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# Digitally Enhanced Boardgames
Golem Arcana Embeds Traditional Rule Book into an App

By Meghan Young | Published 2015-03-03 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golem-arcana
References: [boingboing.net](http://boingboing.net/2014/10/15/apps-bring-new-possibilities-t.html) & [golemarcana](http://golemarcana.com/)

While many [classic board games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dungeons-dragons) are being given the complete digital treatment, Golem Arcana blends both the traditional experience with a more modern one by creating an app that simply enhances the physical pieces. First of all, Golem Arcana does away with an actual rule book. The app boasts all the necessary rules, army statistics and tutorials to play the game.

Yet there is much more to the Golem Arcana app. BoingBoing writes, "While players maneuver their [three-dimensional figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foros-game) across two-dimensional maps, they communicate all of their choices to the app using a bluetooth stylus." It even rolls virtual dice to see whether or not the attact succeeds. Overall, Golem Arcana cannot be played without the app or the physical pieces.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.3/10
- Popularity: 17% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Digitally Enhanced Boardgames:** Creating apps that enhance traditional board games by integrating digital features.
- **Virtual Rule Books:** Replacing physical rule books with digital versions accessible through smartphone or tablet apps.
- **Bluetooth Stylus Interaction:** Using Bluetooth stylus to interact with physical board game pieces and communicate choices to the app.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Board Game Industry:** Opportunity for board game manufacturers to leverage digital technology to enhance traditional games and capture new audiences.
- **Mobile App Development:** Demand for app developers to create interactive game-enhancing apps for board game companies.
- **Tech Accessories Market:** Potential for Bluetooth stylus manufacturers to cater to board game enthusiasts and gamers.

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