DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--North Star Games, creator of the award-winning family games “Say Anything” and “Wits and Wagers,” announced today the availability of “Happy Salmon,” “Dude” and “More Dude,” at U.S. Target locations and target.com.
The two wildly popular games were designed to create simple, engaging fun that brings families together and will be a perfect addition to holiday gatherings nationwide. “Happy Salmon” (a 2018 Toy of the Year Award finalist), “Dude” and “More Dude” require minimal learning time, making them ideal for all ages and impromptu gatherings around the family table. In addition, both feature fast-paced action with multiple, ongoing opportunities to engage each other, which helps little ones (and some adults) stay focused on the fun.
“These games exemplify exactly why North Star exists,” said Dominic Crapuchettes, who co-founded the game company in 2003 with Satish Pillalamarri. “Our company’s entire goal is to encourage more play, especially among busy families that often struggle to find time to simply unplug and enjoy each other’s company.”
A 2018 survey of 2,000 parents revealed that American families spend just 37 minutes of quality time with each other each weekday. While that number increases to two hours, forty minutes on Saturdays and Sundays, the survey found that on average families spend fewer than nine hours of “down time” each week together. Unfortunately, those hours are often spent watching television or with faces glued to mobile phones and tablet screens. Interactive and easy-to-learn games encourage togetherness and provide an opportunity for family members to communicate and learn from each other. “Happy Salmon,” “Dude” and “More Dude” all possess qualities that have been demonstrated to help families bond and communicate more effectively.
- “Happy Salmon”: Designed for ages six and up, “Happy Salmon” is a simple, fast-paced card game where players move quickly to reveal the content of their cards, then celebrate with silly mimicry when two players’ cards match. Retails for $15.99. Check target.com for details.
- “Dude”: Billed as “a game where you say dude,” this game (along with its companion, “More Dude”) keeps the laughs coming as players attempt to pronounce the correct way to say “dude” in scenarios depicted on cards. The game is for ages 13 and up and regularly retails for $10.99 and is on sale for $8.79 the week of Nov. 26. Check target.com for details.
“We have discovered that most often, it’s not necessarily the end result of winning or losing that keeps families engaged in playing games,” said Crapuchettes. “It’s the laughter, the things they discover about each other and the camaraderie they feel when everyone is focused on one activity. In today’s world where kids are participating in multiple activities and parents are overworked, even a couple of hours together can make a huge difference.”
The creation of North Star Games was inspired by two life-changing incidents that compelled the company’s co-founders to fundamentally shift the focus of their lives. For 12 fishing seasons, Dominic Crapuchettes captained an Alaskan salmon fishing boat, but always dreamed about creating something greater. Adrift in a stormy sea, his ship began to take on water that submerged all electronic navigation equipment, forcing the captain to guide his boat using the North Star. Crapuchettes vowed to pursue his dream if he survived the night. While not death defying, an appearance on TV’s “Jeopardy!” proved to be the turning point for Satish Pillalamarri. His successful career with a New York hedge fund was lucrative, but not rewarding. Pillalamarri’s appearance on the game show convinced him to shift his life’s focus away from the cubicle-centered world of hedge funds.
Since the company’s founding, North Star Games has accumulated several awards for its current roster of games and toys. The company recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its most successful game, “Say Anything.”
About North Star Games
Founded in 2003, North Star Games encourages people to Never Stop Playing™ through its extensive roster of fun, interactive and engaging board and card games. The company has become a beacon for families, friends and acquaintances who are seeking new ways to communicate, learn and discover friendships or renew family relationships. For more information, visit www.northstargames.com.
