Jump to content

Out of the Box Publishing: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(26 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox company |
{{Short description|Game publisher}}
{{Infobox company
|name=Out of the Box Publishing Inc.
|name=Out of the Box Publishing Inc.
|logo =[[File:Out of the Box logo.jpeg|200px]]
|logo =Out of the Box logo.jpeg
|logo_size =200px
|type = Privately held company
|type = Privately held company
|key_people = Al Waller<br><small>(President)</small><br />Leah Sugar<br><small>(Vice President of Marketing)</small><br />Bridget Stitgen<br><small>(CFO)</small><br />Max Osterhaus<br><small>(Director of Product development)</small><br />Derek McCoy<br><small>(Sales and Warehouse Manager)</small><ref name="endplay">{{cite journal |last=LaFaro |first=Alyssa |date=September–October 2013 |title=Out of the Box Publishing, Take Two |url=http://editiondigital.net/publication/frame.php?i=173721&p=50&pn=&ver=flex |journal=Endplay |accessdate=September 24, 2013 }}</ref>
|foundation = 1998 ([[Madison, Wisconsin]])<ref name="about"/>
| industry = Toys
|location = [[Windsor (town), Wisconsin|Windsor, Wisconsin]], United States
|key_people = Al Waller<br><small>(President)</small><br />Leah Sugar<br><small>(Vice President of Marketing)</small><br />Bridget Stitgen<br><small>(CFO)</small><br />Max Osterhaus<br><small>(Director of Product development)</small><br />Derek McCoy<br><small>(Sales and Warehouse Manager)</small><ref name="endplay">{{cite journal |last=LaFaro |first=Alyssa |date=September–October 2013 |title=Out Of The Box Publishing, Take Two |url=http://editiondigital.net/publication/frame.php?i=173721&p=50&pn=&ver=flex |journal=Endplay |accessdate=September 24, 2013 }}</ref>
|industry=[[Toys]]|
|num_employees=5
|num_employees=5
|
|homepage=[http://www.otb-games.com/ www.otb-games.com]
|foundation = 1998 ([[Madison, Wisconsin]])<ref name="about"/><ref name="Foundation date">{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/406828893/?terms=Raven%20Software&match=1|title=The game makers around here at a glance|newspaper=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|page=16|date=September 26, 2004|accessdate=August 17, 2021}}{{closed access}}{{subscription required|s}}</ref>
|defunct = October 2015
|location = [[Windsor (town), Wisconsin|Windsor, Wisconsin]], United States
}}
}}
'''Out of the Box Publishing''' is a [[Wisconsin]]-based publishing company specializing in family, card, and party games. As of October 2013, they have published over 45 titles.


Out of the Box Publishing is best known for games that are easy to learn and quick to play. The company has received numerous awards including [[Mensa International|Mensa]] Select, Toy of the Year, Parenting for High Potential, and National Parenting Center.<ref name="endplay" />
'''Out of the Box Publishing''' was a [[Wisconsin]]-based publishing company specializing in family, card, and party games. As of October 2013, they had published over 45 titles.
Out of the Box Publishing was best known for games that are easy to learn and quick to play. The company has received numerous awards including [[Mensa International|Mensa]] Select, Toy of the Year, Parenting for High Potential, and National Parenting Center.<ref name="endplay" />


==History==
==History==
Out of the Box Publishing was established in 1998 in [[Madison, Wisconsin]] by Mark Osterhaus, Alan Waller, Cathleen Quinn-Kinney, and [[John Kovalic]]. The first game published by the company was [[Bosworth (game)|Bosworth]], a four-player chess variant which has since been retired.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=http://boardgames.about.com/od/companies/p/out_of_the_box.htm |title=Out of the Box Publishing - Game Publisher |last1=Arneson |first1=Erik |website=About.com |accessdate=October 24, 2013}}</ref>
Out of the Box Publishing was established in 1998 in [[Madison, Wisconsin]] by Mark Osterhaus, Ellen Winter, Alan Waller, Cathleen Quinn-Kinney, and [[John Kovalic]].<ref name="Foundation date"/> The first game published by the company was ''[[Bosworth (game)|Bosworth]]'', a four-player chess variant which has since been retired.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=http://boardgames.about.com/od/companies/p/out_of_the_box.htm |title=Out of the Box Publishing - Game Publisher |last1=Arneson |first1=Erik |website=About.com |accessdate=October 24, 2013}}</ref>

