11 Feb
Posted by Lory Gilpatric as Electronic Games
Game maker The Bridge Direct will showcase their new musical memory game at this year’s New York Toy Fair. Based on a description of the game, it sounds like it will be a modernized version of the classic blinking and beeping memory game Simon, but with a lot more buttons.
From the press description, Mystro is an electronic memory game that requires players to remember both sounds and light patterns that create a song.
Players will be able to choose from a variety of songs, including classical, electronic, and popular hits. There will also be different game modes to select from.
The game is designed for kids ages six and up and will be available at toy and game retailers this fall for $19.99.
09 Feb
Posted by David Miller as Card Games, CCGs, Electronic Games, Modern Board Games, Other
Game revenues were down 4 percent for Hasbro in 2014. According to its latest report, the company earned $1.26 billion from games in 2014, compared to $1.31 billion in 2013.
Growth by Magic: The Gathering, Monopoly, The Game of Life, and Simon was offset by a decline in sales for Duel Masters, Twister, and Angry Birds.
Overall, though, 2014 was a good year for Hasbro, with total net revenue up 5 percent to $4.28 billion and adjusted net earnings up 10%. The strongest performer for Hasbro was the boys category, up 20 percent mostly on the strength of Transformers, Nerf, and Marvel.
Benefiting from growth in lifestyle licensing, the entertainment and licensing segment was also up 15 percent.
Answering questions after the presentation, Hasbro’s president, Brian Goldner, revealed that sales of Magic: The Gathering are divided roughly 55/45 percent between large retailers and other outlets (specialty, hobby, etc.). The Friday Night Magic program has grown to 7,000 gaming sessions each week. And by next year, sales of Beyblade are expected to have pretty much evaporated.
Skechers, the shoe company, has launched a line of sneakers for kids with a built-in Simon-like pattern game. The Skechers Game Kicks retail for around $65 and are available in multiple styles.