Devin Jacobs
The 1900s marked the birth of multiple board games that went on to define countless childhoods and family nights. Strategy battles, hilarious party games—here are 15 beloved classic games that hold a special place in our hearts. Find out which iconic game shares your birth year; you might be surprised!
1950: Scrabble
Imagine a world where simple wooden tiles could ignite fierce battles of wit and wordplay. Scrabble was a phenomenon in 1950 that turned vocabulary into a competitive sport and made dictionaries the most important tool in the house. Who knew that spelling could be so captivating?
1960: The Game of Life
Life is full of twists, turns, and surprises—just like the iconic Game of Life, which debuted in 1960. The game transformed the ups and downs of adulthood into a playful journey. It was an eerie yet enjoyable ride as you choose careers and figure out your family life.
1970: Risk
Would you dare to conquer the world? In 1970, Risk allowed you to do just that—if you had the strategy and nerves of steel. It was more like a mind game and a battlefield where friendships were tested and alliances were made and broken.
1975: Mastermind
Mastermind was a 1975 game that challenged players to outwit each other with logic and deduction. The game was more about brains than luck. Overall, if you loved a good mystery or enjoyed outsmarting your friends, Mastermind was the ultimate mental workout.
1978: Simon
Before smartphones and video games, Simon was an electronic game that tested memory and reflexes. It captivated a generation with its hypnotic lights and sounds. Simon was futuristic, fun, and frustratingly addictive—a childhood staple in the late ’70s and beyond.
1981: Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit took the world by storm in 1981, turning random facts into fierce competition. It became a game about proving intellectual prowess during family game nights and trivia showdowns, which made it a must-have for anyone with a thirst for knowledge.
1984: Balderdash
Balderdash turned creativity and deception into an art form. Players needed to bluff their way to victory. They invented outrageous definitions for obscure words, which led to laughter and occasional debates. In short, Balderdash was an outlet for harmless trickery for people who love pulling trolling.
1990: Pictionary
The game Pictionary showed that even the simplest drawings and doodles could be packed with fun. Whether you were an aspiring artist or couldn’t draw a stick figure, Pictionary made everyone laugh—a game that meant imagination, quick thinking, and a lot of guessing.
1995: Settlers of Catan (SoC)
Revolutionizing board games in 1995, Settlers of Catan introduced strategic resource management and negotiation to the masses. No longer just about luck, this game demanded clever planning and collaboration. SoC made board gaming a serious business for adults, turning friends into fierce competitors.
1998: Cranium
Why choose between trivia, charades, and Pictionary when you can have them all? Cranium, the “whole brain” game, exploded onto the scene in 1998. It brought together everything fun about party games into one box. This game had something for everyone.