In the summer of 1998, Out of the Box Publishing acquired the license for their most well-known game, ''[[Apples to Apples]]'', from inventor Matthew Kirby. ''Apples to Apples'' was redesigned into its current form by Mark Osterhaus and the content was created by Ellen Winter with help from their family: Leah Sugar, and Max Osterhaus. Over the next ten years, Out of the Box grew into a leading American game company, supplying games to thousands of specialty toy stores, [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[Walmart]] and [[Toys R Us]], as well as distributing games worldwide. During this time, Out of the Box licensed and distributed games in more than 10 foreign countries (Germany, UK, Scandinavia, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and others) and amassed more than 15 awards for game design.<ref name="endplay"/> While Out of the Box held the license for ''Apples to Apples'', it produced and sold over three million copies.


In 2007, the company sold the licenses to ''Apples to Apples'', ''[[Blink (game)|Blink]]'', ''Snorta'' and ''Qwitch'' to the [[Mattel]] Corporation, several owners retired, and several new owners (including children of the previous owners) were invited to join.<ref name="endplay"/> Since the sale, Out of the Box had new growing games, such as ''Word on the Street'', ''7Ate9'', and ''Snake Oil''.<ref name="about" />
In the summer of 1998, Out of the Box Publishing acquired the license for their most well-known game, [[Apples to Apples]], from inventor Matthew Kirby. Apples to Apples was redesigned into its current form by Mark Osterhaus and the content was created with help from his family: Ellen Winter, Leah Sugar, and Max Osterhaus. Over the next ten years, Out of the Box grew into a leading American game company, supplying games to thousands of specialty toy stores, [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[Walmart]] and [[Toys R Us]], as well as distributing games worldwide. During this time, Out of the Box licensed and distributed games in more than 10 foreign countries (Germany, UK, Scandinavia, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and others) and amassed more than 15 awards for game design.<ref name="endplay"/> While Out of the Box held the license for Apples to Apples, it produced and sold over three million copies.


Out of the Box Publishing is no longer in business. They sold all of their remaining inventory and ceased operations in October 2015.
In 2007, the company sold the licenses to Apples to Apples, [[Blink]], Snorta and Qwitch to the [[Mattel]] Corporation, several owners retired, and several new owners (including children of the previous owners) were invited to join.<ref name="endplay"/> Since the sale, Out of the Box has new growing games, such as Word on the Street, 7Ate9, and Snake Oil.<ref name="about" />


==Games==
==Games==
Out of the Box Publishing is best known for games that take less than five minutes to learn, and less than a half an hour to play.<ref name="toybook">{{cite news |title=COMMENTARY: Snake Oil Will Cause Laughter |url=http://toybook.com/snake-oil-will-cause-laughter/ |last=Gordon |first=Lindsay |date=July 12, 2013 |newspaper=The Toy Book |accessdate=September 24, 2013}}</ref> All Out of the Box games are family-oriented and appropriate for kids and adults.<ref name="endplay"/> Their games have been called "surprisingly entertaining" and "silly fun",<ref name="sfc">{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/New-board-games-for-the-holidays-4078436.php#page-3 |last=Kosman |first=Joshua |date=September 2, 2012 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |title=New board games for the holidays |accessdate=September 24, 2013}}</ref> as well as "thought provoking and humorous".<ref name="toybook" />
Out of the Box Publishing was best known for games that take less than five minutes to learn, and less than a half an hour to play.<ref name="toybook">{{cite news |title=COMMENTARY: Snake Oil Will Cause Laughter |url=http://toybook.com/snake-oil-will-cause-laughter/ |last=Gordon |first=Lindsay |date=July 12, 2013 |newspaper=The Toy Book |accessdate=September 24, 2013}}</ref> All Out of the Box games are family-oriented and appropriate for kids and adults.<ref name="endplay"/> Their games have been called "surprisingly entertaining" and "silly fun",<ref name="sfc">{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/New-board-games-for-the-holidays-4078436.php#page-3 |last=Kosman |first=Joshua |date=September 2, 2012 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |title=New board games for the holidays |accessdate=September 24, 2013}}</ref> as well as "thought provoking and humorous".<ref name="toybook" />


