March 15, 2004

By: Sandy Bergman
Website: http://www.1st-in-games.com

Atlantic Canadian Game Inventor Has High Hopes For National Toy Fair

Halifax game inventor and President of Cookie Dough Games, Ron Chadraoui, has high hopes for his new creation Straight A's ­ The Board Game. After three years in the making, Straight A's will make its public debut at the 63rd Canadian Toy Association's Toy & Hobby Fair in Toronto. Chadraoui will join a select group of Canadian toy and game inventors as one of ten being profiled by the Inventor's Corner at this year's show. Having dedicated so much time and energy to the development of the game, it's time to get Straight A's out there in the marketplace where it can be enjoyed by children of all ages, says the game's inventor.

Straight A's was born out of a desire to develop an educational tool that was both fun and helpful to children in their quest to learn. From both a parenting and teaching perspective, our test groups tell us this describes their Straight A's experience, says Mr. Chadraoui.

Straight A's is based on life at the fictional 100-year old H.P. Grumple School. Boasting a colourful 3D design, the game board reflects the school's layout. Players race around the board answering one of 500 questions from six subject areas based on four levels of difficulty. The objective of the game is for players to earn A's on their respective report cards and the first player to get straight A's wins. As Chadraoui explains, Every aspect of the game was designed using pen and paper, computer programs, reference materials and a lot of input from a team of talented people. At Cookie Dough Games, we're especially proud to have a product like Straight A's to offer to consumers.

The last time a new board game was a huge hit was in 1979 when Montreal's Chris Haney and Scott Abbott introduced the world to Trivial Pursuit. People are often surprised to hear that the Trivial Pursuit story inspires me, that I've studied their track record and aim to learn from their success.

So what makes this game special? It's easy to play. It's challenging. And it's a lot of fun. One of the best features of Straight A's is that it allows children from ages 5 and up to grow in their knowledge and skill as players are challenged by four levels of difficulty, says Ron Chadraoui, the game's inventor. Board games have been around for a long time and I believe people will appreciate the educational value offered by Straight A's as much as its entertainment appeal. As for the importance of being a part of the Inventor's Corner, he says, this is a great opportunity and, as an Atlantic Canadian, it's a privilege to showcase a local product on a national stage such as the Canadian Toy & Hobby Fair.

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About The Author:

Sandy Bergman is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-games.com.  Great games for the entire family for hours of fun or competition. We feature all your favorites.