This feature article appears in the May 2025 issue of X3 magazine, dedicated to capturing the genuine personalities, passions, and stories of emerging and established stars. X3 is published by XBIZ Media.

How do you relax after a hard day’s work? A) Sprawl on the couch, B) Soak in the tub, or C) Head straight for the nearest theme park and jump on the roller coaster.

If you answered “C,” you just might be Creator of the Year and self-confessed adrenaline junkie Cubbi Thompson.

“I’m a workaholic, so I’m working nonstop,” Thompson explains. “But I have passes to all of the theme parks, so I’m there any chance I get.”

That includes grabbing a quick ride after a long day on set, if shooting wraps early enough. Her favorite? The Jurassic World VelociCoaster at the Universal Orlando Resort.

“That’s a really good roller coaster,” Thompson gushes. “It’s hardcore.”

As one of the adult industry’s top performers, it’s fair to say that Thompson knows a thing or two about “hardcore.” A couple of months ago, someone asked her if she’d rather jump out of a plane or swim in a cage surrounded by sharks. That’s when she realized that she was down to do both.

“It’s a new self-discovery of mine,” she admits. “I like to test the limits a little bit.”

A Lot of Cornfields

While she may not have swum with sharks just yet, Thompson already sports some impressive shark tattoos — her favorite animal. At home, though, her menagerie is a bit more conventional. Her dog Champ, a pit bull-mastiff mix, serves as her loyal protector. She also has a lizard and a cat.

“It’s a little bit of a party over here,” she jokes.

These days, “over here” is St. Louis, where Thompson has lived for the last five years. Though she was born in South Carolina and grew up on the East Coast, she quite enjoys St. Louis, where she has already paid off her home.

“We have really good food here,” she reports. “There are a lot of cute little restaurants in the city. There’s this really good Thai place nearby, and I love a good hibachi restaurant. I’m such a foodie. I have a photo album on my phone that’s just selfies of me and burritos!”

Thompson is easily revved up on the topic of food — and decidedly opinionated on the subject of the best ice cream flavors.

“This might be kind of weird, but I’m going to say pistachio,” she declares. “It’s so underrated, and I don’t know why! Why is it always chocolate, vanilla or strawberry? That’s not a broad enough flavor profile to truly understand a person. I also like butter pecan, which some people say is an ‘old person’ ice cream, but I stand behind it.”

She a bit more torn, however, when it comes to the age-old “cup or cone” debate.

“If it’s a waffle cone, then I’ve got to say ‘cone,’” she reflects. “But if it’s a sugar cone, then I’ll go with ‘cup.’”

Thompson especially looks forward to grabbing tacos when she’s in Los Angeles, where she has been spending two weeks per month “hustling and grinding” thanks to studio shoots.

During those LA visits, Thompson typically hangs out with a mix of veteran performers like Jennifer White and rising stars like Little Puck, as well as some of her other colleagues — arguably the unsung heroes of adult entertainment.

“Everybody talks about the performers,” she observes. “And I love the performers — they’re amazing, talented, driven. But crew members are so fun. They work together every day, so they have that bond and that understanding with each other. Shoutout to the crew members!”

Thompson says she also appreciates the weather in Los Angeles, and plans to take advantage of it this summer.

“It gets warm here in St. Louis, but it’s not anything too crazy,” she notes. “There’s not really a beach, just a lot of cornfields, so I’m excited to enjoy a tropical summer with palm trees and hot weather. I know a lot of people complain about the heat, but I love it.”

In the future, Thompson sees herself moving to California, even if it’s just temporarily or for part of the year.

“There are a lot of work opportunities and business opportunities there, and networking events,” she affirms. “So it’d be nice to have a place out there, just so I wouldn’t have to travel so much every month.”

‘Let’s see what life’s about.’

Fondness for burritos and ice cream notwithstanding, food is by no means Thompson’s only passion. For one thing, she’s developed an intense love for running.

“It fulfills something in me that’s so hard to explain to somebody who isn’t a runner and doesn’t experience that runner’s high,” she says. “But for me, I just get into a flow state while running, and I can just go for hours. It’s the best.

“I love running to certain songs that match my running pace,” she elaborates. “My Spotify playlist is literally all over the place, from Mozart to Slipknot to Sabrina Carpenter. But when my foot touches the ground in rhythm with the music, it makes me feel like a superhero.

“I highly recommend it,” she enthuses. “Even if you don’t like running, just try it, because it makes it so much fun.”

A self-described night owl, Thompson says she likes late-night runs best of all.

“I feel most motivated and most creative at 2 a.m., weirdly enough,” she shares. “That’s also when I get a lot of my video ideas.”

One of her other workout habits is more reflective of another important aspect of Thompson: her unabashedly geeky side.

“I’m such an open book online that my fans know I play with lightsabers,” she says. “But they probably don’t know how often I play with lightsabers! Lightsaber swinging exercises are a daily routine for me. It’s not just a thing I do on May 4th.”

Nor is “Star Wars” the only franchise that Thompson counts herself a fan of. She’s also a huge James Bond fan.

“I know the old ones are classics, like ‘Goldfinger,’ but you also can’t beat the new ones,” she insists. “‘Skyfall’ is my absolute favorite. It’s a masterpiece. The visuals are incredible, and the story is so well done. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.”

Like the cup/cone dilemma, Thompson admits that she feels torn about whether she’d rather play a Bond girl or a Bond villain.

“Being a Bond girl is the ultimate,” she finally acknowledges. “It would be an honor.”

Though Thompson describes herself as a movie fan, she only recently became one, as she grew up “very sheltered.”

“I wasn’t really allowed to watch too many movies or shows or anything like that,” she recalls. “So I’ve really enjoyed, in my adulthood, being able to see all these things that I missed. Obviously, I’m a huge ‘Star Wars’ fan and a huge ‘Harry Potter’ fan too, but I didn’t see those until my 20s. I’m having a lot of fun catching up on movies. My friends are like, ‘What do you mean you just saw ‘The Breakfast Club’ last week?’

“I think that’s why, now that I’m an adult, I’m like, ‘All right, let’s see what life’s about.’”

Thompson may have a lot of classics to catch up with, but for now, the only one curling up next to her on the couch is Champ. The starlet is currently single — though she’s been known to fly herself across the country for the right dinner date.

Asked who usually picks up the tab for that, she admits that some guys do and some don’t. But just because a guy pays for a plane ticket or a nice meal doesn’t mean he’ll have Thompson eating out of the palm of his hand, as she isn’t easily impressed.

What impresses Thompson most in a potential partner is their ability to listen.

“There was this one guy who did something that really made him stand out,” she recalls. “The first time we ever talked, he asked me, ‘What’s something you’ve always wanted to do,’ and I told him I’d never been on a horse before. Then for our first date, he took me horseback riding. I had forgotten I even mentioned it, but he remembered. It was very smooth. I was like, ‘Okay, I see you.’”

Thompson feels no pressure to settle down just yet.

“I’m living kind of carefree right now — working and traveling,” she says. “While I’m in my 20s, I’m going to explore and do some fun things.”

Dreaming Big

Since Thompson has only been working with studios for the past couple of years, she’s still meeting everyone in the business.

“Being new, it’s really exciting seeing how different directors and their crews work,” she says. “Ricky Greenwood is outstanding and one of the best directors by far. His vision for some of his films is just amazing. He just has such a great eye. I was impressed watching him work.”

She also recently shot a scene with Angela White and Keiran Lee. While Lee has been a friend for quite some time, meeting White was a new experience.

“She’s definitely somebody whom I look up to,” says Thompson. “She’s such an icon in this industry. It was really nice just talking with her and picking her brain a little bit to get her insight. It was just really fun to be able to be like, ‘Okay, let’s talk, girl! Give me some tips. Give me some pointers.’”

One lesson Thompson has learned is that she doesn’t like to be pigeonholed — something she figured out after taking certain gigs and getting labeled as a “mom” or “stepmom” type.

“People warned me not to accept those kinds of jobs, and I shrugged it off, but yeah, I learned my lesson,” she says, though she doesn’t tend to waste much energy on regrets.

“I’m one of those annoying people who like to see everything as a learning experience,” she laughs. “I wouldn’t be who I was today if I didn’t go through certain stuff.”

This year, Thompson says, her personal goal is to make sure every single video she shoots feels like the best video she’s ever put out.

“For my personal content, I want to focus more on storytelling and role-playing, and building sets that go with the theme of each video,” she explains. “I already make those kinds of videos for holidays and special events, but I want that to be my daily standard, so I’m not just releasing a normal video you can get anywhere.”

Thompson hasn’t given much thought to breaking into the mainstream entertainment business, though she loves the acting part of her job.

“I love having a long script or doing a long role-play where I have to be a specific character for an extended period,” she says. “I find it really fun, so I’d love to do more of that. I want to really step up my acting, not just for my own content and storytelling, but for studio work as well.”

Thompson says she sees herself working in the adult business for a long time, and reveals that she already has a long-term plan for her career.

“I absolutely love this industry and this crazy community, and I would love to be a permanent part of it,” she affirms. “When Brazzers first contacted me, they were like, ‘Do you want to just get in and out of this industry or do you want to be here and shoot for a while?’ I don’t really want to do either — I want to take over and make my own little fun space in this industry, so that is my plan.

“I’d first like to solidify somewhat of a space for myself, and then in five to 10 years, I can step behind the camera and maybe direct, or be in charge of some videos,” she says. “I’m a pretty creative person, but I think having experience in front of the camera first will help me behind the camera later.”

If she could fly anywhere in the world to shoot a scene, Thompson says, she’d travel to the Maldives.

“There’s an underwater hotel room there where you can see fish and coral and everything,” she marvels. “That would be my dream location. I just think it would be so fun and so beautiful. That room is like $50,000 a night or something crazy, so it’s not attainable at all. But we’re dreaming big over here!”

Wherever her career takes her, she says, the most important thing for her is originality.

“I don’t want to ever be a carbon copy of someone else, or ‘the next so-and-so,’” she says. “I’m just Cubbi, and I always want to make sure I stay true to myself.”

In the end, that may be the greatest adrenaline rush of all.

To view the full pictorial in X3 magazine, click here.

From “Call of Duty” to cosplay, from tabletop dice rolls to dungeon-inspired dirty talk, the worlds of geek fandom and fantasy are no longer confined to the basement. They’ve kicked down the door, shed the “Firefly” tee and gone full frontal.

For decades, the “nerd” archetype was rarely considered sexy. Think Richard Hendricks awkwardly coding his way through “Silicon Valley,” Lewis Skolnick scheming in “Revenge of the Nerds,” or the socially stunted crew of “The Big Bang Theory” fumbling through every romantic interaction. Nerds were smart, sure — but they were also portrayed as awkward, a little sweaty and utterly baffled by sex.

But times have changed. Nerd culture isn’t just mainstream now — it’s hot.

Adult creators are helping lead the charge, showing that nerdy isn’t niche — it’s wildly creative and incredibly sexy. Today’s content blends fandom and fantasy in ways that are immersive, intimate and emotionally resonant. Cosplay, gaming, anime, comics and kink collide to create not just entertainment, but connection. This isn’t isolation in a basement — it’s building a digital universe where pleasure and play coexist.

In this multipart feature, we explore the psychology behind fandom-fueled turn-ons, talk to some of the biggest creators whose brands feature gaming and cosplay, and spotlight the ways nerd culture has helped make adult content more colorful, personal and emotionally satisfying.

Playing Dirty

Gaming used to be about high scores, raid bosses and maybe the occasional Mountain Dew-fueled all-nighter. But in the adult world, it’s also about leveling up your libido. For a growing wave of creators, gaming isn’t just a passion — it’s a playground for erotic performance, intimate connection and wild, pixel-perfect fantasies.

Whether they’re streaming “Call of Duty” marathons, hosting VR fantasy experiences or playing co-op games with fans, creators are building tightknit communities where their love for gaming is as celebrated as their sex appeal. It’s a realm where breaking the fourth wall isn’t just encouraged — it’s part of the fun.

Mary Jane, a streamer who nabbed the 2025 XMA for Favorite New Creator, is living proof that gaming and getting off can go hand in hand.

“I wanted to bring my love of gaming into my cam modeling because playing games is a big part of who I am,” she says. “It felt like the perfect way to connect with fans who share the same passion.”

For Mary Jane, gaming has never been a gimmick. It’s about turning a stream into a community.

“Gaming allows me to connect with my fans on a deeper level,” she explains. “When they see me laugh, game, chat and just be real, they realize I’m more than just a fantasy. I’m a human being with feelings, thoughts and passions.

“That connection matters,” she affirms. “In a world where ‘real’ is becoming rare, I think people crave something genuine, and that’s exactly what I love giving them. I’m not just here to play with my body — I’m here to share myself.

“If I could change one thing about how the gaming world sees NSFW creators, I would want people to understand that we’re just here to vibe, game and have fun — same as you,” she says. “We just do it with our titties out sometimes! And that’s okay. At the end of the day, we’re all human and many of us are simply here to express ourselves and have fun. There’s no place for judgment when it comes to personal interests. What may not resonate with one person can still be meaningful and fulfilling for many others.”

Cherie DeVille, another powerhouse performer known for blending fantasy, gaming and eroticism, also recognizes how gaming has created fresh opportunities for NSFW creators.

“Twitch created this culture of watching attractive people game, and even though it’s not explicit, it opened the door for a certain kind of fantasy,” DeVille explains. “That voyeuristic, interactive element laid the groundwork for NSFW creators to take things a step further. I definitely share an audience with Twitch culture — they love gaming and they love a little spice.”

For DeVille, it’s not just about visuals or flashy content; it’s about the experience.

“I’m obsessed with world-building,” she admits. “I love the idea of creating little universes for my fans, whether through costumes, characters or story-driven content. Cosplay allows me to be over-the-top and lets me play characters from my favorite video games and cartoons I’ve been obsessed with my whole life.”

DeVille also sees the interactive nature of platforms like OnlyFans and Reddit as key to building lasting fan relationships.

“OnlyFans is still the gold standard for me when it comes to sharing more immersive fantasy content,” she notes. “The ability to build ongoing stories or respond to custom requests in real time is amazing. I also love X for teasing drops and getting real-time reactions. Reddit can be surprisingly passionate too — especially the niche communities.”

Platforms may vary, but the goal remains the same: to create a unique, engaging experience that resonates with fans. When it comes to gaming, DeVille believes it’s all about giving fans a deeper, more immersive experience.