Nearly all of the games in their catalog were created after 2008.<ref name="endplay"/> Out of the Box accepts game submissions from new inventors as well as established inventors. The company receives over 600 submissions a year and publishes about two new games per year.<ref name="endplay"/> Instructions for submitting a game are located on the company’s website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otb-games.com/about-us-2/contact-us/product-submissions/ |title=Product Submissions |publisher=Out of the Box official site |accessdate=September 24, 2013 }}</ref>
Nearly all of the games in their catalog were created after 2008.<ref name="endplay"/> The company received over 600 submissions a year and published about two new games per year.<ref name="endplay"/>


== List of published games ==
== List of published games ==
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
{{colbegin}}
*''Snake Oil'' (2012)
*''10 Days in Africa'' (2003)
*''Bug Out'' (2011)
*''10 Days in Asia'' (2006)
*''Word on the Street Junior'' (2010)
*''10 Days in Europe'' (2005)
*''10 Days in the Americas'' (2010)
*''10 Days in the Americas'' (2010)
*''Word on the Street'' (2009)
*''10 Days in the USA'' (2003)
*''7Ate9'' (2009)
*''7Ate9'' (2009)
*''Super Circles'' (2009)
*''aBRIDGEd'' (2006)
*''[[Apples to Apples]]'' (1999)
*''Apples to Apples Button Men'' (2002)
*''Apples to Apples Custom Cards'' (2002)
*''Apples to Apples Kids'' (2000)
*''Apples to Apples Party Box'' (2003)
*''Apples to Apples Party Box Expansion One'' (2004)
*''Apples to Apples Party Box Expansion Two'' (2004)
*''Backseat Drawing'' (2008)
*''Backseat Drawing Junior'' (2009)
*''Backseat Drawing Junior'' (2009)
*''Basari'' (2003)
*''Blink'' (2005) re-release
*''[[Bosworth (game)|Bosworth]]'' (1998)
*''Bug Out'' (2011)
*''Cineplexity'' (2006)
*''Cloud 9'' (2003)
*''Cover Up'' (2006)
*''Easy Come, Easy Go'' (2004)
*''Fish Eat Fish'' (2003)
*''Gavitt's Stock Exchange'' (2003)
*''[[Gold Digger (card game)|Gold Digger]]'' (2002)
*''Harry's Grandslam Baseball'' (2004)
*''Letter Roll'' (2009)
*''Letter Roll'' (2009)
*''LetterFlip!'' (2004)
*''Mix Up'' (2006)
*''My Word'' (2008) re-release
*''Ninja versus Ninja'' (2008)
*''Ninja versus Ninja'' (2008)
*''The Chain Game'' (2008)
*''Backseat Drawing'' (2008)
*''Rock!'' (2008)
*''Zen Benders'' (2008)
*''Party Pooper'' (2008)
*''Party Pooper'' (2008)
*''My Word'' (2008) rerelease
*''aBRIDGEd'' (2006)
*''10 Days in Asia'' (2006)
*''Cineplexity'' (2006)
*''Cover Up'' (2006)
*''Mix Up'' (2006)
*''Pepper'' (2006)
*''Pepper'' (2006)
*''Qwitch'' (2006) re-release
*''Qwitch'' (2006) re-release
*''10 Days in Europe'' (2005)
*''Rock!'' (2008)
*''Blink'' (2005) rerelease
*''Shipwrecked'' (2000)
*''Easy Come, Easy Go'' (2004)
*''Snake Oil'' (2012)
*''Harry's Grandslam Baseball'' (2004)
*''Snorta'' (2003)
*''LetterFlip!'' (2004)
*''Squint'' (2002)
*''Squint Jr.'' (2004)
*''Squint Jr.'' (2004)
*''Super Circles'' (2009)
*''The Chain Game'' (2008)
*''Tutankhamen'' (2003)
*''Wallamoppi'' (2004)
*''Wallamoppi'' (2004)
*''Apples to Apples Party Box Expansion One'' (2004)
*''Apples to Apples Party Box Expansion Two'' (2004)
*''10 Days in Africa'' (2003)
*''10 Days in the USA'' (2003)
*''Basari'' (2003)
*''Cloud 9'' (2003)
*''Fish Eat Fish'' (2003)
*''Gavitt's Stock Exchange'' (2003)
*''Tutankhamen'' (2003)
*''[[Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?|Whad'Ya Know]]'' (2003)
*''[[Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?|Whad'Ya Know]]'' (2003)
*''Wildside'' (2003)
*''Wildside'' (2003)
*''Apples to Apples Party Box'' (2003)
*''Word on the Street'' (2009)
*''Snorta'' (2003)
*''Word on the Street Junior'' (2010)
*''Gold Digger'' (2002)
*''Zen Benders'' (2008)
{{div col end}}
*''Squint'' (2002)
*''Apples to Apples Custom Cards'' (2002)
*''Apples to Apples Kids'' (2000)
*''Shipwrecked'' (2000)
*''[[Apples to Apples]]'' (1999)
*''[[Bosworth (game)|Bosworth]]'' (1998)
{{colend}}


