# AR-Enhanced Board Games The Explorers by Unicorn Games Combines Traditional Gameplay and AR By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-01-07 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enhanced-board-game References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/techup-showcases-cool-connected-play-experiences-at-living-in-digital-times-kids-and-family-tech-summit-during-ces-2019-300772855.html#4) & [unicorngames.co](https://unicorngames.co/en/case-studies/case-explorers/) The Explorers by Unicorn Games, which will be on show at CES 2019, introduces an enhanced board game experience thanks to [augmented reality](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixedreality-puzzle-game). The game for kids between the ages of five and 10 is said to have been "specifically designed for the child-technology relationship." While the game does integrate elements of [traditional board games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-game-collection), such as cards, the experience also gleans from video games. Taking inspiration from the world of online gaming, board games are being enhanced with [mobile app connectivity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/demeo-x-dungeons-dragons-battlemarked) and other high-tech features to offer greater accessibility, entertainment and sensory involvement for players of all ages. In total, The Explorers line from Unicorn Games includes a trio of games, two of which are traditional and one that's cooperative. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Ar-enhanced Board Games:** The increasing integration of augmented reality in traditional board games presents opportunities for creating new and immersive gaming experiences. - **Mobile App Enhanced Board Games:** Integrating mobile app connectivity in board games offers greater accessibility and sensory involvement for players. - **Hybrid Board Games:** Combining elements of traditional and digital gaming creates unique and engaging gameplay experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy and Game Industry:** The incorporation of AR and mobile app connectivity offers opportunities for toy and game companies to create innovative products that appeal to both traditional and tech-savvy customers. - **Digital Gaming Industry:** The integration of board game elements in digital gaming and mobile apps presents opportunities for the digital gaming industry to expand its offerings and attract a broader audience. - **Education Industry:** Board games enhanced with technology and digital features can be valuable tools for educating and engaging young children in a fun and interactive way. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Face-to-Face Game Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/board.md) - [AR-Based Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffity.md) - [Digital Board Game Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infinity-game-board.md) - [Immersive XR Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sportrack.md) - [AR-Powered Cereal Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/journey-to-the-magic-gems.md) - [Connected Digital Game Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-last-gameboard.md) - [Active Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nine-arches.md) - [AI Board Game Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensetime.md) - [Phygital Baseball Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/base-on-board-20.md)