History of Trivial Pursuit Board Game
The Story of Chris Haney and Scott Abbot's Popular Game Invention
Q: What board game was created by two Canadian newspaper guys who really just wanted to get in a round of Scrabble? The answer would fit nicely on one of the game's categorized question cards: Trivial Pursuit.
Creating Trivial Pursuit
About.com contributor Mary Bellis wrote that Chris Haney, then a photo editor and Scott Abbot, then a sports journalist, both living in Montreal, invented the game on December 15, 1979. The creative pair was playing the classic boardgame Scrabble when they developed the idea for their own game. In 1981 Trivial Pursuit was officially released.
Years of Board Game Fun
In 1984 more than 15 million games were sold. Though this peak sales year arrived early in the games history, it has remained a popular favorite throughout the years. Since the original game was released many alternate versions have been created, keeping the game fresh and interesting.
Special editions include children’s editions (the original game recommends adult players), family editions, anniversary editions, decade editions and editions celebrating television programs and movie releases such as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Some games even include special edition DVDs to add interactive media appeal.
Trivial Pursuit Lawsuit
The name “Trivial Pursuit” conjures up images of proving ones smarts through a series of correct answers to difficult questions. The games creators had to prove more than their smarts when they were sued by a man claiming he actually invented the game and told the idea to Haney while hitchhiking. Haney admittedly picked up the man, David Wall, in 1979.
A Nova Scotia Judge ruled that Wall did not have sufficient evidence to support his claim and Abbot and Haney won the case in 2007 after a 13 year legal battle.
Game Still a Hit
In March 2008 Hasbro Inc. purchased Trivial Pursuit from the inventors for $80 million US. CBC News reported that the American game company has produced and distributed the game under license from other companies, but it now owns the intellectual rights. An article published March 31, 2008 by the Canadian news agency quotes Hasbro’s chief operating officer, Brian Goldner, explaining: "Now, as a wholly-owned and operated part of our deep and rich brand portfolio, we can build Trivial Pursuit beyond traditional venues and capitalize on new opportunities in entertainment, publishing, promotions and digital arenas."
Perhaps the emense sum of money brought in by the games sale is a sign that the game will continue to bring in revinew as a favorite of boad game lovers.