==Distributors==
==Distributors==
Out of the Box Games are distributed by:
Out of the Box Games are distributed by:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
{{colbegin}}
*999 Games (Netherlands)
*999 Games (Netherlands)
*ACD (USA)
*ACD (USA)
Line 106: Line 114:
*Sunset Games (Japan)
*Sunset Games (Japan)
*Swan Panasia (Taiwan)
*Swan Panasia (Taiwan)
*Wargames HK (Hong Kong)
*Vennoroed (Norway)
*Vennoroed (Norway)
*Ventura (Australia)
*Ventura (Australia)
*Wargames HK (Hong Kong)
{{colend}}
{{div col end}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
===Season 1 (1998-2000)===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style=" width:80%;"
|-
!! style="background-color: #E32636;"| No in<br />Series
!! style="background-color: #E32636;"| No in<br />Season
!! style="background-color: #E32636;"|Title
!! style="background-color: #E32636;"|Airdate
!! style="background-color: #E32636;"|Production code
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=1
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Feet First
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|01}}
|ProdCode=101
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=2
|EpisodeNumber2= 2
|Title=Playhouse Mouse
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|02}}
|ProdCode=102
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=3
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=Doctor Octor
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|02}}
|ProdCode=103
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=4
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=The Fuzzy Worm
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|03}}<ref name="TVGuide">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/box/episodes/203614|title=Out of the Box Episode Guide - TVGuide.com|accessdate=2067-07-30}}</ref>
|ProdCode=105
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=5
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=Hats Off
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|03}}
|ProdCode=106
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=7
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Sticky Icky
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|04}}
|ProdCode=108
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=8
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Really Wheely
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|04}}
|ProdCode=109
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=9
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Yes and Nose
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|05}}<ref name="TVGuide"/>
|ProdCode=110
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=10
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Pick-a-Pet
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|05}}<ref name="TVGuide"/>
|ProdCode=111
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=11
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Ships Ahoy
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|06}}<ref name="TVGuide"/>
|ProdCode=112
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=12
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Animal Antics
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|06}}
|ProdCode=113
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=13
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Tube Town
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|07}}
|ProdCode=114
|LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=14
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=High Fliers
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|07}}<ref name="TVGuide"/>
|ProdCode=115
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=15
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=Campout Kids
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|08}}
|Info/Note:This is the first episode to use the guitar version of the goodbye song except it has a low sound to the song.
|ProdCode=116
|LineColor=E32636

