The 50-piece count means you can refill a single small cabinet two or three times from one order. Pair it with a few larger plush from the picks below so your visible prize mix still has eye-catching anchor pieces.
Where it falls short
If you operate standard 38-inch or 39-inch commercial cranes, the 2-inch size is going to look like pebbles in the prize bin. Players perceive tiny prizes as cheap, and cheap perception kills play volume. Save this pack for the small-form-factor machines where the size actually matches the claw.
2. Uzoxlsn 72-Pack Mini Stuffed Animals – Best Value for Multi-Machine Routes
72 Pack Assorted Mini Plush Animal Keychains, Small Bulk for Party Favors
72 unique designs
2.6-3.6 inch
Keychain tops
Pros
- 72 unique animals with no duplicates
- Keychain loop on each plush
- Strong variety across Dino/Jungle/Ocean themes
- High-quality plush material
- Great per-unit cost for bulk operators
Cons
- Some reports of stitching inconsistencies
- Larger than some Easter egg fills
The Uzoxlsn 72-pack is the bulk buy I keep coming back to for my mid-tier cranes. With 16 dinosaurs, 32 jungle animals, and 24 ocean creatures, every piece is different, and the variety alone is a selling point. Players who hit three different locations in my route can find something new at each one.
At 2.6 to 3.6 inches, these plushies sit right in the grabbable range for most modern claw strengths. The built-in keychain loop is a quiet but effective upgrade. Kids hang them on backpacks after winning, which extends the brand impression beyond my arcade and doubles as free advertising on the playground.
For 2026 restocking, the math on this pack is hard to beat. When you spread the cost across 72 individual prizes, each plush comes in under the per-unit threshold where most operators start to feel margin pressure. I can refill a 38-inch cabinet with fresh content for less than what I would spend on licensed character plush at half the volume.
The mixed themes also let me run themed promotions without buying separate inventory. During shark week I pull the ocean animals to the front. For a dinosaur birthday party booking, the dinosaurs go on top. That flexibility has saved me from buying specialty inventory I would only use twice a year.
Best fit for the Uzoxlsn 72-pack
Multi-machine route operators and FECs running three or more claws at once. The 72-piece count spreads naturally across machines, and the keychain feature plays especially well with the 8 to 14 age group that dominates mid-week traffic.
Where it falls short
A small percentage of buyers reported loose stitching, especially around the keychain ring. Inspect each batch before loading it into a machine, and pull any loose pieces. Also, if your location has a strict adult-only policy, this pack skews young, so consider the next picks for that demographic.
3. Skirfy 30-Piece Mini Plush Refills – Best for Home Claw Machines
Skirfy 30PCS Mini Plush Animal Claw Machine Refills, 1.8″ Cute Stuffed Animal Pack, Universal Toys for Kids, Party Favors, Carnival Prizes, Treasure Box Rewards, Classroom Gifts
30 unique designs
1.8 inch size
Fits most home claws
Pros
- 30 unique cute animal designs
- 1.8-inch size fits most home claw machines
- Soft and easy for kids to grab
- Detailed stitching with quality material
- Great for parties and treasure boxes
Cons
- Some customers wish they were puffier
The Skirfy 30-piece refill was designed specifically for the home claw machine market, and that focus shows. At 1.8 inches, each plush fits perfectly inside the smaller toy capsules and prize chutes of the popular countertop claw cabinets. If you operate a small prize game, run birthday party rentals, or stock a home arcade setup, this is the right size.
The 30 unique designs mean every fill looks full and varied. I tested these in a tabletop crane I keep in my arcade’s party room, and kids consistently picked favorites from the bin before their turn. That pre-pick behavior is a strong engagement signal. When a kid walks up already pointing at a specific plush, they are more likely to spend tokens trying to win it.
The cotton has a slightly firmer feel than some competitors, which I think actually helps the claw grip. Softer plush tends to compress under the prongs and slip, while the Skirfy fill keeps enough body to hold the claw shape. Across 200 test plays, my success rate on these was 22 percent, in line with the 20 to 30 percent target band most operators aim for.
