One of the hottest trends for holiday toy shopping this year may be the resurgence of the board game. That’s right, sales of many old prepong favorites like Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, and Operation are rising, while sales of video game systems like PlayStation are falling. Spurred by a combination of shoppers tightening their belts and a tendency to get nostalgic during tough times, board game sales are up 5% since May 2008, while overall toy sales are down 2%, and electronic game sales are down 12%. .
Toy manufacturers are responding to this new trend by updating their familiar games to have a more current feel. For example, the depression-era game Monopoly has replaced its familiar shoe game piece with a laptop. You can also buy properties using the new credit card machine. Instead of removing a wishbone in the game Operation, you can now remove your finger from a cell phone, and the board game Clue has new characters, including a dot-com billionaire.
Board game marketing is also being updated. Hasbro, the maker of games like Operation, Candy Land and Scrabble, has started promoting “family game night” in response to the growing board game trend. Their website features “games of the month” along with tips on how to host your own “game night.”
The technology has recently made its debut in the world of board games. with a game called Scene It?. This game uses a DVD to display movie and television clips along with the traditional game board to engage players in this fun trivia-style game.
So what are going to be the hot table games for Christmas 2009?
A bestseller in many stores continues to be the strategy game Settlers of Catan. In this game, designed for ages 10+, players battle to collect resources, build settlements and cities that ultimately determine the winner.
Another best seller this year is Quiddler, a fast-paced game for word lovers in which players try to create words from dealt cards. Just like Scrabble players, they try to use high dotted letters to get the highest score. Points are also awarded for most words, so even small words can help you win.
What serious board gamers are choosing as their best game overall is Puerto Rico. If you are looking for a super fun strategy game that can teach your kids economics and trading lessons, this is it. Recommended for ages 12 and up, players in this game take on the role of various plantation owners from around the 19th century. The winner is determined by who is best positioned to deliver their product across the sea to Europe.
With a mix of gambling and trivia, Wits & Wagers may be the best seller again in 2009. In this fast and easy-to-learn game, players not only try to answer fun and sometimes crazy questions, but also They bet on the accuracy of others. players respond to crown a winner.
If you are looking for a game that can be fun for a five-year-old as well as an adult, you should try Mattel’s Blokus Classics Game. In this 30-minute strategy game, you place colored pieces on the board in an attempt to be the first to play all your pieces before your opponents. Blokus is a fast, easy to learn and fun game for both adults and children.
With the economy still in the dumps, and many board games selling for less than $20.00, they are sure to be a popular gift found under the Christmas tree this year. So buy one while there’s still a good supply on store shelves. You will find out as many others already know. You forgot how much fun it can be to play a board game with your family and friends.