Timeless play, timeless fun – Toy Book

Hasbro’s Clue, Connect 4 and Candy Land celebrate important anniversaries.

From retail shelves to living rooms, some games will always be mainstream. While opinions may change and needs may change, nothing beats the classics. This year, Hasbro’s Clue and Candy Land turn 75, and Connect 4 turns 50, three perennial favorites A big anniversary is coming up. Subtle reinvention and radical expansion.

“design [for] As a classic game, it’s important to prioritize player insight, observation of family, and focus on detail. “This approach helps enhance gameplay, storage and modern aesthetics for current and future players.”

Candy Land, Clue, and Connect 4 all feature gameplay that has resonated with players for years. This includes the simple path game in Candy Land, the puzzle game in Clue, and the sense of accomplishment players often feel when four discs finally line up in Connect 4.

Herman Hernandez, owner of Greenpoint Toys in Brooklyn, New York, recognizes the lasting impact of these three iconic toys. Family members are sure to find these classics on the shelves at this brick-and-mortar store that has been serving Brooklyn residents since 1979. “Hasbro’s Candy Land, Connect 4 and Clue are must-haves in stores… They’ve been around for a while and all have a simple play concept,” Hernandez explained.

Over the decades, Hasbro has released updated versions of each game while staying true to its desirable features and gameplay. As Hasbro expanded its products, new character designs and alternate themes were incorporated into the game.

“Enhanced characters, storylines and artwork can spark imaginations and interest current and new generations of players,” Baker said. Working with licensing partners is another way to keep momentum going, and Hasbro is taking all of the above steps in this landmark year.

Clue: 75 Years of Strategy

More than seventy years after the game’s release, players are still speculating about the characters, places, and content. In the murder mystery board game Clue, countless solutions create a new and exciting game every time you unfold the board.

This year, players can add WS Game Company’s Clue: 75th Anniversary Edition to their game rooms. The special version of the game features two-tone wooden cabinets and storage drawers with gold metal accents. It includes a wood mover with a die-cast base and a foil stamping solution envelope. The game is designed for players aged 18 and above and also includes 75th anniversary themed cards.

The evolution of Clue includes updates to well-known games, new Clue series, and versions inspired by different brands and IPs. Kids can rely on familiar gameplay while interacting with characters other than Professor Plum and Mrs. White. Over the course of the game’s long reign, The Op Games released different versions such as Clue: Scooby-Doo Edition, Clue: Squishmallows Edition, and more.

Hasbro also makes the Clue Escape series, where players use a 3D board to try to unlock a room and escape, then solve the mystery. Additionally, the Clue series has expanded to include games like Clue Conspiracy, in which players team up to wreak havoc, sworn to secrecy while deducing who, where, and what crime to solve.

While the game made it onto the charts thanks to the 1985 movie cluethe mystery continues to unfold outside the living room with new theatrical production Clue: stage scene. The new comedy, based on the film and game, features characters such as Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard, as well as life-size versions of the mini tools used in the board game. Families can also participate in Clue — A Walking Mystery, an interactive walking experience offered in different cities across the United States

“We are further expanding the Clue universe as we just announced an agreement between Hasbro Entertainment and TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Television to develop film and television adaptations of Clue,” Baker said. “Branded experiences such as stage productions and films go hand in hand with our products and help to overall increase brand awareness, awareness and consumer following.”

Desserts from seven decades

From homemade Halloween costumes to scented candles from GooseCreek, the board game Candy Land and its characters have inspired crafts and collaborations for years. In 1948, school teacher Eleanor Abbott invented the path game as a way to pass the time for recovering polio patients. Milton Bradley released the game in 1949, adding named characters shortly after. Millions of adult children now consider Candy Land their first board game.

Since launch, the game has seen multiple versions, including ones with updated character and location designs. Despite changes in costumes and more, the residents of Candy Land still represent the same sweetness and fun while representing a wider audience. “Nostalgia connects generations of gamers and inspires parents to share the gaming experiences of their youth with their children,” Baker said. “Hasbro has always been thoughtful about ensuring characters, themes and content remain relevant to today’s audience. We focus on changing tastes and trends to make games that are timeless and avoid becoming outdated or outdated.

To celebrate decades of Mr. Peppermint, Princess Frosteen and others, Hasbro has designed branded interactive shows. At the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, players can visit the Candy Land Shake Bar located inside the Hasbro Powered Gameroom. The Shake Bar produces themed shakes for guests to enjoy while exploring other attractions inspired by Hasbro IP. The company also partnered with Sugarfina to launch a limited-edition Candy Land game board, with different candies hidden inside removable boxes that resemble Candy Land paths.

Half a century of connection

While the gameplay remains the same—kids still need to arrange four same-colored discs on a grid in each version—Connect 4 has evolved over the past 50 years. “Our goal is to improve the classic games we love through insightful innovation and thoughtful design, always attracting new generations of players,” said Baker. “Connect 4 is our classic strategy game that has evolved since its launch in 1974, primarily in terms of textures and presentation.”

EastPoint Sports’ Connect 4: Giant Edition is an oversized example of Hasbro’s commitment to keeping classic games alive. The larger version is perfect for outdoor, legendary gaming.

Let’s pass by! 2025

Looking ahead to this year’s milestone, Hasbro is planning for another big anniversary: ​​Monopoly will turn 90 next year. The company and its licensing partners have produced countless versions of the game, including recent IP-based versions inspired by Harry Potter, Grey’s Anatomy, Family Guy, One Pieceas well as rock bands such as AC/DC and Metallica. As part of its 90th anniversary, Hasbro released Monopoly Go! Board game, based on Scopely Monopoly! app.

Despite the steady stream of newer releases, original games dominate in terms of popularity – a true sign of a gaming classic – as the gameplay remains beloved by consumers and suitable for retailers to sell. “A great toy store needs to sell Hasbro products…the turnover of all three games is very fast and we need to keep ordering them to keep them in stock,” Hernandez said.

“While we have produced many co-branded games with popular IP and different formats, none stand the test of time more than our classic games,” Baker added. “However, these changes to the game create energy in the market, spark conversation and ensure our brand remains relevant and top of mind for players.”

Whether it’s the latest iteration of Candy Land, Connect 4, or Clue, or a game passed down through the generations that’s missing a little something here and there, these timeless games will continue to be family favorites for years to come. .

A version of this feature was originally published in The Toy Book’s 2024 Los Angeles Fall Toy Preview issue. Click here to read the full article! Want to receive a printed copy of The Toy Book? Click here to view subscription options!