“It’s a brand with enormous potential for reinvention”: Jumbo’s Antoine Serres talks Stratego

Antoine, it’s great to connect. We’re here to talk Stratego – for anyone new to the brand, how long has Stratego been around?
Stratego has been a beloved game for over 80 years, introduced in its modern form in 1947. It has become a staple of family game nights, renowned for its strategic depth, bluffing and tactical manoeuvres. Over the decades, it has evolved with various versions such as Stratego Original, Stratego Junior for younger players, licensed versions and other thematic takes. Each new version retains the core appeal while adapting the mechanics and aesthetics to appeal to different audiences.

For us at the Jumbo Group, Stratego is one of our heritage brands, for which we have huge affection and a game that is always a pleasure to play!

Last year saw you debut Stratego: Lost Island, created in collaboration with the team at 7Pips. What prompted this new take on the classic game?
The idea behind Stratego: Lost Island was to expand the range while keeping the DNA of the original Stratego – and adding modernity with a different theme. The goal was to combine the familiar strategic elements of the original game with a faster, family-friendly format. Additionally – and for the first time since its inception – Stratego is now multiplayer, with games that can be played by up to four players!

You mentioned the new theme – how did this allow you to add new elements, without straying too far from what makes Stratego Stratego?
Introducing a dynamic island setting – with a disappearing island and treasure-hunting mechanics – allowed us to create a new and adventurous twist, while keeping the essence of Stratego intact. This concept was born from a desire to reimagine Stratego for a modern audience, incorporating exciting visuals and gameplay that can be combined with the Battle Royal principle to captivate players of all experience levels.

Lost Island is the first multiplayer Stratego game – how does that change the feel of the game?
It completely changes the dynamic because now you’re not just trying to outsmart one opponent – you’ve got to manage interactions with multiple players at once. That makes it feel fresh and adds a lot of laughter and social interaction to the mix.

We’ve also streamlined the gameplay to make it faster and easier to jump into. There are only six roles now instead of the many ranks in classic Stratego, so it’s much simpler to understand – even for players who’ve never tried a strategy game before. Plus, with the island shrinking over time and treasure to hunt, there’s this sense of urgency and excitement that keeps everyone engaged.

It’s colourful, adventurous and a lot of fun. Whether you’re a die-hard Stratego fan or completely new to the brand, this version offers something different. And because it’s multiplayer, it’s perfect for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy a fast-paced, strategy-filled game together.

From a design perspective, what makes the Stratego brand an interesting ‘sandbox’ for designers and inventors to play in?
The Stratego brand is rooted in the timeless appeal of strategic decision-making and hidden information, making it a fantastic foundation for innovation. Its core mechanics – the interplay between strategy, risk and deception – can be adapted to different themes and formats, while still remaining recognisable.

Designers have the freedom to explore new environments, introduce unique mechanics – like the battle cards we brought to the original game – and experiment with specialised powers and player dynamics… All while leveraging the brand’s strong heritage. The blend of strategy and bluffing offers endless possibilities to create new experiences without straying too far from its roots.

You worked with 7Pips on Lost Island. Is Stratego a brand that you’d invite more ‘fresh takes’ on from the inventor community?
Absolutely! Stratego is a versatile brand with immense potential for reinvention. Lost Island demonstrates how innovation can breathe new life into a classic, and we’re always eager to explore new perspectives from the inventing community.

Whether it’s through new themes, new gameplay mechanics – or even digital adaptations like our new online gaming app – we’re open to creative ideas that respect Stratego’s strategic core, while introducing exciting new elements to engage a modern audience. It’s a brand with enormous potential for reinvention, and we welcome contributions that expand its legacy.

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