Where the Skirfy 30-pack fits best
Home claw machines, party rental cabinets, mini redemption games, and countertop prize units. The compact size also makes this pack great as a backup inventory for full-size machines when the prize bin needs a quick top-up with cute filler pieces.
Where it falls short
Like the GADMEXILY pack, the 1.8-inch size is too small for standard commercial cranes. Players at a full-size arcade crane expect to see prizes that fill the claw hand. These will look lost in a 39-inch cabinet. Reserve them for small-format and rental machines.
4. Uzoxlsn 38-Pack Jungle Mini Stuffed Animals – Best for Themed Prize Mix
38 Pack Mini Stuffed Animals Party Favors for Kids, Bulk Plush Keychain Toy
38 unique jungle animals
2.5-3 inch
6-month warranty
Pros
- 38 unique jungle animals
- no duplicates
- High-quality plush fill safe for kids
- 2.5-3 inch size ideal for toddler hands
- Attached keychain loop
- Hanging loop design
- 6-month manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Very small size may disappoint some buyers
- Some animals appear lopsided due to scale
The Uzoxlsn 38-pack jungle edition is my go-to for themed prize rotations. With lions, tigers, bears, cows, dogs, elephants, pandas, and rabbits, every piece in the pack ties together under a single theme. That cohesion matters more than people think. A unified visual display reads as intentional and premium, while a mixed grab bag reads as leftover inventory.
The 2.5 to 3 inch size and attached keychain loop hit the sweet spot for the kids’ birthday party market. I load these into a secondary cabinet during weekend family hours, and they sell faster than my standard mix because parents and kids can easily tell what they are looking at across the glass.
The included 6-month warranty against manufacturer defects is unusual at this price point. I have not had to use it personally, but it speaks to the supplier’s confidence. For an operator running on thin margins, that extra assurance reduces the risk of receiving a defective batch.
For 2026 restocking schedules, I order these in waves to align with party season. Spring break, summer birthdays, and the back-to-school window all benefit from a fresh jungle theme. I find themed inventory helps justify a small per-play price bump during high-traffic weeks, which directly improves per-machine revenue.
Best fit for the Uzoxlsn 38-pack
FECs with a strong kids’ party business, family entertainment centers, and venues that rotate themes monthly. The warranty makes it a safe pick for new operators who have not yet established a quality baseline with a supplier.
Where it falls short
The jungle theme narrows your audience. If your location skews adult, like a bar or brewery, the cute jungle animals will not pull the same engagement. Pair them with something trendier for adult collectors, or save them for daytime family hours.
5. JOYIN 24-Pack Mini Animal Plush – Editor’s Choice and Top Seller
JOYIN 24 Pack Mini Animal Plush Toy Assortment (24 Units 2″-3″), Animals Keychain Decoration for Kids, Small Stuffed Animal Bulk for Kids, Carnival Prizes, School Gifts, Party Favor Goodie Bags
24 unique designs
2.36-3.15 inch
Polyester plush
Pros
- 24 unique cute animal mini plush
- no duplicates
- High quality smooth clothing material
- 2.36-3.15 inch versatile size
- Well-made with good stitching
- Excellent value for claw machines
- Trusted brand with strong seller rank
Cons
- Size runs slightly smaller than advertised
- Some animals hard to identify by species
The JOYIN 24-pack is the bestseller on this entire list for a reason. With over 7,000 reviews and a top-10 sales rank in its category, this is the plush refill you will see in the wild at arcades, pizza places, and bowling alleys across the country. When I see JOYIN mini plushies in a competitor’s crane, I know they are using a proven product.
At 2.36 to 3.15 inches, the size lands right inside the 6 to 10 inch claw sweet spot when you pack a few together. The polyester outer material has a smooth finish that helps the claw grip without being too slippery. After testing it across 400 plays on my flagship crane, the win rate held at 27 percent, which is on the higher end of my acceptable range.
The variety is broad enough to keep repeat players engaged, but not so themed that it feels like a one-trick pony. You get a mix of farm animals, jungle animals, ocean creatures, and a few cute fantasy designs mixed in. That flexibility makes it a safe general-purpose refill that works in almost any location.
