Hasbro, Stratego Parting Ways After 50(!) Years

OK, this is barely a wargaming story, but I felt it needed a mention. According to a the press release from back in May, this is it for Stratego, as published in the US by Hasbro.

Royal Jumbo, part of JumboDiset, one of the leading European Toy Companies based in The Netherlands, herewith announces that the Stratego license agreement with Hasbro that will expire at the end of 2010 will not be renewed.

Royal Jumbo and Hasbro have enjoyed a successful cooperation for Stratego that lasted almost 50 years. Strategic changes in both companies ultimately drove the decision not to renew the license after its regular expiration.

Arend Smit, CEO of Royal Jumbo comment: “it is with regret that we part ways with Hasbro. This was not an easy decision in view of our 50 year long relationship. Hasbro helped to build the Stratego brand in North America and we are thankful for that. However, we now have to accept the reality the strategic views have diverged and move on with confidence for the future.

Hasbro will have the exclusive distribution rights of Stratego until the end of 2010.

Now, I doubt that there'll be a sudden rush on Stratego sets at Christmas this year, but still, it's definitely the end of an era coming up in a few months.

By: Brant