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Burt Meyer, a prolific toy inventor whose creations became staples of 20th-century childhood, has died at the age of 99 in Chicago. Meyer was a central figure at Marvin Glass and Associates, the famed Chicago-based toy design studio responsible for some of the most iconic games and toys ever produced.
During his tenure, which began in the early 1960s, Meyer was instrumental in developing a portfolio of enduring classic toys that were licensed to industry giants like Hasbro and Milton Bradley. Among his most celebrated inventions is Lite-Brite, the luminous art toy introduced in 1967 that allowed children to create glowing pictures with small, colored plastic pegs on a light box. He is also credited as a key developer of the combative tabletop game Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, which first hit shelves in 1964 and pitted the Red Rocker against the Blue Bomber in a miniature boxing ring.
As a key creative force at the legendary Chicago firm, Meyer contributed to a culture of relentless innovation. Marvin Glass and Associates operated as an independent invention house, a secretive and highly competitive environment where designers collaborated to pitch fully realized concepts to major toy companies. Meyer's work was also crucial in the creation of other beloved board games, including the complex, chain-reaction game Mouse Trap (1963) and the nerve-wracking surgery game Operation (1965), where players had to carefully remove ailments from a patient named Cavity Sam.
Meyer’s death was confirmed by his family. His creations were not just commercial successes; they became cultural touchstones that have been enjoyed by multiple generations and are still sold today. Meyer's legacy is defined by his ability to blend simple mechanics with engaging, imaginative play, securing his place as one of the great, unsung heroes of the toy industry. His work demonstrates the lasting power of physical toys in a world that is becoming increasingly digital, with many of his inventions enjoying a resurgence in popularity. His contributions helped define an era of play, leaving an indelible mark on millions of childhoods worldwide.