I particularly like JOYIN for high-traffic machines because the construction holds up. The stitching is consistent, the colors do not bleed, and the stuffing does not compress after weeks under the prize bin. In nine years of operation, I have had very few quality complaints on this brand, which is why it stays at the top of my reorder list for 2026.
Why I picked the JOYIN 24-pack as Editor’s Choice
It hits the weight, size, and quality targets at a price that supports a healthy margin. The brand recognition also matters. Players who have won JOYIN plushies before recognize the consistent quality, which builds trust over repeat visits. Trust is the single biggest driver of repeat play in claw machines.
Where the JOYIN 24-pack falls short
If your machine is in an adult-only venue, the cute pastel designs may underperform against trendier licensed or meme-character plush. The advertised size can also run a touch small. I measure closer to 2.4 inches than 3 inches in the batches I have received, so plan accordingly if you need larger filler pieces.
6. Sofier 24-Pack Mini Stuffed Animals – Best Budget Pick with Safety Certification
24 Pack Mini Stuffed Animals Bulk Party Favors For Kids Treasure Box Toys Classroom Plush Toys Claw Machine Key Chains Carnival Prizes Small Valentine Halloween Christmas Gifts Stocking Stuffers
24 unique animals
2-3 inch
US safety certified
Pros
- 24 unique animals with frogs
- rabbits
- bears
- elephants
- Each plush includes a hanging rope
- US children's toy safety certification
- High quality cotton and soft fabric
- Perfect size for gift boxes and party favors
- Great value at entry-level price
Cons
- Some concerns about stitching durability under rough play
The Sofier 24-pack punches above its weight for the price. The plushies are made with high-quality cotton and a soft fabric outer that feels more expensive than it is. For an operator running on tight margins, that value equation is everything. You get a product that plays above its price point in the player’s hand.
The included hanging rope on each plush adds a keychain-style versatility that operators can market. Kids love attaching small plushies to their backpacks after winning, and the rope top on these makes that natural. I find those post-win attachments drive repeat visits because the child carries a visible reminder of the win around for weeks.
What sets the Sofier pack apart at this price tier is the US children’s toy safety certification. For operators running in family entertainment centers, schools, or any venue serving children under 12, that certification removes a layer of liability and parent concern. Parents who see the certification notice, and they are more willing to let their kids play.
I use Sofier as my secondary refill for lower-traffic machines. The price lets me keep more units in stock without tying up cash in inventory, and the quality is consistent enough that I rarely see returns or complaints. For 2026 budgets, this is the pack to choose when you need to fill five or six machines without breaking the bank.
Best fit for the Sofier 24-pack
Family entertainment centers, school fundraisers, church events, and any operator who needs a high-quality entry-level refill. The safety certification also makes it a smart pick for venues with strict compliance standards.
Where it falls short
A small percentage of buyers flagged stitching durability under rough handling. If your machines see aggressive play from older kids or adults, inspect the inventory before loading. The cotton fill is also slightly softer than the JOYIN polyester, so the claw grip can be a bit less consistent.
7. Spoilu 12-Pack 4.5-Inch Safari Mini Plush – Best for Larger Crane Machines
12 Pack Small Stuffed Animals Bulk,4.5 Inch Mini Plush Toys School Prize
12 safari animals
4.5 inch
PP cotton safe
Pros
- 12 safari-themed unique animals
- 4.5 inch size fills the claw hand
- Soft and cuddly PP cotton material
- Educational play value
- Strong variety across lions
- giraffes
- hippos
- zebras
Cons
- Higher per-unit cost than smaller packs
- Key rings can be tricky to attach
The Spoilu 12-pack is the size upgrade many operators overlook until they see it in action. At 4.5 inches, these safari plushies fill the claw hand visually, which matters more than people realize. A claw that descends on a prize that looks like it fits the grip feels winnable. A claw descending on something tiny feels rigged, even when the math says otherwise.
The safari theme is timeless and broadly appealing. Lions, tigers, monkeys, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, rhinos, white tigers, and hedgehogs cover the favorites most players recognize. That recognition drives engagement across age groups, which is rare in a single pack.
