Brand: Trivial Pursuit

Trivial Pursuit, one of the most iconic board games in history, was created in 1979 by Chris Haney and Scott Abbott in Montreal, Quebec. Inspired by their love of trivia and games, the duo developed Trivial Pursuit as a way to challenge players’ knowledge across a wide range of categories, including history, geography, entertainment, and science. The game quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of fun and intellectual challenge, becoming a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s. Trivial Pursuit’s distinctive pie-shaped playing pieces and colorful question cards made it a staple at family gatherings and social events.

Over the years, Trivial Pursuit has evolved to include numerous editions and variations, such as themed versions, digital adaptations, and even a live game show. The game has been translated into multiple languages and sold over 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling board games of all time. Despite its global success, Trivial Pursuit remains deeply connected to its Canadian origins, with its creation story celebrated as a testament to Canadian ingenuity and creativity. As a proudly Canadian invention, Trivial Pursuit continues to bring people together through the joy of trivia and friendly competition.

Founded: Canada
Owned: United States (Hasbro, acquired in 2008)
Manufactured: China (with production facilities worldwide).

“Trivial Pursuit was initially manufactured in Canada. In the early days, the game was assembled in Canada, with a production line producing 3,500 games per day by 1982. However, as the game’s popularity grew and it was licensed to larger companies like Selchow and Righter and later Parker Brothers (which became part of Hasbro), manufacturing shifted to other locations. In the 1980s, significant production was handled by Northern Plastics in Elroy, Wisconsin, USA, which produced 30 million games between 1983 and 1985. Today, Hasbro, the current owner of Trivial Pursuit, uses contract manufacturers primarily located in China, as well as other countries in Asia, for its products”

Notable: Trivial Pursuit’s rise to global prominence highlights Canada’s ability to create innovative and culturally impactful products. The game’s unique concept and universal appeal have made it a beloved part of pop culture and family entertainment. Trivial Pursuit’s success story demonstrates how a Canadian invention can achieve worldwide recognition and enduring popularity. Its role in bringing people together and promoting intellectual engagement underscores its importance as a symbol of Canadian creativity. Trivial Pursuit remains a testament to the power of simple ideas to create lasting global impact.