Boo!!: A Hauntingly Fun Board Game for Birthday Parties

Unleash the Ghostly Fun

The main inspiration behind Boo!! was the ghost-themed birthday party of Altan. Güniz, his mother, and Gülru wanted to create a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for the kids. They searched for various activities that could keep the children engaged, such as singing, dancing, storytelling, and memory games. The goal was to gather these activities and incorporate them into a board game, allowing the parents to focus on entertaining other guests.

What sets Boo!! apart is its bizonal organization. The game is divided into two sections: the haunted road and the activity zones. This unique structure extends the game duration and provides the opportunity to include any party activity in a board game format.

Boo!! is not only fun but also environmentally friendly. The package is made from recycled plastic, while the game canvas is printed on organic fabric that can be folded up for easy storage and transportation. To enhance the ghostly theme, phosphoric paint is used in the printed images and texts, allowing the game to be played in the dark.

The game itself is printed on organic cotton fabric, measuring 700mm x 1200mm. The package dimensions are 155mm width x 75mm depth x 200mm height. It can be decomposed into three main parts: the main body containing the game canvas, a pyramid block functioning as a dice and activity spin wheel, and a pyramid cap containing the player tags.

Boo!! is designed to be interactive and easy to use. Simply open the transparent cap to remove the player tags and take out the dice/activity spin wheel to access the game canvas. Press the dice side of the device to move forward and perform the activities indicated on the activity zones. Once the game is over, fold the canvas and insert it back into the box. Place the spin wheel through the guides and put the player tags on top of the box before closing the cap.

The Boo!! project started in November 2013 in Ankara and was completed in January 2014. Extensive research was conducted on the concentration, playing habits, and interests of 6-year-olds to ensure the game's appeal. The graphics and color choices were carefully selected based on the research findings.

Boo!! faced several challenges during its development. One of the main challenges was designing the game to accommodate the short concentration spans of young children. To overcome this, two alternative entertainment zones were incorporated to extend the game's duration. Additionally, sustainability and mobility were prioritized, leading to the use of recyclable plastic for the package and a compact design for easy transportation.

Boo!! has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2014. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

With Boo!!, birthday parties will never be the same. This hauntingly fun board game brings together entertainment, adventure, and a touch of horror, creating unforgettable memories for children and their friends.