Some games are designed to be quick, simple, and bite-sized, but others, like 'The 7th Continent', are just the opposite. Far from a casual jaunt, the game unfolds like a nearly ceaseless narrative, so players can adventure through the fictional world of The 7th Continent for countless hours.
Though The 7th Continent is massive in terms of the game environment, it's also designed to be highly approachable. The player cards look intimidating, but with minimal set up gamers of any experience should be able to dive in simply by choosing a character and drawing cards.
The game, which is produced by Serious Poulp, is a choose-your-own-adventure narrative, so actions that players take effect the progression of the story. The narrative begins with a group of explorers ( as represented by the players) in the early 20th century who find themselves trapped on the mysterious 7th continent after acquiring a curse, and they need to work together to survive and escape.
Choose-Your-Adventure Board Games
'The 7th Continent' is a Cooperative, Narrative-Based Journey
Trend Themes
1. Narrative-based Board Games - The trend for highly narrative, immersive board games that allow players to become fully invested in the game world creates opportunities for developing disruptive, story-driven gaming experiences and incorporating technological innovations such as virtual and augmented reality.
2. Cooperative Adventure Games - The trend towards collaborative gameplay experiences encourages the development of innovative and exciting cooperative board games that provide engaging social experiences and opportunities for teamwork and communication.
3. Approachable Gaming Experiences - The trend towards creating games with minimal set up and learning curve provides opportunities for developing games that can be easily picked up by players of any experience and allow for more time spent playing and less time spent learning rules and mechanics.
Industry Implications
1. Board Game Industry - The board game industry can capitalize on the trend towards highly narrative and cooperative gaming experiences by developing innovative, immersive, and socially engaging games that appeal to a wide range of players.
2. Virtual and Augmented Reality Industry - The trend towards narrative-based and immersive gaming experiences provides opportunities for incorporating virtual and augmented reality technologies into board games, creating more immersive and unforgettable experiences for players.
3. Education and Training Industry - The trend towards cooperative gameplay experiences and approachable game design provides opportunities for developing educational and training games that promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.