Ever since Sony first showcased the augmented reality perks of their EyeToy, I've been waiting for more tabletop games to integrate widely-available technology like the iPad into their gameplay, and finally, GameChanger has arrived!
The iPads 9.7-inch display certainly doesn't provide enough space for an entire family to huddle over, making it inadequate to replace a full-blown board game. That's why GameChanger, developed by Dutch-based firm Identity Games, managed a delicate balancing act to integrate the new and old. By sliding the iPad into the board's dock, the corresponding application is automatically launched and the game begins. Forty-eight pressure-sensitive spots on the surface change game play elements when they're activated by cards and figurines. Two games come installed with the app, Animal Mania and Magic Schoolbus, and are intended to be played by children of all ages.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Tech-infused Board Games
- Developing board games that integrate widely-available technology like tablets into the gameplay.
- Augmented Reality Tabletop Games
- Using augmented reality technology to enhance the gaming experience of traditional tabletop games.
- Interactive Tabletop Games
- Incorporating interactive elements like pressure-sensitive spots and figurines into tabletop games.
Sectors Adopting This
- Gaming Industry
- Opportunity for game developers to merge traditional board games with technology like tablets and augmented reality.
- Education Industry
- Opportunity to develop educational and interactive games for children using augmented reality and tablets.
- Toy Industry
- Opportunity to create interactive and tech-infused tabletop games for children and families.