}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=16
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Tall and Small
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|08}}
|ProdCode=117
| LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=17
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Day at the Beach
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|09}}
|ProdCode=118
|LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=18
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=A Place Called Space
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|09}}
|ProdCode=119
|LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=19
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Box Full of Boxes
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|10}}
|ProdCode=120
|LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=20
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=Hands On
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|10}}
|ProdCode=121 '(typo'd as "1-12" in copyright registry)'
|LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=23
|EpisodeNumber2=23
|Title=Circle Circus
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|11}}
|ProdCode=124
|LineColor=E32636
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=24
|EpisodeNumber2=24
|Title=Seeds of Imagination
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|11}}<ref name="TVGuide"/>
|ProdCode=125
|LineColor=E32636
}}
|}

The artistic director and one of the founders of Out of the Box Publishing, [[John Kovalic]], was also the illustrator for ''[[Munchkin (card game)|Munchkin]]'' and ''[[Dork Tower]]''.
The artistic director and one of the founders of Out of the Box Publishing, [[John Kovalic]], was also the illustrator for ''[[Munchkin (card game)|Munchkin]]'' and ''[[Dork Tower]]''.


==References==
==References==
===Season 2 (1999-2000)===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:80%;"
|-
! style="background-color: #5599DF;"|# !! style="background-color: #5599DF;"|Title !! style="background-color: #5599DF;"|Original airdate !! style="background-color: #5599DF;"|Production code
|-
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=1
|Title=Rules Rule!
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|12}}
|ProdCode=201
|ShortSummary=The kids learn the importance of rules as they play different games with balls in the clubhouse. They also act out a version of ''Cinderella''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=2
|Title=We're Cooking!
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|12}}
|ProdCode=202
|ShortSummary=The kids pretend to cook their favorite foods. They also act out a version of the story ''Stone Soup''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=3
|Title=Zip, Button, Snap
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|13}}
|ProdCode=203
|ShortSummary=Tony and Vivian help teach the kids how to button, snap, buckle and zipper using songs and play-acting. Nick also visits the Little Red Hen.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=4
|Title=Scrub-a-Dub
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|13}}
|ProdCode=204
|ShortSummary=Tony and Vivian teach the importance of bathing as the kids make pretend bathtubs and bath toys, and act out a version of ''Rub a Dub, Dub, Three Men in a Tub''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=5
|Title=Disguise Surprise
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|14}}
|ProdCode=205
|ShortSummary=The kids dress up in disguises and act out a version of ''The Little Red Riding Hood''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=6
|Title=Good Clean-Up Fun
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|14}}
|ProdCode=206
|ShortSummary=The kids learn about sorting and organizing items while cleaning up the clubhouse. They also act out a story called "Neat Nick".
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=7
|Title=Mirror, Mirror
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|15}}
|ProdCode=207
|ShortSummary=The kids play with different kinds of mirrors, including a hand mirror, a hubcap and a metal tray. They also act out a version of ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=8
|Title=Blowin' in the Wind
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|15}}
|ProdCode=208
|ShortSummary=The kids celebrate the wind by playing wind instruments, listening to wind chimes, making pinwheels and playing out a version of ''The Three Little Pigs''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=9
|Title=Rock-a-Bye Baby
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|16}}
|ProdCode=209
|ShortSummary=The kids take care of pretend babies by diapering them, making their cribs and singing to them. They also act out a version of ''There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Sheep''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=10
|Title=Feathered Friends
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|16}}
|ProdCode=210
|ShortSummary=The kids craft paper birds and make bird sounds after Vivian brings in a bird feeder to hang outside the playhouse. They also act out a version of the ''Emperor and the Nightingale''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=11
|Title=Eye Spy
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|17}}
