Clue Board Game History

Clue was originally published in the United Kingdom in the late 1940's; however, the name was called Cluedo. The name wasn't changed to Clue until the game was released in North America. It was developed by a solicitor’s clerk from England named Anthony Pratt. It is now published by Hasbro, a United States toy company.

A few highlights in the history of Clue:

• In December of 1944 Anthony E. Pratt invents Cluedo and files for a provisional specification patent.
• The Patent wasn't awarded until 1947, and at that time Mr. Pratt sold the rights to Waddington's Games.
• Yet another delay didn't see the release of Cluedo by Waddington's Games until 1949.
• Also in 1949 - Parker Brothers buys the United States rights to the game and renames it Clue.

Supposedly, Pratt had spent quite a few years developing and perfecting Cluedo before meeting with Norman Watson, the marketing director for Waddington's Games. Also present at the first meeting was the Bull family who had designed the game Buccaneer, which was a popular game at the time.

Because of World War II, the game company had a difficult time finding material to manufacture parts for the original Cluedo game, so the actual launch was postponed from 1947 until 1949.

Today, the legacy of Clue continues beyond the edges of the board game. The following are just a few of the many products that have spun off of the original Cluedo game:

• Clue, the 1985 Hollywood comedy film with 3 different ending
• Clue, the 1997 Off-Broadway musical
• Cluedo, the television game show
• Clue VCR Mystery game
• Clue Master Detective, 4 new characters were introduced
• Clue Jr.: The Case of the Hidden Toys, themed for children
• Alfred Hitchcock Edition Clue
• The Simpson’s Clue
• Clue: Dungeons and Dragons Edition
• 18 children’s books released in the 1990's in the United States by Scholastic.
• Many computer and video games including ones for the personal computer, Windows, Commodore 64, Sega Genesis, Nintendo Game Boy and Super Nintendo.

It is no wonder that Clue is sold in forty-some countries globally. It is truly a game that can be enjoyed by all. Logic and persuasion are important techniques that can be mastered over time by playing Clue. Explore tips on strategy and fun facts through this site. You’ll be surprised by what you may learn. Re-kindle, or develop for the first time, your love for the game of Clue today!