SimplyFun Games – Built to Play and Repeat!

Tiffany O'Brien – Director Product Development at SimplyFun

When we think about the value of a game to our line, one of the key factors is replay-ability, and we approach that concept in three different ways. First, we want the players to have a new and different experience every time the game is played. If the experience loses the spark of challenge and engagement, then it also stops being fun. The second way we look at each game is from a production and quality standpoint. We want players to be able to play hundreds of times and for the elements to stand up to all that fun and usage. The last, but maybe the most important aspect, is that we want players to play the game and then immediately say, “That was so much fun, let’s play it again!” If we can accomplish those three pieces of replay-ability, then we can be confident we delivered a great experience for our players.

Our goal is to create games that can be enjoyed for generations in classrooms, libraries, and homes allowing them to be shared and passed down along the way. Through our commitment to quality, safety, and irresistibly fun gameplay, SimplyFun games are destined to be the go-to games your family will want to play on repeat!

 

Materials

We use recycled paper and cardboard where we can. (Ranging from 20-100% recycled material.) Our preference whenever possible is to use wood (sustainable) instead of plastic, using plastics only when necessary.

Testing

Every game production run is tested by an independent internationally recognized testing agency before the game leaves the factory. This includes our reprinted game production runs. All our games must meet or exceed the current US Safety Testing Standards. (US CPSIA and US ASTM F963-17 Toys and TPCH and CA Prop 65 including Phthalates)

Sometimes we get surprised by how our game pieces are played with! One example was the game Wake Up Stars where we learned that the foam stars in this game made great bath toys! Not something we had anticipated which led to turning our production office into a room full of many mini-water baths so we could test the heat transfer images on the stars. Good news…the stars like water!

Choking Hazards

For our games intended for little ones (3+) we work hard to create pieces larger than 32mm to avoid the possibility of choking. And even then, we include the warning label just in case.

You may also notice that even our games for kids ages 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 and older have a choking hazard label on them when pieces are small enough to be swallowed. We place the warning label on our older age games as we know that some families may still have younger ones playing about.

Piece Replacement Policy

We also offer a FREE piece replacement policy to help ensure that our games have a long life and are not disposed of into landfill because a piece has been damaged or gone missing. If we have it, we share it at no cost to the consumer. We don’t even require a proof of purchase to get replacement parts. Our view is that keeping the game whole, keeps it out of a landfill even if the game moves on to new game owners!

New technologies and advancements may offer more efficient methods for production and more recycled and or sustainable materials may be discovered. We are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve our products.

To learn more about play, check out Learning Begins when Fun Starts.

This blog was originally published on December 7, 2022. It was updated on January 24, 2025.