|ProdCode=211
|ShortSummary=The kids explore how their eyes work by playing an "Eye Detective" game, looking at a picture with hidden objects and helping Vivian complete a jigsaw puzzle.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=12
|Title=We Got the Beat
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|17}}
|ProdCode=212
|ShortSummary=The kids learn about beats and rhythms by playing and making different instruments. They also act out a version of ''Hansel and Gretel''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=13
|Title=Shadow Play
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|18}}
|ProdCode=213
|ShortSummary=The kids make a shadow puppet theater and put on a play featuring a bird, a worm, and a spider.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=14
|Title=Goin' Buggy
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|18}}
|ProdCode=214
|ShortSummary=The kids learn about bugs by making a grasshopper, a spider, and an ant out of pipe cleaners and egg cartons.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=15
|Title=Make 'Em Laugh!
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|19}}
|ProdCode=215
|ShortSummary=The kids have a "Make 'em Laugh" day by telling jokes, walking funny and doing other silly things. They also talk with a court jester and turn Vivian into a backwards person.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=16
|Title=Mon-stir It Up!
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|19}}
|ProdCode=216
|ShortSummary=The kids sing a song about not being afraid and make a "Super Monster" puppet.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=17
|Title=Whose Home?
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|20}}
|ProdCode=217
|ShortSummary=Vivian brings a hermit crab to the clubhouse and teaches the kids about different animal homes.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=18
|Title=Unicornucopia
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|20}}
|ProdCode=218
|ShortSummary=The kids create their own magical kingdom, complete with a unicorn. They also act out a version of ''The Boy Who Cried Wolf''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=19
|Title=Tooth or Consequences
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|21}}
|ProdCode=219
|ShortSummary=The kids learn about the dentist and caring for teeth. They also act out a version of ''Little Red Riding Hood''.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=21
|Title=Down on the Farm
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|21}}
|ProdCode=221
|ShortSummary=The kids pretend to live on a farm.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=22
|Title=Pajama Party
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|22}}
|ProdCode=222
|ShortSummary=The kids throw a pretend pajama party.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=23
|Title=Treasure Hunt
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|22}}
|ProdCode=223
|ShortSummary=The kids make treasure chests and go on a treasure hunt. They also act out a version of ''King Midas'' to learn about nonmaterial kinds of treasure.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=24
|Title=Out to Lunch
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|23}}
|ProdCode=224
|ShortSummary=The kids pretend to go out to lunch and practice their restaurant behavior.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=25
|Title=Whodunit?
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|23}}
|ProdCode=225
|ShortSummary=The kids use their problem-solving skills to solve a mystery.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=26
|Title=Goin' to the Grocery
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|24}}
|ProdCode=226
|ShortSummary=
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=27
|Title=Sing a Song
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|24}}
|ProdCode=227
|ShortSummary=
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=28
|Title=Rainbow Colors
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|25}}
|ProdCode=(no production code given in copyright registry)
|ShortSummary=
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=29
|Title=Tricks or Treat
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|25}}
|ProdCode=229
|ShortSummary=
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=30
|Title=Family Fare
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|26}}
|ProdCode=(no production code given in copyright registry)
|ShortSummary=
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=31
|Title=Happy Birthday to Us!
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|26}}
|ProdCode=(no production code given in copyright registry)
|ShortSummary=The kids pretend that it's everyone's birthday by putting on dress-up clothes, playing musical chairs and making party decorations.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=32
|Title=Revealing Feelings
|OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2063|10|27}}
|ProdCode=(no production code given in copyright registry)
|ShortSummary=The kids talk about feelings after they express to Vivian that they feel "bad, sad, and a little mad" because Tony isn't at the clubhouse because he's sick.
| LineColor=5599DF
}}
|} <!-- End of table -->