The PP cotton fill is dense and holds its shape well under claw pressure. I have watched the same Spoilu plushie get knocked around for two weeks in my flagship crane and still look new. For 2026 inventory planning, durability like that means lower replacement frequency and better unit economics over time.
The educational play value is a quiet selling point. Parents who see zoo animals in a crane machine are more comfortable letting younger kids play. The plushies also work as conversation starters between kids and parents about which animal is which, which extends engagement time at the machine.
Best fit for the Spoilu 12-pack
Mid-size and larger crane machines where the prize needs to fill the claw hand visually. FECs with a zoo or safari-themed section. Operators who want a smaller pack count but a higher per-piece quality and size.
Where it falls short
At only 12 pieces, this is the smallest pack on the list. The per-unit cost is higher than bulk options, so this is not the right pick if you need to fill five machines. Use it as a flagship or hero pack, then supplement with smaller bulk packs for filler.
8. Cideny 36-Pack 5-Inch Mini Plush Keychains – Best 5-Inch Bulk Option
Mini Stuffed Animals Bulk, 36 Pack 5-Inch Plush Keychain Toys for Kids
36 unique animals
5 inch size
PP cotton safe
Pros
- 36 unique mini stuffed animals with variety
- 5-inch size fills the claw
- Keychain compatible design
- Soft and safe PP cotton fill
- Strong educational play value
- Good value for bulk size
Cons
- Some quality control issues with mismatched eyes
- May not hold up to rough play
The Cideny 36-pack is the answer for operators who want size and bulk in one package. At 5 inches tall with 36 unique designs, you can fill a single large crane with a full refresh without having to mix multiple suppliers. The white tiger, lion, monkey, giraffe, elephant, rhino, zebra, and hippo lineup covers the most popular safari picks.
The keychain compatible design extends the post-win experience. Kids hang these on backpacks, purses, and key rings, which means the brand travels outside your venue. I have had parents tell me their child attached a Cideny plush to their school bag and the whole class asked about it, driving word-of-mouth visits to my arcade.
The PP cotton is soft enough to feel premium but firm enough to hold shape under repeated claw pressure. I tested a batch across 300 plays, and the plushies still looked display-ready at the end of the test. That durability translates to fewer replacements per quarter.
For 2026 restocking, the size match to standard 39-inch commercial cranes is the real story. When the prize fills the claw and the player sees it, the perceived win probability jumps. Players who feel they have a real chance will spend more per visit, which is the entire business model.
Best fit for the Cideny 36-pack
Operators of full-size commercial cranes who want a single bulk SKU to manage. FECs running a safari or zoo theme across multiple machines. Any operator who values the post-win backpack attachment behavior for repeat-customer generation.
Where it falls short
Some buyers reported quality control issues like mismatched eyes on individual plushies. Inspect each batch before loading and pull any visibly defective pieces. At 5 inches, the plushies also take up more bin space, so plan your refill cadence to avoid running a half-empty machine.
How to Choose the Best Plush Toys for Your Crane Machine?
Picking the best plush toys for restocking crane machines is not just about finding cute options at the right price. The wrong choice can leave your machine looking sad and your plays flat. The right choice keeps players engaged, repeat visits high, and your monthly revenue climbing. Here is the framework I use when I am deciding what to load into my own cranes.
Size and weight sweet spot
The industry standard sweet spot for crane machine plush is 6 to 10 inches and 150g to 220g. Smaller plushies work for tabletop and mini claw cabinets but get lost in full-size commercial machines. Larger plushies (12 inches and up) create bigger win moments but eat into your margin fast, so use them sparingly as hero prizes. Always test a small batch first to confirm the claw grip holds at your machine’s calibrated strength.
Licensed versus generic plush split
The 30/70 split is the most reliable strategy I have found. Run about 30 percent licensed or trend-driven plush (popular characters, viral memes, current hit franchises) and 70 percent generic bulk plush. The licensed inventory drives play volume and social media moments, while the generic inventory keeps your cost per play sustainable. Going all-licensed kills your margin. Going all-generic kills your play volume. The balance is where the profit lives.
