Chris Haney (left) and Scott Abbott enjoy playing Trivial Pursuit, the popular board game they created. A "Trivial Pursuit Generations" edition was also shown at the 2023 Toy Fair. AP Photo
On a rainy December day in 1979, two friends in Montreal sat down and came up with a simple idea that would change game night forever. Scott Abbott and Chris Haney, chatting at their kitchen table, wondered how they could create a new game.
Haney said, “Why don’t we invent a game? What could it be about?” Abbott replied, “Trivia.” From that moment, Trivial Pursuit was born.
“It was around 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, 1979,” Abbott recalled. “We believed in it. We knew if we could just get it to market, it would be successful.”
From Simple Idea to Global Success
Trivial Pursuit quickly grew beyond their initial hopes. The game combines questions on geography, history, sports, and many other subjects. Over the years, it has released more than 70 editions and sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
Abbott credits the game’s use of colour-coded categories for its lasting appeal. “That design was key to allowing us to expand with more card sets and versions,” he explained.
The original game featured 6,000 questions, all written by Abbott and Haney before the internet existed. “The first 100 questions were easy. After that, it got tricky,” Abbott said. “This was before Google. We had to dig through books, magazines, TV shows, and even ketchup bottles for ideas.”
They put in countless hours, checking every possible source. “We couldn’t even sit down for dinner without looking for question ideas,” Abbott joked.
Recognized as a Toy Hall of Fame Finalist
On Wednesday, the National Toy Hall of Fame announced 12 finalists for 2025. Among them was Trivial Pursuit, a moment that brought pride to Abbott.
“It’s been a while since we got recognition like this,” he said. “We joined the Canadian Toy Association Hall of Fame in 2000. Whether this is as big, 25 years later, I don’t know, but it feels great.”
Haney passed away in 2010, but Abbott stays connected to the game and the world of sports. He owns the Ontario Hockey League’s North Bay Battalion. Despite this, people still recognize him as the co-creator of Trivial Pursuit.
“Many people come to me with their own game ideas,” Abbott said. “It’s amazing how the game keeps entertaining people of all ages. We thought it would mostly appeal to our age group, but it goes much higher and lower.”
A Game That Stands the Test of Time
Trivial Pursuit continues to engage people around the world decades later. Its mix of challenge and fun keeps players coming back for more.
Abbott’s story shows how a simple idea can turn into something extraordinary with passion and hard work. From a kitchen table conversation to a global phenomenon, Trivial Pursuit remains a beloved classic.
