Toy makers put digital spin on old classics

WASHINGTON – “The Game of Life” has gone virtual — or at least digital.

As some companies move toward developing versions for smartphones and tablets, The Wall Street Journal reports Hasbro Inc. is pushing an iPad-friendly version of “Life.”

Players can spin the game’s wheel on the screen, and turn off the background music.

Mattel also has new versions of old toys — including famous staples like Hot Wheels cars and Barbie dolls — under its Apptivity brand. The toys come with special conductors that translate their actions to a tablet computer.

Still, as the high-tech moves may make classic games and toys more relevant for kids, some game makers tell the Journal the toy industry is going to have to figure out new games, rather than just adding a tech component to the old ones.

For more information, click here.

Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up