“It’s not just ‘Here’s a sexy video,’” she says. “It’s ‘Come into this world with me.’ Fans love that deeper engagement and I think it builds stronger emotional connections, especially when it taps into things they already love.”

Avid gamer and cam model BlaizeyBBy has taken the gaming and cosplay combo to a whole new level.

“I was a freelance makeup artist for a while and the tricks of the trade led me to fantasy and SFX make up,” she continues. “Once I started camming, I blended my love for gaming and makeup transformation to actually match the games I was playing on stream that day. Now it’s a main staple to almost every stream!”

BlaizeyBBy’s attention to detail and creativity have made her streams immersive experiences where fans lose themselves in fantasy.

“I love adding a full theme to my tip menus and room decor, because that attention to detail helps me and my viewers get into the fantasy,” she says. “Sometimes a viewer might have no idea what game or character I’m cosplaying as, but my dedication alone can bring in new viewers and possibly get them into a new game.”

Creating her own original characters (OCs) has become one of BlaizeyBBy’s signature moves.

“My fans’ main favorite is my wolf hybrid cosplay, which I created to emulate a hybrid Nephelym from the game ‘Breeders of The Nephelym,’” she shares.

Like DeVille, BlaizeyBBy cites Twitch as an influence.

“I was a variety SFW streamer with a decent following before I switched over to NSFW,” she explains. “Twitch had a big hand in this; it was a huge gateway for me personally. It really is its own fantasy to think that this hottie might end up in your game lobby!”

Odette Parker, best known for her off-cam gaming obsession and geeky on-cam rants, agrees.

“Without a doubt, Twitch has played a role,” she says. “A lot of women, including me, eventually piece together that we can show up however we want, wherever we want, and people will follow. It’s pretty natural to just drop a link or use the same stage name so curious people can find the answer to the ultimate question: ‘Nudes?’”

Parker brings a different flavor to the NSFW gaming space. She’s successfully carved out a loyal fan base by leaning into her old-school nerd persona.

“I fought being a ‘nerdy streamer’ super hard for my first couple of years,” she admits. “I had it stuck in my head that nerdy was niche and most men wanted more of a general ‘girl next door’ vibe. I could not have been more wrong!”

Once she began embracing her inner self, everything changed.

“More and more of my true nature slipped through the cracks and people seemed to like it,” Parker says.

These days, she’s not afraid to go full nerd, whether that means breaking down her favorite RPG mechanics or indulging in a spontaneous gaming-fueled fantasy.

“I often get asked what games I’m currently playing, and what my top five favorite novels are,” she shares.

She also receives some unique custom requests.

“I had someone ask me to do a Dungeons & Dragons-themed custom where I role-played as both a succubus and the dungeon master. He wanted to roll dice for different scenarios — punished for low rolls, rewarded for high ones.”

Cosplay: Dressing Up to Strip Down

From comic-book heroines to anime icons, cosplay has long been a playground for creativity and self-expression. For a growing number of adult creators, it’s also a vehicle for sensuality and connection — one that taps into fans’ deep love for their favorite characters.

DeVille, known for her intricate and highly specific parodies, has a knack for blending the familiar with the forbidden.

“I’m a sucker for magic, sci-fi and anything involving a badass weapon,” she says. “Some of my favorite cosplays include my ‘Space Jam’ parody, where I play Lola Bunny; my ‘Super Mario Brothers’ parody, where I play Princess Peach being destroyed by two gorgeous, villainous Bowsettes; and my ‘Mortal Kombat’ series, where I play every version of Sonya Blade that appeared in the console games.

“I also do unique characters based on some of my Dungeons & Dragons games, where I’ve brought to life my healer, half-orc and paladin characters in empowering and totally hot ways,” she adds.

DeVille’s fans respond enthusiastically.

“One fan commissioned an entire scene where I was a ‘corrupted fairy queen’ who seduced a hero trying to save the forest,” she says. “There was a backstory, costume notes, voice cues — it was basically a mini fantasy film. I loved it. The more detailed the fantasy, the more fun it is for me to play. I even have a fan right now who’s making me a replica of one of my in-game Dungeons & Dragons weapons.”

BlaizeyBBy approaches cosplay with similarly meticulous attention to detail.

“In this industry, everything’s been done before, so being different and standing out from the crowd is huge,” she says. “I take my OCs very seriously and my heart, soul and wallet go into creating the perfect look. I find my fans get really excited about my looks and I’ll even do polls on X to help me pick between specific cosplays.”

Parker is known more for her gaming prowess, but she still finds joy in the occasional cosplay adventure — especially when the right character is involved.

“I’m not one for niche references,” she says. “I love a megadose of heavy nostalgia. Princess Leia, Velma from ‘Scooby-Doo,’ Wednesday Addams — there’s something so fun about showing up as a character that almost everyone recognizes.”

Cosplaying such characters also gives Parker the opportunity to toss in playful references throughout the stream.

“When I was Velma, I kept dropping my glasses just so I had an excuse to bend over, and when I dressed as Dorothy from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ I tapped my heels together anytime someone said something cheesy,” she laughs. “You can pretty much bank on two things with me: I’m always horny and I’m always joking. Adding a costume into the mix makes both things a lot more fun.”

Cosplay, Parker observes, is just one of many porn genres not innately tied to sex.

“I think anything that you can spin into ‘This is that thing you like, but it’s horny’ is always really fun for people,” she reflects. “Whether it’s trending topics or nearly forgotten throwbacks, I love to challenge myself to find things that most people will recognize. Like a slutty Mr. Rogers — I guess I was Miss Rogers? — I mean, who wouldn’t want to be my neighbor in that scenario?”

XMA-winning performer Emma Rose brings her own playful energy to the cosplay scene — and she’s not afraid to keep things cheeky.

“I love to dress up, bringing characters to life — and also, having a penis is a bonus to those characters,” she teases. “This year, I plan to put out 30 pieces of cosplay content for fans to enjoy.”

Eva Maxim is another creator who has found a sweet spot blending fantasy, fandom and eroticism. For her, cosplay and gaming aren’t just costume changes or set dressing — they’re entire universes waiting to be explored.

“The blend of cosplay, gaming and NSFW content thrives because it taps into deep fandoms, nostalgia and the desire for escapism,” she says. “It creates an immersive world that fans want to dive into, offering them an interactive, multifaceted experience that combines fantasy, identity and expression.”

Incorporating those elements into her work, Maxim says, means creating a blend of immersive experiences that celebrate the magic of fantasy worlds while allowing fans to feel both empowered and connected.

“It’s about storytelling, art and bringing those fantastical elements to life in a way that captivates and inspires,” she says. “It makes the experience not just passive viewing or consumption, but an immersive journey. It invites fans to actively participate in the world I’m creating — through shared nostalgia, engagement or exploring new aspects of beloved stories. It creates a space where the boundaries between creator and fan blur.”

For Maxim, enjoying her adventures in the cosplay-meets-kink world requires striking a balance.

“I love to follow what inspires me, but I also consider what fans might connect with,” Maxim shares. “I love playing Pokémon and cosplaying them. I get those requests the most.

“No matter what the character, I am always going for a combination of authenticity, creativity and unexpectedness, since that is what gives my content a unique identity that stands apart,” she says.

XMA-winning producer-director Siouxsie Q sees the world of cosplay and kink through a storyteller’s lens — one that reframes erotic performance as both escapism and artistry.

“Bonding over art is one of the primary ways we connect as human beings, so when you add that to an existing sexual connection, the bond definitely feels deeper,” she says.

