Terrible Toybox

Terrible Toybox is an American independent video game studio founded by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, two of the key figures behind the original Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island series at LucasArts. The studio is best known for Thimbleweed Park and Return to Monkey Island, both representing a genuine return to form for classic adventure game design.

Terrible Toybox Key Games

Thimbleweed Park (2017)

Funded through Kickstarter in 2014 and released in 2017. A classic point-and-click adventure set in a bizarre small town with multiple playable characters, deliberately embracing the conventions and interface of 1980s LucasArts adventures. Warmly received by fans of the genre.

Return to Monkey Island (2022)

Ron Gilbert’s long-awaited return to the franchise he created at LucasArts in 1990. Published by Devolver Digital in 2022. The art style generated controversy among some fans of the original games, but the story and dialogue delivered on what the franchise had always done best. It gives the series a proper conclusion from the perspective of its original creator.

Why Terrible Toybox Matters

Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick created some of the most beloved adventure games in history. Terrible Toybox exists to let them keep making games on their own terms. Both Thimbleweed Park and Return to Monkey Island are genuinely good games that respect their genre’s history. For fans of classic LucasArts adventures, Terrible Toybox is essential.