Designer uses YUPO to deliver innovative format for board game to drive Caribbean tourism Chesapeake, VA (May 29, 2007) – Designer Bruce Leone and his graphic design firm Ink Inc. has adopted a distinctive format for a new board game called “Island Run: put your feet in the sand.” Seeking to give the game a unique, modern appeal, Leone conceptualized a flexible playing board that would allow the game to be packaged in a tube rather than a standard cardboard box. Since this concept required a durable material that could withstand frequent handling while reproducing vibrant colors, the project was printed on YUPO® 78lb. text, an innovative synthetic paper product from Yupo Corporation America.
Marketed by game development company Ocean 88 LLC, Island Run was originally conceived as a traditional board game, complete with a 24” x 17 ½“ rigid, flat game board, playing cards, money and game pieces. Based on the idea of traveling in the Caribbean, this game is targeted to families planning to visit the area, and to cruise ships, hotels, resorts and travel agents looking for a unique item for promotional giveaways. As a result, it needed a modern, upbeat look that would have an immediate, unique appeal to a specific target audience—tourists and travel professionals. These design needs led Leone to his innovative concept: a flexible board that could be conveniently packaged in a tube and would provide a durable playing surface that could be used anywhere, even on the beach or by the cruise ship pool. He knew from previous experience that a board made from YUPO would provide the required flexibility and durability and would also lay flat after being stored in a tube. “Because it is a synthetic paper,” he points out, “it doesn’t have the paper grain that tends to hold the curled shape.” Tear and stain-resistant, YUPO also provides the necessary durability to withstand frequent use by families and children. In addition, the material is 100% waterproof, without requiring lamination. Unlike laminated paper, however, YUPO is also fully flexible, which was a main requirement for packaging the playing board in a tube. Printed with a four-color ink process, the game board features brightly colored game spaces weaving among the islands of the Caribbean. Providing razor-sharp color and graphic reproduction, YUPO allowed these images to boldly stand out. “One of the other advantages of using YUPO synthetic paper,” Leone adds, “is that inks really ‘pop’ on the smooth surface.” The game board is also complimented by colorful seashell game pieces, playing cards, color-coded “sand dollar” money, instructions (printed on parchment with the feel of a treasure map) and a die for determining moves. All items were designed by Ink Inc., including the graphics for the printed plastic tube that holds all the distinctive elements. “The result has been an awesome hit with Ocean 88,” reports Leone. “Because it was an entirely different approach from the usual board game, it really stands out. It had the ‘punch’ and the flair that they wanted.” |