She’s brought characters to life in bold ways, including a Leia/Luke sibling cosplay photo set with her real-life partner, Michael Vegas.

“My real fans know how much both the character and Carrie Fisher herself mean to me,” Siouxsie shares. “Anytime you can bring something from the realm of imagination closer to reality, then you are essentially performing magic. Combining your favorite performer with your favorite character is pretty powerful magic.”

The Psychology of Play: Why Geek Fandoms Fuel Sexual Fantasy

While geekdom has always been a fertile playground for imagination and identity exploration, it’s now also emerging as one of the sexiest corners of modern erotica. Fandom is no longer just about collecting merch or quoting your favorite anime — it can involve embodying the fantasy, reimagining storylines and, yes, getting off while doing it. Whether it’s a spellbinding hentai arc, a comic-book dominatrix or a VR role-play set in a dragon-ridden dungeon, today’s fandom fantasies are serving both plot and pleasure.

What used to be seen as niche is now seductive, and characters have become kink catalysts. Creators are therefore tapping into the emotional resonance of fandom not just for visual spectacle, but for something far more intimate: psychological play, real connection and shared obsession.

To better understand this layered dynamic, we turn to Caitlin V, a licensed clinical sexologist and relationship coach whose work explores how pleasure, identity and fantasy intersect. Known for her educational YouTube channel and progressive approach to sex education, Caitlin helps us unpack the deeper psychology behind why this content resonates with so many fans — and how creators are bringing it to life.

“Nerd fandoms meet fundamental human needs for belonging, identity exploration and escapism,” Caitlin explains. “They create safe spaces where individuals can express parts of themselves that they might otherwise suppress. When these interests extend into sexual or romantic fantasy, they can amplify feelings of acceptance, validation and emotional intimacy, empowering people to safely explore their desires and identities in a rich, imaginative environment.”

It’s this idea of ‘safety meets stimulation’ that makes fandom content uniquely seductive. Characters aren’t just eye candy — they’re emotionally loaded icons with origin stories, trauma arcs and mythic energy.

“Nerdcore characters can offer strong emotional arcs, elaborate backstories and nuanced relationships that traditional adult content often lacks,” Caitlin points out. “They embody archetypal fantasies that speak deeply to identity, power, vulnerability or heroism. The emotional investment fans have in these characters can enhance arousal, making intimacy with or between characters feel especially personal, fulfilling and exciting.

“Because these emotional bonds create feelings of intimacy and deep emotional investment, they can make sexual or erotic expressions tied to these characters highly stimulating and fulfilling,” she adds. “They offer people the opportunity to safely explore their fantasies with ‘partners’ they already trust and care deeply about.”

Cosplay and role-play can further heighten the emotional pull of fandom-based adult content, enabling both creators and fans to lean more fully into fantasy with intention and creativity.

“Cosplay and role-play blend fantasy, creativity and vulnerability, providing a playful yet safe way to embody different identities, power dynamics and desires,” Caitlin elaborates. “By stepping into a character, individuals can more easily express hidden parts of their sexuality, experiment with boundaries and deepen emotional intimacy through shared imagination.”

Layered into that mix is yet another potent psychological ingredient: nostalgia.

“Nostalgia is powerful because it reconnects us to formative experiences, often amplifying desire through emotional resonance,” Caitlin says. “Interests from childhood or adolescence, pivotal times for identity and sexuality formation, can evolve into adult erotic preferences. These earlier interests may reflect underlying psychological desires, emotional needs or themes that continue to shape one’s sexuality in meaningful ways. Or they can be leveraged for healing, growth and plain old excitement.”

Fictional Worlds, Real Connection

For many fans, these experiences are about much more than arousal. Fantasy play hits where it matters.

“While sexual release may be a part of it, fandom-based erotic content often fulfills deeper needs: validation of identity, emotional connection, safe exploration of power dynamics and affirmation of self-expression,” Caitlin says. “It goes beyond physical pleasure, offering emotional resonance and self-discovery.”

Adult content rooted in shared interests also fosters a sense of inclusion.

“It reduces shame and enhances self-esteem by normalizing and celebrating individual desires and identities,” Caitlin says. “It empowers people by validating their sexual interests, encouraging openness and helping them feel seen and accepted for who they genuinely are.”

And at the core of all of this? Community. That delicious, nerdy feeling of being part of something bigger.

“Fandom-based erotic interests often indicate a desire for community along with comfort with self-expression, curiosity, creativity and openness,” Caitlin explains. “Fandom communities frequently foster vibrant, supportive social connections and friendships. Belonging and community validate individual fantasies, creating an environment where exploration and enjoyment are not just accepted but encouraged.

“Feeling part of a community enhances emotional safety, freeing fans to experience deeper levels of self-awareness, arousal, intimacy and emotional satisfaction,” she adds. “It makes erotic exploration openly joyful rather than isolating.”

It also makes the taboo even tastier.

“Combining sexuality with traditionally ‘non-sexual’ fandoms often creates an exciting juxtaposition of innocence and eroticism or familiarity and taboo, heightening arousal,” Caitlin says. “These combinations allow individuals to reclaim or transform familiar themes, explore fantasies around innocence, control, power, vulnerability or heroism and safely challenge societal expectations or norms, making the experience exciting and psychologically fulfilling.”

In short: Nerdy erotic content isn’t just a kink — it’s a portal that can transport fans and creators to a space where joy, healing and self-affirmation feel more accessible.

“Pleasure is powerful,” Caitlin reminds us. “But how we engage with it is what makes it meaningful.”

Endgame: Welcome to the Horny Multiverse

From role-play-driven streams to fantasy-themed cam shows, the intersection of geek culture and adult content has evolved into a space where creativity, authenticity and community thrive.

Reflecting the ever-increasing market share that fantasy and geek culture represent in the adult industry, Siouxsie Q has found a whole new way to showcase the sexy side of fandom: a new podcast titled “Only True Fans.”

Launching on — naturally — May the 4th, the show is co-hosted by Sam Solo and dives into the wonderfully nerdy passions of adult creators, from “Star Trek” lore to “Wheel of Time” deep cuts.

“I was already having these nerdy-ass conversations with Sam and I had a feeling there might be a strong appetite amongst my colleagues to focus on other worlds than this one for a while,” she says. “I hope seeing this side of performers helps fans see them as the dynamic and complex people that they are.”

One thing is clear: Whether through Dungeons & Dragons dice rolls, custom Pokémon-themed content or carefully crafted cosplay arcs, performers are exploring what it means to blend passion with play — and their audiences are responding in kind. These aren’t just costumes or gimmicks. They’re entry points into stories that feel familiar, personal and sometimes even magical.

The more that performers and fans tap into fandom’s emotionally rich terrain, the clearer it becomes that nerdy isn’t niche, but connective. It’s not just about who wore what or which fandom got the kink treatment this week. The name of the game is building worlds, sharing identities and crafting experiences that hit on a psychological level, not just a physical one — and it seems to be a game everyone wants in on.

Ready, player one?

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — A parliamentary committee of the Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday approved a measure to outlaw online adult content in the country.

According to a statement by the Council’s Department of Public and Media Relations, the Committee on Law and Order, Combating Crime and Corruption considered a proposed law whose title translates as “On Prohibition of Access to Sites Containing Pornographic Content Elements in the Internet Space of the Kyrgyz Republic.”

