Mattel Adds OUTBURST to Burgeoning Adult Games Portfolio; Updated OUTBURST to Hit Shelves in Fall 2004

Business Wire,  April 28, 2004  

Tags: game, Mattel Inc.

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 28, 2004

Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT) today announced it has acquired multi-year licensing rights for OUTBURST(R) and OUTBURST(R) Junior, games of verbal explosions where teams compete to yell out 10 words listed under a given topic before time runs out.

To relaunch the brand, Mattel will introduce OUTBURST(R) Remix, a new version of the game with updated content and packaging in fall 2004, supported with multi-tier marketing efforts. Invented in 1987 by Brian Hersch, OUTBURST(R) has been licensed by Hasbro since 1994.

"The addition of OUTBUST(R) adds even more momentum to the compelling Mattel Adult Games portfolio -- also having recently signed on Mad Gab(R), Tribond(R) and Blurt!(R)," said Phil Jackson, vice president, games & puzzles marketing, Mattel. "OUTBURST(R) is an exciting line that we expect will continue to be a big performer which will become even more relevant with a makeover in the fall, offering fun, wackiness and topicality for young adults and families."

When the new game version launches this fall, classic OUTBURST(R) will be "remixed" with hot topics and content to create OUTBURST(R) Remix. An energetic game surrounding verbal play and quick word association, teams can "play" or "pass" when they are given a headline, such as "Some Like It Hot." Upon choosing "play," the team finds out the topic is "Mexican Food," and then has 60 seconds to guess the 10 words listed on their playing card before the time runs out. Players shout out everything that comes to mind and score points each time they say a word listed on the card. With relevant topics covering common knowledge and beyond, OUTBURST(R) Remix is sure to keep players thinking, laughing...and shouting!

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT) (www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever created. Leading the toy and game market, the Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Tyco(R) R/C and Scrabble(TM), as well as Fisher-Price brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(TM), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 27,000 people in 36 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

OUTBURST(R) & (C)2004, 2001, 1999, 1996, 1988, 1986 Hersch and Company, Los Angeles, CA 90067. All Rights Reserved. Used under license.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning