bestofpei Store Carries Jump Game – For the Fun of it!

Dec. 20, 2007 - PRLog -- Charlottetown, PEI – The bestofpei Store http://www.bestofpei.com is pleased to be carrying a new Prince Edward Island made family game – Jump.  What follows is an interview with John Ansems of Play Fair to learn more about how the game came to be developed, how it is played, and why it is unique.

When did you develop the game? Very stormy winter weather in 2000-01 meant we were ‘snowed in’ many evenings, and we tended to make good use of this time to plan, develop, trial, and shape our original game idea into a workable prototype. By March 2001, we were ready to begin the process of attaining the necessary intellectual rights to protect our new venture. Finally, each of the individual components (game board, play pieces, cards, and canvas carry bag) came together into the completed package and were ready for sale just before Christmas 2006! What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to see our idea as a finished product 'ready to go'!
Why did you develop the game? The very short answer is "For the fun of it!" (This also happens to be the caption we use to describe Jump.) Having grown up in large rural families, we were avid game players and wanted to develop a game which would be both challenging and entertaining and appeal to all family members. The result was a game that encouraged and allowed for increased interaction between players and a high degree of strategic play. This also tied in very nicely with our interest in establishing a home-based business and promoting family fun and interaction.
What makes this game unique? Jump is unique in that (a) a high level of interaction makes for dynamic and fast-paced play, (b) players have the ability to control/interfere with the progress of other player’s game pieces,  (c) close finishes encourage rematches, and of course, (d) it was created on P.E.I. by ‘Islanders’.
What are the basics of the game? Essentially, the objective of the game is to be the first player/team in a race to move all game pieces around the track and into a home path, while impeding the progress of the opposing players/team through strategic interference. Players move around the board, using cards dealt to them. Cards are clearly marked with alternate uses, increasing the available play options. A key component is that play pieces can be coupled, allowing the top player to take control of his opponent’s play piece(s). Other forms of interaction include trading, uncoupling, switching control, and sending an opponent back to start again.
Where is the game manufactured? The original run of 500 game boards was manufactured by APM in Poole’s Corner, P.E.I. The markings on the board were done by Gemini Screen-printing in East Royalty, P.E.I. The other pieces- bags, cards, and tees- were made either in Dartmouth or Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was our intention to have all components created or manufactured here on P.E.I. or at least locally in the Maritimes.
What would you like to tell people about your game? It is a fast-paced game that will keep players actively engaged as they strategize in response to the dynamic play created by ongoing interactions. It is highly addictive fun with close finishes certain to invite rematches. It is fun for the whole family, appealing to a wide range of ages (8 years to adult). We want people to play and enjoy our game!

The Jump game is available at the bestofpei Store http://www.bestofpei.com located on Victoria Row in Charlottetown.  The bestofpei store is home to a host of Island-made products by more than 250 of Prince Edward Island's finest artisans.  The bestofpei Store continues to seek out authentic Island excellence in Island-made products.

Website: www.macarthurgroupinc.com