A background statement on the draft law states that the legislation is intended to “protect the moral and ethical values of society, as well as the spiritual health of the individual.”

“Given the public accessibility of sites containing pornographic content on the internet, the emergence of an industry based on the distribution of pornography is destroying the spiritual, moral and ethical form of people’s consciousness,” the background statement declares.

It is already illegal to import, produce, distribute, or advertise pornographic materials or images in Kyrgyzstan. However, those laws have previously not applied to online content.

“The absence of such a law allows the owners of sites and website pages to freely and with impunity distribute inappropriate content,” the background statement argues. “These draft laws propose a definition of the concept of ‘content containing elements of a pornographic nature’ and establish a ban on the distribution of such content.”

It’s a tale as old as time. In childhood, we are captivated by fantasy stories that allow us to escape into a world of make-believe, where anything is possible. For adults, fantasy can also shape sensual experiences, allowing people to be whoever they want, do whatever they wish and go wherever they desire through role-playing — and an expanding array of imagination-inspired pleasure products.

Fantasy toys have carved out a distinct niche in the realm of pleasure products, drawing inspiration from the enchanting allure of fairy tales, supernatural love stories such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Twilight,” mysterious aliens, seductive anime characters and more. These creations tap into the imagination, blending elements of magic and clandestine romance to offer a playful escape into the fantastical. By channeling the themes of forbidden trysts, mythical creatures and otherworldly passion, these toys allow individuals to explore their desires in a way that feels both adventurous and deeply personal, bridging the gap between fantasy and reality.

Launched nearly two decades ago, Bad Dragon became a pioneer in the category with its mission of “making fantasies real” by creating imaginative toys inspired by mythical creatures and featuring curves, ridges and other unearthly design features. Born out of a love for fantasy and a desire to fill a gap in the market, the company quickly set itself apart by offering extensive customization options, including choices in colors, firmness and even custom designs. Some models also feature innovative functionality, such as the ability to dispense Bad Dragon’s proprietary lubricant, Cumlube. By bringing to life creative designs in body-safe, quality materials, Bad Dragon has built a reputation for producing visually striking and durable products, solidifying its position as a leader in the fantasy toy category and paving the way for the growing variety of products today.

“The demand for fantasy-inspired pleasure products has always existed, but mainstream adult retail was slow to embrace it,” Enchantasys’ Jade Harveland observes. “In 2008, Bad Dragon sparked controversy and curiosity, but by 2011, I noticed the Fleshlight Freaks lineup and wondered why our store wasn’t carrying them. Customers had been requesting these products for years. We’ve now expanded from carrying just two creature-themed toys to dedicating an entire wall to this niche. This shift highlights the market’s rapid evolution and growing consumer interest.”

Hankey’s Toys, another pioneering boutique brand specializing in fantasy-inspired creations, was introduced in 2015. Offering items such as the Horse Dildo, Dog Dildo, Dildos & Dragons, Centaur, Minotaur and more, Hankey’s Toys set out to offer imaginative designs and satisfy customer demand for extra-large toys.

Michael Mickey, the president and owner of Hankey’s Toys, has seen the market for fantasy inspired pleasure products experience substantial growth in recent years.

“This expansion is driven by evolving customer preferences and a broader acceptance of diverse sexual expressions,” says Mickey. “Increased demand for niche experiences and products is a key trend, as customers seek unique and personalized experiences, such as products catering to specific fantasies and fetishes inspired by pop media or subcultures.”

Nalpac Account Executive Chris Fleiger notes that while there has been long-standing interest in fantasy/creature toys, demand really took off once established manufacturers started investing in the category.

“Increasingly widespread availability through distribution has allowed retailers to dip their toes into fantasy, and many retailers find that the ‘fantasy’ store footprint increases quickly with sales,” he says. “Consumers have always had creature fantasies, but many would never have been open to exploring those fantasies until seeing a creature toy in a store or an online shop. The stigma fades as the toys become more common, allowing them to reach a wider audience. Even ‘vanilla’ shoppers are asking retailers for these toys!”

Beyond pioneering brands like Bad Dragon and Hankey’s Toys, companies like XR Brands, CalExotics, Doc Johnson, Orion and others are broadening the category. According to Björn Radcke, head of B2B sales and marketing at Orion Wholesale, demand for fantasy toys has been so great that the company is planning more additions to its Beasty Cocks range, while XR’s Creature Cocks line has become synonymous with the category thanks to its nearly 200-item product range.

XR Brands brand ambassador Josh Ortiz says that Creature Cocks was born of the desire to make fantasy financially inclusive and readily available.

“We get to create any creature or texture or backstory we want,” Says Ortiz. “We get to escape into a fantasy that is so much bigger and better than page 37 of PornHub.”

Other brands venturing into the fantasy toy category include Full Circle Distribution with its Kaiju line, Hot Products’ Monster Romance and Nobü Toys’ Besties.

The fantasy trend is beginning to impact an even wider range of toys. Miguel Capilla, global sales director for Fleshlight, points to the launch last September of the brand’s first anime character, Sasha Nakamoto, as part of its Fleshlight Fantasy range. Due to the character and the product’s success, the company launched a second anime character stroker, Lilith Fukumoto, last February. A third will be released in June.

“As we witness more mainstream entertainment — especially in the anime, superhero and fantasy genres — capturing global attention, fantasy-inspired pleasure products have evolved from niche interests to more widely accepted categories within the adult product market,” Capilla says.

Fueling Consumer Fantasies

The rise in fantasy, anime, horror and sci-fi themes in mainstream media is evidenced by the mass appeal of series such as “Game of Thrones” and “Stranger Things,” as well as role-playing games like Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.

Bad Dragon CFO Mike Sullivan believes that these series have not just opened up the imagination of many people, but immersed them in it, and that this imaginative bent has seeped into their intimate lives.

“People are becoming more comfortable with the idea that fantasy doesn’t have to reflect real life; it can just be fun, creative and affirming,” Sullivan says. “Fantasy toys also offer a judgment-free space where there’s no pressure to compare to real partners or body types.”

Some industry experts have compared the rise of fantasy toys to the effect that the “Fifty Shades of Grey” book series had on consumer demand for bondage products. Just like Christian Grey introduced Anastasia Steele — and throngs of female readers — to exploring kink, today’s “romantasy” novels are driving the craze for fantasy toys.

Sarah J. Maas’ book series “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is not strictly considered erotic literature. However, its few sex scenes, woven into tales of faerie lands and royal courts inhabited by faeries, mythical creatures and beasts, are credited with helping to fuel the popularity of fantasy toys.

Ortiz sees the rise of romantasy as a testament to how people “choose joy and imagination over internal and external chaos.”

“We get to escape into a world where everyone has superpowers and really big dicks,” he says. “The number of worlds and lore levels we can escape into is endless. And if you’re like me — treat-motivated and from the ‘read books for a personal pan pizza’ generation — you can really visualize what you’re reading.”

The “Court of Thorns and Roses” books are New York Times bestsellers, reportedly selling over 13 million copies. Driving the ACOTAR frenzy is an active fan base on social media, particularly on TikTok, where an organic community of ACOTAR readers has formed and drawn new followers to the series. According to an article from The Independent, by May 2024, TikTok posts about Maas’ books had been viewed over 14 billion times and the #acotar hashtag had generated over 8.9 billion views. As of this writing, 15.8 million ACOTAR posts can be found on TikTok, contributing to the series going viral on BookTok.

