These days, it’s not surprising to see traditional board games like Monopoly and Scrabble move from the physical to the video game world. Going the other way around, however, is not so common, but that’s exactly what Hasbro and PopCap Games announced today.
Seattle-based PopCap is teaming up with Hasbro to bring some of its most popular online games to the physical, face-to-face world. Hasbro will introduce two games this spring, one of them the extremely popular Bejeweled that has sold more than 50 million units. The real-life game is based on the same idea of swapping gems on the game board in hopes of lining up three or more in a row to win.
There are digital goodies that come with the physical game, including a download of the Bejeweled 3 computer game. Hasbro will also introduce Bejeweled Frenzy, a fast-paced card game with similar gem-matching gameplay.
“Hasbro shares PopCap’s vision and commitment to high quality and endlessly enjoyable game play,” Brennan Townley, Director of Brand Licensing at PopCap Games, said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to work with Hasbro to create unique game experiences around PopCap’s intellectual properties that expand our brands in authentic, meaningful ways.”
Last September, PopCap closed its Dublin offices and laid off 96 employees. PopCap, also known for titles including Plants vs. Zombies, Zuma and Peggle, was acquired last year by Electronic Arts for up to $1.3 billion.
Previously on GeekWire: Calling all zombologists: Plants vs. Zombies trading cards now available
