Hobbies And Interests
Hasbro
Hasbro is the publisher for some of the most well-known board games ever created. Hasbro has been in existence since 1923, originally operating as a toy manufacturer. A publically traded corporation since 1968, Hasbro purchased Milton Bradley, Kenner Brothers and Parker Brothers, building a giant board game library. Hasbro publishes many family favorite games such as "Candy Land," "Chutes &Ladders," "Clue," "Monopoly," "Twister" and "Risk."
Mattel
Mattel began operations in 1945 in Hawthorne, California. The company reached great success when it released Barbie dolls, and then moved into various other toy ventures including the "See N' Say" educational toy, Hot Wheels and various electronic games. In 1992, Mattel purchased International Games, Inc. and, in later years, signed licensing agreements with Nickelodeon and the Harry Potter franchise. Mattel produces games such as "Apples to Apples," "Scene It?" and "Uno."
Mayfair Games
Mayfair Games, best known for the "Catan" game series, also produces a large number of card games, party games, board games and dice games. Based out of Skokie, Illinois, the company specializes in historical games. While "The Settlers of Catan" was originally released in Germany, Mayfair Games is the United States publisher of the game and all its sequels. Outside of the "Catan" games, Mayfair Games also publishes other historically based games such as "Rise of Empires," "Age of Discovery" and "Age of Napoleon."
University Games
Founded in 1985, University Games has published more than 200 games over the company's history. The company makes board games with an educational slant. In 1991, the publisher released "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" based on the children's TV show. The success of that game allowed University Games to expand outside the United States. University Games publishes board games based on educational properties such as "Dora the Explorer," "Wonder Pets!" and "Super Why!"