A deeper dive on adult-friendly platforms Reddit, Tumblr and X reveals fans fantasizing about their favorite ACOTAR characters as sexual partners, with online retailers like SpicyGear.com partaking in the fun and sharing their picks for dildos to match the personalities of the titular characters.

Handcrafted glass toy designer Glacial Pleasures took it a step further, creating a dildo inspired by the ACOTAR character Cassian. The dildo, which retails for $640, is described as embodying Cassian’s boldness, strength and protective nature. The product’s description reads: “Cassian is a warrior — strong, muscular and fiercely loyal, yet deeply tender with those he cares about. This design reflects those traits in both form and function.”

In addition to popular fantasy books and films themselves, fantasy fans frequently share erotic fan art and fiction online. This has pushed boundaries even further, fanning the flames of curiosity by normalizing sexual fantasies involving imaginary beings.

“The rise of online communities where fans share their passions for particular genres has created a space for these interests to flourish,” notes Capilla. “Social media platforms, fan forums and online marketplaces enable individuals to connect over shared fantasies, further fueling the popularity of these specialized products.”

“Rule 34,” an internet meme that claims that some form of pornography exists for every possible topic, has become a reality with the proliferation of fan-created adult digital art being shared online. According to Harveland, online sharing platforms allow people to explore and express their fantasies more freely, since they can post anonymously.

“Memes like ‘hear me out’ have turned once-taboo monster fantasies into mainstream discussions, fueling demand for toys that bring these creatures to life in a tangible way,” Harveland says.

Cam performers have also gotten into the act, driving the popularity of fantasy toys by incorporating them into their cam shows and their role-playing and anime- or video game-inspired personas. The colorful and intricate designs also add a distinctive aesthetic to their on-camera performances.

Monsters, Creatures and More

Within the fantasy toys category, the variety of themes is as broad and wild as consumers’ imaginations.

“Dragons, canines, tentacles and aliens — oh, my! — have continued to dominate the fantasy toy space, but the market demands ever-increasing variety,” Fleiger notes. “Curious newcomers are most intrigued by unicorn-themed toys, but veteran collectors are always looking for something new and different.”

Melanie Eichhorn, the resident sexologist at Satisfyer, believes two distinct fantasy trends are emerging in the market.

“On one side, there is a strong demand for surreal, experimental monster and alien-inspired toys,” she says. “These designs push boundaries with features like tentacles, suction cups and unconventional shapes, allowing users to indulge in their most imaginative fantasies without limits.

“On the other end of the spectrum, we see the rise of cute and whimsical fantasy-themed toys,” she adds. “This includes designs inspired by unicorns, magical creatures and even mermaid aesthetics. These products appeal to consumers who enjoy a mix of playfulness and sensuality.”

Toys like the Satisfyer Mermaid Vibes, Like A Kitten’s Little Red Bullet Vibe and other critter-shaped designs encapsulate the trend of fantasy play with a more “innocent” appeal.

The mashup of sex and fantasy far predates the fantasy toy craze, however. Hentai, the erotic form of Japanese manga and anime, has been around for decades. It continues to flourish as a popular form of adult content, and has helped inspire the development of fantasy toys.

With its vast fan base, global anime culture has driven demand for anime-inspired pleasure products like the Fleshlight Fantasy range, including a stroker modeled after anime character Evie Akashiya.

“These products allow consumers to engage with their favorite characters in a highly personal way,” says Fleshlight’s Capilla.

Meanwhile, CalExotics offers brightly colored Anime Strokers and busty Anime Love Dolls, while XR goes beyond its Creature Cocks line with the Pink Kitty Bondage Set, tapping into the popularity of anime with kawaii imagery to promote the soft, pink-and-white accessories for kitten role-play.

In addition to anime, Capilla has noticed a rise in demand for themes involving monsters, mythical creatures and supernatural beings.

“Vampires, werewolves and other nonhuman entities continue to capture consumer imaginations, reflecting the sustained popularity of these themes in movies, TV shows and video games,” he says. “These nonhuman fantasies offer an element of the ‘other’ that heightens the sense of escapism.”

Nichole Grossmann, director of marketing for CalExotics, also has observed the growing popularity of creature- and monster-inspired products.

“These themes are prevalent in pop culture, online gaming communities and now, sex toys,” she says. “The Monster Dong collection by CalExotics taps into this growing trend, offering exaggerated shapes and bold designs that spark curiosity and excitement.”

In contrast to the array of colorful creatures on the market, CalExotics’ Monster Dongs are a stark black, complementing the black-and-white horror-comic homage illustrations on the packaging. The dongs’ old-school monster inspirations include Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Werewolf and a Martian, and they feature nubs, protruding ridges and bumps.

Crafting With Imagination

As evidenced by CalExotics’ monochromatic Monster Dong collection, the key focus in the fantasy toys category is uniqueness in design.

While the first characteristic that shoppers may notice about fantasy toys is their out-of-this-world size options, Fleiger stresses that it’s all about “texture, texture, texture.”

“While some users can rely purely on the color and shape of a toy to fulfill their fantasies, most find that more pronounced bumps, grooves and knots are key in realizing the creature experience,” Fleiger says.

Mickey agrees, and says Hankey’s Toys has catered to this demand.

“Fantasy-inspired designs often feature textures like scales, ridges and bumps, along with bold shapes such as knotted or bulbous forms, like our Dog Dildo or Knaughty Dragon,” he says.

Some fantasy toys also offer interactive features meant to captivate buyers in the increasingly competitive fantasy toys market. According to Harveland, fantasy-inspired toys go beyond standard vibrating and thrusting functions.

“Many incorporate features that heighten realism, such as ovipositors for egg-laying, hollow designs with lube injectors to simulate ejaculation, or inflatable chambers that create pulsing sensations,” Harveland offers. “Temperature play also adds another dimension, allowing users to heat or cool their toys for a more immersive experience.”

According to Orion Wholesale’s Radcke, fantasy toys need not be intricate to be popular. He highlights the imaginative and functional designs of his company’s Beasty Cocks collection.

“They are made from nonporous liquid silicone and have a narrow, tapered tip for easy insertion,” he says. “They are pleasantly firm and yet beautifully flexible as well. They adapt perfectly to the body and its movements during play. In addition to that, they glide over the skin and into intimate depths almost on their own because of their extremely soft surface.

“In general, the simpler fantasy toys, which are also easy to use, are currently selling the best from our assortment,” he notes.

Radcke also acknowledges the eye-catching draw of colors, noting that the bestselling Beasty Cocks design is Mystic Dragon, which glows in the dark.

Hankey’s Toys proudly touts its vast product color selection, which Mickey says represents the most solid color options the brand has ever offered, all available at no extra charge.

“Customers love that we offer a fully customizable toy experience,” he says. “We also offer bold choices like UV-reactive and intricate marbling/multicolored designs. Since our toys are made to order, customers can fine-tune their preferences by selecting from multiple firmness levels — including custom options not listed on our site.”

Sensual Storytelling

Every product tells a story, and that’s especially true when it comes to fantasy toys. From design details to color and packaging, part of the fantasy is the lore that inspired a product’s various characteristics. Just as the ACOTAR series has inspired consumers to dip their toes into fantasy, the stories behind mythical beasts help make them unique and powerful as toys, driving consumers’ fascination with them.

