Angry Birds has already made its debut into the physical world as witnessed by the popular game-themed plush toys inhabiting offices and bedrooms, but now the addictive sling shooting pastime can be done in real life using the 'mbed' Angry Birds USB Slingshot. Available through the mbed website, the designers have included the materials and instructions necessary to create your very own version of this gaming accessory. Using an accelerometer and a rubber stretch sensor, the USB slingshot measures the angle and tension on the rubber band, effectively turning the device into a "plug-in-mouse."
The Icade and Xappr Gun have already demonstrated the niche for "App Gaming" enhancing accessories; now with the Angry Birds USB Sling Shot, that is, game-specific inventions, it shouldn't be too long until someone designs a real world "Cut the Rope" puzzle.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Game-themed Physical Accessories
- Opportunity for designing physical accessories that enhance the gaming experience of popular smartphone games.
- App Gaming Enhancing Accessories
- Niche market for accessories that improve gameplay and immersion for mobile app games.
- Real World Puzzle Games
- Potential to create physical puzzles inspired by popular smartphone puzzle games.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Gaming Accessories
- Opportunity to manufacture and sell physical accessories that enhance the gaming experience for popular smartphone games.
- Mobile App Accessories
- Market for accessories specifically designed to improve gameplay and interaction with mobile app games.
- Physical Puzzle Games
- Potential for creating and marketing physical puzzles inspired by popular smartphone puzzle games.
