Chuck Foley and Neil Rabens came up with the idea for Twister while working at a design company in St. Paul, Minnesota. They wanted to create a game that got people moving and laughing. Milton Bradley released Twister in 1966, and it quickly became a hit across the country.
The two inventors hold the patent for the game, which has now sold millions of copies around the world. People of all ages still enjoy playing Twister. Today, there are new versions that add even more fun, including an inflatable Twister that is perfect for outdoor parties, school events, and community festivals!
The Invention of Twister
Foley and Rabens came up with a fun twist. They filed a patent for their invention in April 1966, and it was approved in July 1969. The official name was a long one: “Apparatus for Playing a Game Wherein the Players Constitute the Game Pieces.”
The first page of the patent shows the mat with its bright circles and the spinner used to call out moves. Players use their right or left hand or foot and place it on a red, blue, green, or yellow circle. A move might be “left foot, green” or “right hand, red.”
The goal was simple. Get players tangled up. If you lose your balance and fall, you are out. The game was first made for two players, but it became even more fun with a group. Foley and Rabens wanted to call it Pretzel, but the company renamed it Twister. The rest is history.
Johnny Carson’s Influence
Twister might not have become a huge hit without late night TV. After the game came out in 1966, the inventors and Milton Bradley were not sure it would catch on. Some store owners were unsure. They thought the game was too different and that people might not be interested. Sales started slow.
Then something changed. Johnny Carson played Twister with Eva Gabor on The Tonight Show. Millions of people watched. After that, sales jumped. The game sold more than three million copies in its first year. Twister became part of pop culture and a favorite in homes across the country. People still play it today, and some even try to set records for the most players on one game mat.
The Inventors Behind Twister and Their Lasting Legacy
Even though Foley helped create Twister and held the patent, he never earned royalties from the game. According to the New York Times, he received about twenty-seven thousand dollars in a one-time payout. The article did not mention what Rabens earned.
Foley had other inventions too. As a young boy, he created a latch for the cattle pen on his grandfather’s farm. Later, he helped develop an automatic cocktail shaker. He kept inventing throughout his life and came up with items like toy handcuffs and Un-Du, a liquid that removes sticky labels.
Foley and Rabens ran a game design company into the 1970s. Rabens later wrote books for children and started a business where he painted custom signs and murals. Foley kept working as an inventor until he passed away in 2013. Rabens died in 2020.
Their idea still brings people together. No matter the version, Twister remains a game that makes people laugh, stretch, and have fun.
Perfect Events for Twister Fun
Twister is perfect for all kinds of events, whether it’s a family reunion, birthday party, or even a corporate team-building event. It’s a great icebreaker and gets everyone laughing, stretching, and competing. Whether you’re playing indoors at a small gathering or setting up the inflatable version at a big outdoor event, Twister brings people together and adds an extra dose of fun. It’s a classic game that never goes out of style and works for all ages. If you’re planning an event and want to make it unforgettable, check out our site for fun Twister rentals and more!
