If you’ve ever wondered what the “MB” on your board game stands for, it refers to “Milton Bradley“, the name of the company that either designed or manufactured the game.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into its usage and relevance in your favourite games.
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Spotting ‘MB’ on Your Board Games
The “MB” logo is a stamp of quality and legacy in the board gaming industry.
To determine if your board game is a product of Milton Bradley, simply inspect the front or back of the game box, or leaf through the game’s instruction manual for the logo.
Recognising this symbol opens up a rich history of gaming that many enthusiasts appreciate.
Which Board Games Use The ‘MB’ Emblem?
Over the years, Milton Bradley has bestowed the gaming world with a myriad of board games that have stood the test of time. Some of these classics that featured the “MB” logo are:
- Twister: A game that has tied players in knots for generations.
- Operation: The tense surgery simulation that is a true test of steady hands.
- Mouse Trap: A family favourite that combines creativity with strategy.
- Simon: The iconic memory game that challenges you with an increasing series of lights and sounds.
- Battleship: The classic naval combat game fostering strategic thinking.
- Connect 4: A simple yet strategic game where the goal is to connect four of one’s own discs, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally before the opponent.
Through these games, and many more, the “MB” emblem has become a familiar sight, promising quality entertainment for families and groups of friends.
History of Milton Bradley
Delving into the early days, Milton Bradley, the man behind the name, founded the company in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1860.
The company’s initial success came with the release of “The Checkered Game of Life” in the same year.
Over 120 years later, in 1984, the Milton Bradley Company was acquired by Hasbro, a giant in the global toy and board game industry. Even after this acquisition, many games retained the “MB” emblem, a testament to the trusted and enduring legacy associated with the Milton Bradley name.
“The Checkered Game Of Life”
In 1860, the “The Checkered Game of Life” marked the beginning of Milton Bradley’s success. In this game, players navigated from infancy to old age, encountering life experiences such as education, crime, and even bankruptcy along the way.
Utilising a checkerboard, players moved their pieces based on spins from a teetotum (a spinning top), striving to achieve desirable outcomes while avoiding perilous squares denoting life’s pitfalls. This was a revolutionary concept at the time, introducing moral and educational elements to board games, reflecting the virtues and vices of real life while aiming to reach the final square, which denoted “happy old age.”
As the years passed, the game evolved, paving the way for its modern version known today as “The Game of Life“, retaining the essence of life simulation with added complexity and richness.
Conclusion
Now you know the meaning behind the “MB” logo, you can be sure that any games you find with it on are guaranteed to be quality and fun.
Milton Bradley games are known for being great to play and for bringing people together, so next time you see the “MB” logo, you can expect to have a great time playing that game.
Avid game player with a competitive personality. Favourite board games include Ticket to Ride, Catan, Cambio and President. Find me on Xbox Live here.
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