The game of Twister has become a staple at parties, bringing people together in a tangle of limbs and laughter since its introduction in the 1960s. This physical game that turns players into human pretzels has an interesting origin story that combines creativity, marketing genius, and a touch of controversy.
The Birth of a Physical Phenomenon
Twister was invented by Reyn Guyer, a Minnesota-based game designer who initially conceptualized it as a promotional tool for his father’s design company in 1964. The original idea wasn’t even meant to be a game for people—Guyer was working on a shoe polish promotion when he created a polka-dot design on the floor that inspired something much greater.
Guyer envisioned people as the playing pieces on this colorful mat, and together with artists Charles Foley and Neil Rabens, developed what was first called “Pretzel.” The concept was simple yet revolutionary: a game where the human body became the game piece.
From Milton Bradley to Cultural Phenomenon
After developing the prototype, Guyer took the game to Milton Bradley (now part of Hasbro), where it was refined and renamed “Twister.” The game was released to the public in 1966, but initially met with limited success. Retailers were hesitant to stock it, concerned about its suggestive nature—after all, it required players to become physically entangled with one another.
The Johnny Carson Effect
Twister might have faded into obscurity if not for a fortuitous appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson on May 3, 1966. Carson played the game with actress Eva Gabor, and their playful interaction demonstrated the innocent fun of Twister to millions of viewers. Following this television appearance, Twister became an overnight sensation, selling over three million copies in the following year alone.
The Controversy and Legal Battles
As with many successful inventions, Twister’s creation wasn’t without dispute. While Foley and Rabens are listed on the patent (US3454279A, granted in 1969), Guyer has maintained that he was the original conceptual inventor. This led to disagreements about credit and royalties that continued for years after the game’s success.
By 2025, Twister remains a beloved game that has transcended generations. Modern versions incorporate new technology, including electronic spinners and specialized editions, but the fundamental concept remains unchanged—a testament to the brilliance of its original design.
Twister’s Cultural Impact
Beyond being just a game, Twister became a cultural touchstone that challenged social norms of physical contact in the 1960s. It brought people together physically in an era when society was becoming increasingly aware of personal space and boundaries. Today, the game continues to bring people together at parties, family gatherings, and team-building events, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas have the most staying power.
The next time you find yourself contorted on a Twister mat, remember that this beloved game began as a shoe polish promotion and became one of the most recognizable games in history thanks to the creativity of Reyn Guyer and the development work of Charles Foley and Neil Rabens.
