Mattel Expands Games Portfolio with Acquisition of Award-Winning Blokus and Classic Whac-A-Mole Games

Mattel, Inc. today announced it has acquired Sekkoia SAS, owner of the award-winning game, Blokus and the Blokus family of games, and has also acquired the rights to the classic Whac-A-Mole game from Bob’s Space Racers, Inc.

“We are thrilled to add both Blokus and Whac-A-Mole to Mattel’s growing portfolio of fun and affordable family-oriented games,” said Tim Kilpin, GM/senior vice president, Boys, Girls & Games, Mattel Brands. “The addition of these fantastic brands reinforces Mattel’s commitment to offering games that are both engaging and entertaining for people of all ages.”

Blokus, which was launched in September 2000, is now one of the best-selling board games around the world and has been awarded more than 20 accolades from several international parenting and toy associations since its debut.

“Mattel will continue to build upon the growing popularity of Blokus® and utilize the brand’s established momentum to introduce this unique family of games to a much wider audience,” said Kilpin.

Games that are part of the Sekkoia Company acquisition include:

Blokus: Blokus is the award-winning, classic board game that combines skill and strategy, providing entertaining fun for the whole family! Comprised of a square board containing 400 squares and 84 pieces, Blokus challenges players to think strategically to outsmart their opponent. Players can match wits with one competitor or bring the excitement and energy to the game with up to four players.

Blokus Trigon: This variation of Blokus brings a radically new experience to the game. Featuring a hexagonal board, with pieces that are triangular rather than square, Blokus Trigon is more complex and designed especially for players who are familiar with the classic game.

Blokus 3D: In this redesigned version of Blokus, each player receives 11 blocks of one color, made of 3-dimensional squares. The goal of the game is to properly place the highest number of differently shaped and colored blocks on the rotating game board, which makes it possible to quickly visualize all the options of placement. Blokus 3D sharpens critical thinking skills as players strategically construct 3-dimensional structures block by block.

Blokus Duo (Blokus Travel in U.S.): This fast, compact version of the classic Blokus® board game can be easily taken and played anywhere. Perfect for road trips or on the plane.

Blokus Giant: This large format takes the skill and strategy of the original Blokus board game and expands the fun.

“The Whac-A-Mole brand carries deep-rooted, nostalgic appeal that resonates throughout generations,” said Michael Lane, CFO, Bob’s Space Racers, Inc. “Mattel recognizes this connection and we’re certain the company will maintain this authenticity that so many kids have come to enjoy while also taking the Whac-A-Mole game to exciting new levels.” Bob’s Space Racers, Inc. will continue to produce and sell the Whac-A-Mole classic amusement park game under license from Mattel.

The acquisition from Bob’s Space Racers, Inc. includes:

Whac-A-Mole Arcade Table Game: Watch and listen for the talking moles that light up! In this table-top version of the classic arcade game, players use their mallets to hit as many moles that light up in order to earn the most points. Choose from 1 to 2 player games and multiple levels, for an even more fun and challenging game. Fun for the whole family, Whac-A-Mole Arcade Table Game provides hours of competitive fun!

Mattel currently plans to develop other games based on the Whac-A-Mole brand concept in the future.