{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{bgg publisher|48}}
*[http://www.otb-games.com/ Out of the Box Homepage]
*[http://www.twitter.com/otbgames/ Out of the Box Twitter Page]
* [http://www.otb-games.blogspot.com/ Out of the Box Blog]
*[http://www.otb-games.blogspot.com/ Out of the Box Blog]
* [http://www.facebook.com/outoftheboxgames/ Out of the Box Facebook Page]
*[http://www.facebook.com/outoftheboxgames/ Out of the Box Facebook Page]
* [https://twitter.com/otbgames/ Out of the Box Twitter Page]
*[http://www.youtube.com/user/OTBgames/ Out of the Box YouTube Channel]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/OTBgames/ Out of the Box YouTube Channel]
*[http://www.facebook.com/snakeoilgame/ Snake Oil Game Facebook Page]
* [http://www.facebook.com/snakeoilgame/ Snake Oil Game Facebook Page]

*{{bgg publisher|48}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Board game publishing companies]]
[[Category:Board game publishing companies]]

Latest revision as of 23:23, 2 July 2022

Out of the Box Publishing Inc.
Company typePrivately held company
IndustryToys
Founded1998 (Madison, Wisconsin)[1][2]
DefunctOctober 2015
HeadquartersWindsor, Wisconsin, United States
Key people
Al Waller
(President)
Leah Sugar
(Vice President of Marketing)
Bridget Stitgen
(CFO)
Max Osterhaus
(Director of Product development)
Derek McCoy
(Sales and Warehouse Manager)[3]
Number of employees
5

Out of the Box Publishing was a Wisconsin-based publishing company specializing in family, card, and party games. As of October 2013, they had published over 45 titles.

Out of the Box Publishing was best known for games that are easy to learn and quick to play. The company has received numerous awards including Mensa Select, Toy of the Year, Parenting for High Potential, and National Parenting Center.[3]

History

[edit]

Out of the Box Publishing was established in 1998 in Madison, Wisconsin by Mark Osterhaus, Ellen Winter, Alan Waller, Cathleen Quinn-Kinney, and John Kovalic.[2] The first game published by the company was Bosworth, a four-player chess variant which has since been retired.[1]

In the summer of 1998, Out of the Box Publishing acquired the license for their most well-known game, Apples to Apples, from inventor Matthew Kirby. Apples to Apples was redesigned into its current form by Mark Osterhaus and the content was created by Ellen Winter with help from their family: Leah Sugar, and Max Osterhaus. Over the next ten years, Out of the Box grew into a leading American game company, supplying games to thousands of specialty toy stores, Target, Walmart and Toys R Us, as well as distributing games worldwide. During this time, Out of the Box licensed and distributed games in more than 10 foreign countries (Germany, UK, Scandinavia, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and others) and amassed more than 15 awards for game design.[3] While Out of the Box held the license for Apples to Apples, it produced and sold over three million copies.

In 2007, the company sold the licenses to Apples to Apples, Blink, Snorta and Qwitch to the Mattel Corporation, several owners retired, and several new owners (including children of the previous owners) were invited to join.[3] Since the sale, Out of the Box had new growing games, such as Word on the Street, 7Ate9, and Snake Oil.[1]

Out of the Box Publishing is no longer in business. They sold all of their remaining inventory and ceased operations in October 2015.

