Zoids (ゾイド, Zoido?) is a multi-media model-kit-based franchise originating from Japanese toy company Tomy (now Takara-Tomy). The majority of the franchise is built around and focused on the various motorized model kit series. More recently, companies outside of Takara-Tomy have been licensed to produce Zoids kits. This has led to Zoids being made as large die-cast figures, highly detailed posing kits, smaller action figures and even PVC figurines. The various anime series, comics, manga books and video games all serve as tie-in media products for the franchise, to expand both consumer base and franchise recognition.