DVD Board Games: More Than Just a Passing Fad?

DVD board games incorporating familiar and brand-new themes have been popping up from a number of different companies. Taking a high-tech twist on a time-honored standby, this new form of family entertainment may prove more than just a passing fad.

TDmonthly Magazine spoke with several movers and shakers in the toy industry to find out what makes the game style so popular. David Long, co-founder and CEO of Screenlife, producer of Scene It?, explained, “We create a fun environment; capitalize on the game show feel.” Like game shows, Screenlife’s DVD clips feature hosts such as ESPN’s Dan Patrick for the Sports version.

Brian Johnson, president of B1 Games, relies on his customers gravitating toward the familiar. Yet, instead of a familiar format, he bases his games around familiar properties, such as TV shows “24,” “The Amazing Race” and “American Chopper” and comic book/film series “X-Men.” All will be released as DVD interactive games in the first quarter of 2006.

Check back in an upcoming issue of TDmonthly to find out more about where this innovative category is headed.