Contact: Nancy Spector

                                                                                                            415/503-1600 phone

                                                                                                            415/503-0085 fax

                                                                                                            nancys@ugames.com     

Wanted: Young Game Inventors!

University Games launches this years National Young Game Inventors Contest" a unique contest encouraging childrens imagination.

 

San Francisco, CA, September 3, 2004 In keeping with its commitment to help children learn and interact while having fun, University Games is sponsoring its annual National Young Game Inventors Contest (NYGIC) for 2004.  In this one-of-a-kind contest, kids invent their own board game and have the chance to have it produced!  Created by University Games in 1993, the NYGIC encourages imagination, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, creativity, and education through the process of board game invention. 

 

The 2003 winner called Rhyme Time is designed by 8-year old inventor, Greta Pfundt. Rhyme Time invites players to create their own silly poems and rhymes in the spirit of Dr. Seuss. Rhyme Time is available now in specialty and toy stores or from www.areyougame.com.

 

Completing the game invention process gives kids a great feeling of accomplishment, in addition to a chance to apply what they are learning in school to a real world project.  When we invent games, our focus is on blending lots of fun and interaction with learning, notes Bob Moog, Chairman of University Games.  And, were constantly impressed by how well children can develop games using art, language, math and science skills.  Year after year, were amazed by their creativity.  In a world filled with high tech toys, the contest is a throwback to the pre-computer days for children and families.

 

NYGIC is popular in schools and after school programs across the country (including home schooling) and excites parents and teachers as it offers a way to stimulate learning other than television and electronic games.

 

Since its inception, the NYGIC has sparked the imaginations of thousands of children who enter the contest.  Many more children benefit by playing the prizewinning games.  Other past winners include Mouse Round Up", Rapunzels Revenge", The Great Jungle Adventure", Twisted Tales", and Take a Hike!" all of which have been popular among preschool and young school children, and some even available in different languages.

 

To enter the contest, children aged 5-12 invent, design, and submit a complete board game.  Game submission will be accepted through November 1, 2004 - EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 10, 2004.  The winner of the contest will receive a $10,000 savings bond, an exciting game library from University Games, and the possibility of his or her game produced by University Games.  This years sponsors include: The Serrano Hotel (part of the Kimpton Hotel Group), Areyougame.com, and The California Academy of Sciences.

 

Entry forms can be found on , at select specialty toy retailers and at Boys and Girls Clubs of America (West Coast locations)

 

 

For more information, contact Nancy Spector at  415/503-1600 or . 

 

Winning games are available at major and specialty retailers nationwide and at: www.areyougame.com.

 

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