THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
The PopMaster Board Game is based on the hugely popular music-based radio game designed and hosted by the doyen DJ of daytime mainstream pop radio, Ken Bruce. Originally played each day by two listeners of Bruce’s morning show on BBC Radio 2 it ran in that slot for a quarter century, from 1998 to 2023, and when he moved to Greatest Hits Radio in May 2023 many were surprised that he took the quiz with him. Reportedly the BBC had no interest in trademarking it, so Bruce and his co-designers did so and he was able to take it to his new station.
Now you can play it at home. The board game has all the elements that make the radio version fun, slightly adapted for the boardgame format. Players are asked a selection of questions with multiple-choice answers, plus their own specialist ‘bonus round questions’ which can be answered without multiple choice to gain extra points. The top 2 players go through to a ‘3-in-10’ final round, which thanks to the wonders of technology can be asked by Ken Bruce himself – you scan a QR code and get to hear Ken ask the final question.
It’s all great fun, but can such a British game be enjoyable for Americans? Absolutely, even if they are not so as familiar with Ken and his radio show. The game's appeal lies in its celebration of music across many genres and eras of popular music, making it accessible to serious music fans or casual listeners (recommended for ages 14+). And of course there’s a massive crossover between the worlds of US and UK music. Just look at how many British artists have featured in the American charts and vice versa.
Available at www.gingerfox.co.uk/products/popmaster-special-edition-board-game