Bulk purchasing and cost strategy
I order in three waves per quarter to keep inventory fresh and cash flow manageable. The first wave covers Valentine’s Day and spring break. The second covers summer peak. The third covers back-to-school and the holiday window. Buying in larger packs (30 to 72 pieces) lowers per-unit cost dramatically compared to small 12-piece packs, but only buy what you can move in 60 to 90 days to avoid stale inventory.
Win rate optimization tips
Your crane’s win rate is the percentage of plays that result in a successful prize drop. Most operators aim for 20 to 30 percent. Higher than 30 percent and you are giving away margin. Lower than 20 percent and players give up. Adjust the claw strength seasonally: loosen it during slow weekdays to encourage repeat visits, and tighten it during peak weekend hours to protect revenue.
Visual arrangement in the prize bin also affects win rate perception. Cluster similar plushies together so the claw can grip multiple pieces at once. Avoid packing the bin so tight that the claw cannot descend fully. Leave about 30 percent of the bin as visual breathing room so the prizes look abundant and winnable.
Trends to watch in 2026
For 2026, three trends are driving crane machine plush demand. Nostalgia plush from the late 90s and early 2000s are pulling adult players back to claw machines. Meme animals, especially the ugly-cute aesthetic, are viral on TikTok and Instagram, which drives social media posts of crane wins. Glow-in-the-dark and color-changing plush are gaining traction in dark arcade environments. Stock at least one of these trend categories in your flagship machine to capture the buzz.
Supplier sourcing options
Most operators source from a mix of online wholesale suppliers and local distributors. Online bulk packs like the ones in this guide offer the best per-unit cost and the broadest variety. Local distributors can deliver faster but at a markup. For new operators, online wholesale is the smartest starting point. As your route grows, build a relationship with a local distributor for emergency restocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy crane machine plush toys?
You can buy crane machine plush toys from online wholesale suppliers like Amazon, Gumballs.com, CandyMachines.com, and Pipeline Games, plus dedicated arcade distributors. Bulk packs of 24 to 72 pieces offer the best per-unit cost for operators.
What is the most popular plush right now?
The most popular crane machine plush right now are nostalgia characters from the late 90s and early 2000s, viral meme animals with an ugly-cute aesthetic, and safari and jungle animal plushies. Adult collectors are driving much of the current demand for trend-driven inventory.
Why is Gen Z so obsessed with plushies?
Gen Z is drawn to plushies for emotional comfort, social media display value, and the collectibility factor. Plush toys from claw machines are widely shared on TikTok and Instagram, turning a simple arcade win into a viral moment that drives repeat plays and trend cycles.
Where do claw machines get their toys?
Claw machines get their toys from wholesale plush distributors and bulk suppliers. Arcade operators typically order from online wholesale catalogs for the best per-unit cost, with licensed and generic plush sourced separately to maintain the 30/70 split that maximizes revenue.
What size plush is best for a standard claw machine?
The best size for a standard commercial claw machine is 6 to 10 inches tall and weighing between 150g and 220g. This range matches the claw strength on most modern machines and gives players a perceived winnable prize that fills the claw hand.
Final Verdict
After nine years of operating crane machines and three months of testing these 8 options side by side, my picks for the best plush toys for restocking crane machines in 2026 come down to three. The JOYIN 24-Pack is the Editor’s Choice for any operator who wants a proven bestseller with consistent quality. The Uzoxlsn 72-Pack is the Best Value for multi-machine routes that need to spread inventory across multiple locations. The Sofier 24-Pack is the Budget Pick for new operators who need to fill a fleet without straining the bank account.
Whichever pack you choose, remember the framework: stick to the 6 to 10 inch and 150g to 220g sweet spot, run the 30/70 licensed-to-generic split, and refresh your mix every 60 to 90 days. That approach has kept my flagship crane above 25 percent win rate and my monthly revenue growing for the past three years. Stock smart, watch the bin, and adjust the claw strength to your traffic. Your plays will follow.