“Storytelling is a crucial element when designing a fantasy-inspired toy,” Mickey says. “The eroticization of mythological beasts and creatures stems from their symbolism of power, transformation, primal instincts and supernatural seduction. All of these elements create a deeper connection between the product and the user, enhancing both emotional and sensory engagement. Many of our creature/fantasy-inspired toys draw from well-established lore.”

Hankey’s Toys dragon dildo assortment, like the Dragon Dildo, Knaughty Dragon or Dildos & Dragons, are meant to represent dominance and raw strength, while wolves and dogs like the company’s Dog Dildo, Beowulf and Double Dildo embody primal urges, and tentacled creatures like its Taintacle, Kthulu and Hentai evoke themes of seduction and sensory overload.

“Generally speaking, brands that embrace the lore around these characters/beasts will continue to thrive in this growing market,” Mickey forecasts.

Bad Dragon’s Sullivan stresses that fantasy toys aren’t just meant to be functional — they’re tied to imagination, identity and escapism.

“A good story helps bring the product to life,” he offers. “It gives the customer something to connect with emotionally, whether that’s a mythical creature’s backstory, the name of a toy, or even the colors and textures that match a certain fantasy world. It’s what turns the product into something playful and immersive, not just something you use and put away.”

Eichhorn agrees that for fantasy lovers, product storytelling is essential. It is what readers of romantasy novels crave.

“The success of fantasy-inspired toys lies in their ability to evoke emotions, spark curiosity and create a deeper connection between the user and the product,” she says. “Well-designed fantasy-inspired toys often draw inspiration from famous mythical creatures or legendary beings, adding an extra layer of intrigue and emotional connection. Whether it’s a toy designed to resemble a mystical dragon, an enchanting mermaid or an alien-like being, the power of storytelling helps users fully embrace and embody their fantasies.”

Eichhorn believes brands can captivate users and enhance their overall pleasure experience by integrating carefully crafted narratives into product design.

“Features like unique textures, interactive elements and sensory details that align with a toy’s theme can further immerse users in the fantasy,” she elaborates. “Limited-edition collections, themed packaging and companion digital content — such as guided fantasy experiences or interactive storytelling — are additional ways brands can elevate their fantasy-inspired products and create a holistic pleasure journey.”

Imagination on Display

Packaging plays a crucial role in marketing pleasure products — especially in the realm of fantasy toys, where imagination and storytelling are key. From the colors to the fonts and wording, packaging sets the tone even before the toy is unboxed. For brands in this area, it’s more than just a box — it’s an opportunity to grab shoppers’ attention by mirroring the appearance of beloved fantasy characters or tales from their favorite TV shows, movies, video games, comics and books.

“When customers are drawn to a fantasy theme, the experience starts the moment they see the product on the shelf or online,” says Grossmann. “It’s all about creating a full sensory experience, making the customer feel like they’re stepping into a fantasy world even before the fun begins!”

Capilla also stressed the role that packaging plays in creating an immersive experience.

“Packaging that reflects the theme of the product — whether it’s anime-inspired, creature-based, or other fantastical concepts — can enhance the overall experience and make the product feel like an extension of the fantasy world it represents,” he says. “At Fleshlight, we place great emphasis on packaging as part of the overall customer experience. The Fleshlight Fantasy line, for example, incorporates high-quality, visually striking packaging that resonates with anime fans and fantasy enthusiasts. This type of presentation not only draws attention, but also ensures that the product feels like a collectible, rather than just a functional item.”

Retailers benefit from such detailed packaging. For the Beasty Cocks collection, Orion Wholesale has developed packaging that displays the product on one side and features an image of the fantasy creature on the other.

“This allows the customer to see the real toy on one side and be stimulated by the fantasy on the other side,” Radcke says. “We also recommend that our B2B customers present a sample of the products out of the packaging, as the toys look even more beautiful and impressive in real life.”

For Doc Johnson’s “Fantasy Fuckers” entry into the fantasy toys category, The Worm stroker boasts a ribbed exterior and “flexible tickler teeth” on the inside. A wavy ridge runs from its orifice along the edge, giving the device an alien-like appearance. The packaging showcases a backdrop that looks as if it’s from another planet, creating a scene reminiscent of a sci-fi movie, triggering memories of the “Alien” movies.

“It shouldn’t be shocking or seem like they’re made for only advanced players,” Doc Johnson’s Scott Watkins says. “The packaging should be fun but welcoming.”

Demographics & Dragons

Who are the fans seeking out these large, tentacled, creature-inspired toys? From your standard comic book and anime fans to avid readers of fantasy and sci-fi novels to shoppers simply seeking unique shapes, fantasy toys draw a variety of shoppers. Gone are the days of assuming that all fans of fantasy toys are kinky fetishists.

“These toys appeal to a range of shoppers who are open to exploring nontraditional toys in their play,” Fleiger observes. “The customers include younger shoppers, LGBTQ+ shoppers, size enthusiasts, fetishists and couples interested in thrusting machines — but the audience is growing every year. We recommend that retailers cross-merchandise with print erotica and pheromone candles, or make a small section of ‘introductory’ fantasy toys alongside realistic items, and watch a wide range of customers get excited about trying something different!”

While some buyers seek fantasy-themed toys for specific fetishes, others are drawn to unique textures, exaggerated sizes or collectible designs. Some customers may even purchase fantasy toys for more “innocent” purposes.

“I once bought a squid-themed toy to use as a D&D mini for a kraken battle,” Harveland admits. “That said, fantasy products tend to be especially popular with younger buyers and adult content creators, who help drive trends through online discussions and streaming platforms.”

With fantasy-themed pleasure products booming and gaining wider attention from a broad range of consumers, Radcke believes it’s hard to pinpoint any single target audience. However, he sees the core audience as fans of various fantasy novels and TV series, as well as live-action role-play, aka LARP.

“Role-playing offers a safe space where new and often daring ideas can be lived out,” he says. “This has been proven to stimulate our imagination — a quality that not only inspires fantasies, but can enrich love lives too.”

Mickey likewise sees the trend originating with that core constituency but emanating outward.

“A big piece of the pie goes out to the fantasy and sci-fi enthusiasts, including furries, cosplay afficionados and fans of mythical beasts,” he says. “As the stigma around sex toys decreases, though, more people outside of niche communities are experimenting with fantasy-themed options as a mode of escapism. While fantasy-themed toys were originally catering to specific subcultures, they are now becoming more mainstream and therefore, more accepted all around the world. When you mix art, storytelling and pleasure, you create an experience that is bound to captivate a broad and ever-expanding audience.”

Fellow fantasy toy pioneer Sullivan also credits genre and niche fandoms for sparking the normalization of fantasy toys.

“A lot of the customers come from those communities that already embrace imagination and storytelling, so the idea of a toy that’s colorful, abstract or inspired by another world doesn’t feel strange to them,” he says. “I also believe fantasy toys resonate with people who are very body-positive and sex-positive. They’re not necessarily looking for something realistic; they’re looking for something that is fun, unique and personal, that reflects their individuality and destigmatizes sexual exploration. Besides, many of these toys are beautiful. They’re designed with creativity and care, are handmade, and they appeal both functionally and artistically.”

What Lies Beyond This Realm

The future of fantasy toys is being shaped by imaginative design catering to an increasingly open-minded shopper base that’s curious, loves lore and is ready to explore beyond the sex toy basics.

