Cranium Hullabaloo Wins Toy Industry Game of the Year

At the American International Toy Fair, Cranium, Inc., was awarded the Toy Industry Association's 2003 Game of the Year for Cranium Hullabaloo, subtitled "The Game of Tunes, Twists, and Topsy-Turvy Fun" for children ages 4 and up. The honor is the company's third consecutive Game of the Year win, with Cranium and Cranium Cadoo winning for 2001 and 2002, respectively.

The Game of the Year is chosen by voting members of the TIA.

Cranium also announced a 60 percent increase in sales for 2003 and its most award-winning year ever, with nearly 20 awards worldwide according to a company press release.

"We've had a year of truly amazing milestones," said Richard Tait, Cranium, Inc. co-founder and Grand Poo Bah. "When we started Cranium, Inc., in 1998, we launched an entertainment revolution by taking a fresh approach to board games. Six years later, we've cracked the code. We've got nine games for adults, families and kids that build on the promise of the original Cranium game: They bring people together, celebrate hidden talents and give everyone the chance to shine. Along the way, we've built a trusted brand that's celebrated by millions of Craniacs around the globe who are just as passionate as we are about the games we create."

Cranium Hullabaloo is a high-energy game full of funky music, cool sounds, and all kinds of surprising fun, encourages kids to listen carefully and think fast as they jump, twist, wiggle and giggle in response to Cranium Hullabaloo's friendly voice.

Cranium Hullabaloo was recognized Saturday during a Toy Industry Association Toy of the Year awards ceremony in New York. The Toy of the Year Awards, created in 2000, honor the best toys and games developed by the international toy industry for consumers in the United States. The TIA's Game of the Year Award is designed to recognize the most innovative, interactive and playful game of the year, including board games, CD-ROM, electronic or card game formats.

"Cranium has done something no other company has been able to accomplish in such a short period of time," said Chris Byrne, toy and children's lifestyle expert, in the Cranium press release. "They've created a brand that parents and families know they can trust to deliver high-quality, outrageously fun and incredibly rich games. This company is driving innovation and play value in the game aisle. It's refreshing to see in today's industry."