What They Say
AR-focused gaming start-up Tilt Five (Tilt Five Gets Series A Funding for AR) has said that it will release an AR-based version of the popular “Settlers of Catan” board game in early 2023. Each player has to have a headset so the cost is high. A single headset costs $359, and bundles of two or three cost $659 and $959, respectively.
Each player has a unique view of the board using the system.
What We Think
I have been introduced to this game by keen family members. It’s quite fun, but I’m sure I wouldn’t spend that much on the system. However, the game has millions of players, so there may be a few that do want to go this far.
However, the general principle of adding AR to board games seems like one that could be attractive, but it’s the kind of development where de-facto or coordinated standards are needed to ensure that there is a sufficient mass of content available. The alternative could be a 3D TV bust cycle. I’ve written several times of the impressive demo that Technicolor gave me some years ago of AR being integrated into a TV experience. Integrating a TV, with a board game would take this a step further. (BR)