Games

[edit]

Out of the Box Publishing was best known for games that take less than five minutes to learn, and less than a half an hour to play.[4] All Out of the Box games are family-oriented and appropriate for kids and adults.[3] Their games have been called "surprisingly entertaining" and "silly fun",[5] as well as "thought provoking and humorous".[4]

Nearly all of the games in their catalog were created after 2008.[3] The company received over 600 submissions a year and published about two new games per year.[3]

List of published games

[edit]
  • 10 Days in Africa (2003)
  • 10 Days in Asia (2006)
  • 10 Days in Europe (2005)
  • 10 Days in the Americas (2010)
  • 10 Days in the USA (2003)
  • 7Ate9 (2009)
  • aBRIDGEd (2006)
  • Apples to Apples (1999)
  • Apples to Apples Button Men (2002)
  • Apples to Apples Custom Cards (2002)
  • Apples to Apples Kids (2000)
  • Apples to Apples Party Box (2003)
  • Apples to Apples Party Box Expansion One (2004)
  • Apples to Apples Party Box Expansion Two (2004)
  • Backseat Drawing (2008)
  • Backseat Drawing Junior (2009)
  • Basari (2003)
  • Blink (2005) re-release
  • Bosworth (1998)
  • Bug Out (2011)
  • Cineplexity (2006)
  • Cloud 9 (2003)
  • Cover Up (2006)
  • Easy Come, Easy Go (2004)
  • Fish Eat Fish (2003)
  • Gavitt's Stock Exchange (2003)
  • Gold Digger (2002)
  • Harry's Grandslam Baseball (2004)
  • Letter Roll (2009)
  • LetterFlip! (2004)
  • Mix Up (2006)
  • My Word (2008) re-release
  • Ninja versus Ninja (2008)
  • Party Pooper (2008)
  • Pepper (2006)
  • Qwitch (2006) re-release
  • Rock! (2008)
  • Shipwrecked (2000)
  • Snake Oil (2012)
  • Snorta (2003)
  • Squint (2002)
  • Squint Jr. (2004)
  • Super Circles (2009)
  • The Chain Game (2008)
  • Tutankhamen (2003)
  • Wallamoppi (2004)
  • Whad'Ya Know (2003)
  • Wildside (2003)
  • Word on the Street (2009)
  • Word on the Street Junior (2010)
  • Zen Benders (2008)

Distributors

[edit]

Out of the Box Games are distributed by:

  • 999 Games (Netherlands)
  • ACD (USA)
  • Alfit (Israel)
  • Alliance Game Distributors (USA)
  • Amigo Spiel (Germany)
  • Board Game Club (Hong Kong)
  • Carant Entertainment (Mexico)
  • Creative Fun (Singapore)
  • Esdevium Games (UK)
  • GTS Distribution (USA)
  • Korea Boardgames (South Korea)
  • Lion Rampant Imports (Canada)
  • Logical Toys (New Zealand)
  • LU2 Experts en Jocs de Taula (Spain)
  • My Games (India)
  • Paradigm Infinitum (Singapore)
  • Pegasus Spiele (Germany)
  • Phantasia (Taiwan)
  • Ravensburger Spielverlag (Germany)
  • Rootstem Co. (South Korea)
  • Spilavinir (Iceland)
  • Sunset Games (Japan)
  • Swan Panasia (Taiwan)
  • Vennoroed (Norway)
  • Ventura (Australia)
  • Wargames HK (Hong Kong)

Trivia

[edit]

The artistic director and one of the founders of Out of the Box Publishing, John Kovalic, was also the illustrator for Munchkin and Dork Tower.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Arneson, Erik. "Out of the Box Publishing - Game Publisher". About.com. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "The game makers around here at a glance". Wisconsin State Journal. September 26, 2004. p. 16. Retrieved August 17, 2021.Closed access icon(Subscription required.)
  3. ^ a b c d e f g LaFaro, Alyssa (September–October 2013). "Out of the Box Publishing, Take Two". Endplay. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  4. ^ a b Gordon, Lindsay (July 12, 2013). "COMMENTARY: Snake Oil Will Cause Laughter". The Toy Book. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  5. ^ Kosman, Joshua (September 2, 2012). "New board games for the holidays". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Out_of_the_Box_Publishing&oldid=1096194359"