As manufacturers push boundaries with a broader array of creature-inspired designs to choose from, consumers are meeting them with enthusiasm — seeking out products that reflect their identities and desires, and expand definitions of pleasure. This growing demand isn’t just about novelty; it’s about self-expression, imagination and tapping into the power of play in ways that feel deeply personal and totally limitless.

“Fantasy toys will continue to evolve with more realism and personalization,” Mickey predicts. “Expect more lifelike textures, customizable options and even smart tech that makes play feel more real. As the market grows, so will the possibilities.”

As product designers continue to push creative boundaries, more futuristic, immersive, visually captivating and technologically advanced designs are on the horizon.

Eichorn predicts that this will afford retailers a chance to diversify their product offerings and attract a growing segment of consumers eager for unique and imaginative pleasure experiences.

“By stocking fantasy-inspired toys, retailers can cater to an audience that values creativity, personalization and innovation,” she says. “These products stand out on the shelf and create compelling marketing narratives that drive customer engagement. Retailers who recognize the potential of this category early on can establish themselves as trendsetters in the industry, capitalizing on the continued expansion of fantasy-driven sexual wellness products.”

With large manufacturers now expanding the fantasy toys category beyond the dildos that started it all, retailers now have their choice of vibrating styles to include strokers, cock rings, anal toys and other intimate accessories.

Capilla predicts that strokers and male masturbators will continue to see the most significant growth.

“As the demand for more lifelike yet fantasy-oriented experiences increases, consumers will seek products that offer both realism and escapism,” he says. “With innovations in design, material and customization options, we believe that these product categories will dominate the market in the years to come.”

Looking to the future, Capilla also foresees technology advances, such as interactivity and VR elements.

“These could allow consumers to engage with fantasy worlds in entirely new ways, further enhancing their experiences,” he says. “Moreover, customization will likely become a key trend. Offering personalized designs and features — such as character-based appearances or the ability to modify textures or sensations — will likely become more commonplace, allowing consumers to create highly tailored experiences.”

As long as consumers are obsessed with fantasies of imaginary worlds and otherworldly lovers — or simply enjoy unique shapes and colorful toys — there will likely be an audience for fantasy-inspired products. Fantasy toys have evolved from a niche market into a growing category that appeals to a significant segment of consumers who indulge their imagination to escape reality and experience pleasure.

“With the growing interest in a variety of fandoms, including specific anime series, video games and even niche fantasy subgenres, manufacturers will need to continue expanding their product lines to meet diverse consumer demands,” Capilla adds. “The future of fantasy-inspired pleasure products is incredibly promising. The market will continue to evolve as consumer interests expand, technological advancements push boundaries, and cultural trends shape new, immersive experiences.”

As the market continues to develop, so does the understanding that imagination and sexuality are deeply intertwined. Fantasy toys appeal to the imagination, while helping more people feel seen, turned on and empowered to play without rules. What was once viewed as fringe is now at the forefront — and it’s only getting more creative from here.

May 20, 2025 9:59 PM GMT

MIAMI — Sally D’Angelo stars in an upcoming scene for Nookies site GilfAF, which shoots in June.

“Sally D’Angelo is a timeless icon whose presence elevates every frame,” said a rep. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the XMA Creator Awards winner for this exclusive GilfAF.com production.”

For more information, click here.

Follow Sally D’Angelo on X.com.

May 20, 2025 8:24 PM GMT

LAS VEGAS — Kitana Montana stars in three new scenes for Jules Jordan, Dogfart, and The Ass Factory.

First, at Jules Jordan Video, it’s Montana and Manuel Ferrara in “Kitana Montana is a Big Tit Anal Cum Slut.”

Montana also stars alongside Slim Poke and Scotty P in the latest scene for Dogfart.

Finally, Montana and Lexington Steele star in The Ass Factory’s “Super Stacked, Double D, Kitana Montana Becomes Lex’s Anal Sex Kitten.”

“Coming to the United States four years ago was a dream, and I’m so proud of the success I’ve built here in such a short time,” said Montana. “These new scenes with Dogfart, Jules Jordan, and The Ass Factory reflect the woman I am today — strong, passionate, and in command. I hope fans and directors are paying attention, because this is some of the best work of my career so far.”

Follow Kitana Montana on X.com.

VALENCIA, Calif. — Elizabeth Skylar and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “My Friend’s Lesbian Daughter 4.”

The title features Eva Long, Summer Col, Danae Mari, Khloe Kingsley, Evie Christian, and Kayla Kayden.

The four scenes pair Skylar with Ivy, Mari with Kingsley, Kayden with Christian, and Long with Col.

“My Friend’s Lesbian Daughter 4” is available on VOD from GirlfriendsFilms.net.

Follow Skylar and Ivy on X.com.

May 20, 2025 7:19 PM GMT

LOS ANGELES — Obsess Me has introduced new items to its Adult Empire store.

The items include the Thrill Me XL Classic Rechargeable Vibrator, Probe Me Prostate Plug, Explore Me Three Piece Butt Plug Vibe Kit with Remote, Pump Me Power Suction Penis Pump, and Charm Me Pulsating Clit Stimulator & Vibrating Egg.

“Obsess Me has provided a collection composed for the pleasure of all bodies,” said a rep. “Affordable and quality-made right down to the box, Obsess Me is designed for discretion.”

Obsess Me products are available from AdultEmpire; follow the brand on X.com.

May 20, 2025 7:08 PM GMT

MUNICH — Beducated is celebrating Pride month with a series of LGBTQ+ courses.

The courses include Male to Male Pleasure: Sexual Intimacy and Erotic Stimulation Between Men; Understanding Gender: Explore Sex, Gender and Sexual Orientation; Transcendent Bodies: Tantric Massage for Queer Bodies; Boundaries: How to Say ‘No’ and When to Say ‘Yes’; and Fantasy Exploration: Expand Your Erotic Mind.

“From gender identity to queer intimacy, the platform’s expert-led classes provide accessible, shame-free resources for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of sex, sexuality, and sexual satisfaction,” said a rep.

Beducated co-founder and CEO Mariah Freya emphasized the programming’s importance.
 
“Pleasure should never be confined by gender norms or limited definitions of intimacy,” she said. “Our mission is to create a space where everyone, regardless of identity or orientation, can feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore their desires with confidence and care.”

For more information, visit Beducated.

LOS ANGELES — XBIZ is pleased to announce that decorated performer, Pornhub brand ambassador, and author Asa Akira is set to deliver an exclusive talk at XBIZ Miami.

Akira will discuss key lessons learned in the course of her storied career during the session, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at 5 p.m.

“What an honor!” Akira enthused. “Speaking at this premier event is such an exciting milestone moment for me, and it means everything. I’ve been coming to this show for a few years now — and every time, I leave so invigorated and inspired by all of my peers.”

Akira’s first book, “Insatiable,” became a bestseller, received widespread mainstream attention, and was named by the New York Post as one of the top books of 2014. She went on to pen the memoir “Dirty Thirty” and edited the erotic short story collection “Asarotica.” Akira is a co-host and executive producer of the Pornhub podcast “Terms of Service.” 

Akira noted that the timing of her appearance coincides with a spike in tensions and concerns among industry stakeholders.

“At a time when it often feels like our industry is under more scrutiny than ever, events like XBIZ Miami are so important for our community,” she said. 

For event information, visit XBIZMiami.com.