Technologies in board games

TECHNOLOGIES IN BOARD GAMES

 Today, within the framework of this article, I would like to discuss the integration of technologies in board games, namely virtual and augmented reality, neural networks and artificial intelligence.

 The market of board games is quite conservative regarding the use of IT technologies. Yes, there have been talks about their use for a long time, and at exhibitions you can meet smart gaming tables and similar things, but there is still no full-scale use of information technology. So let's figure it out - what are the pros and cons of such integrations and do the world need new technologies so much?

CONS

 Well, I would like to start with the disadvantages of using technology and, probably, the key one of them:

 Due to the use of technology, the user loses the feeling of playing a board game.

 Yes, such a problem can really occur, because when using new technologies, the user is forced to use some gadget. This distracts him from the game process, unfocusses his attention on the game table and, as a result, instead of a warm and pleasant evening, he is constantly stuck in the "number".

 As an excuse, I can say that such a problem can occur in the case of not quite correct game design. If the program or site is made in the same color design as the game (that is, completely omniscient), then the transition of the user will be perceived seamlessly and will not cause discomfort. The main thing here is not to overdo it, so that you don't get a video game at the end. A good example is the game from the company FFG called "The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth". They managed to make the program in such a way that it integrates into the gameplay as succinctly as possible.

 Using technology makes the game more expensive

 And this is absolutely true, because now the publishing house must also pay for the work of developers, website support and bear other costs that are also included in the price.

 The following minus follows from the second minus:

 Such games cannot last forever

 This is due to the need to maintain the functionality of the program/site, for which the publishing house will have to spend money from year to year. As soon as the game becomes irrelevant for users, the manufacturer will want to close the electronic part because it will cause losses. At some point, this can simply turn the game into a brick that can no longer be used. Of course, you can finance the work through the release of re-releases or add-ons, but this option still does not mean that one day your favorite game will stop working, unlike standard games, which never lose functionality. In addition, you need to take into account the possibility of bugs, technical problems and similar things, which can also leave a negative impression on players.

PROS

 Well, now let's move on to the positive points and the first of them:

 New technologies allow you to create new, previously unavailable mechanics

 In my opinion, this is one of the key tasks for which technology in general needs to be integrated into games. So, for example, AR allows you to interact with the surrounding space during a board game, which gives developers and game designers a lot of imagination. In the "Crime Scene" game, which I wrote about above, it consists in finding evidence at the crime scene. Artificial intelligence and neural networks allow you to generate and create anything at all, from game elements (cards or fields) to various plot twists or enemy actions. These technologies are now mainly used for drawing illustrations and cards in games.

 The only question is the desire to use VR technologies, because as you know, they require special equipment that costs a lot. And it's impossible to keep the feeling of a board game when you're sitting in a helmet.

 Such games are easier to play

 An application or site can simplify the rules of the game, because algorithms can calculate various outcomes of events, tell you what to do or where to go. This is especially valuable in games with a gigantic number of different rules. Yes, all in the same "Crime Scene", the algorithm gives hints and at the end tells whether the players solved the case correctly.

 This can be very valuable for players who don't like to read too much into the rules and just go and try.

 The game becomes more varied and replayable

 The electronic part of the game is also good in that it allows you to add more action options to the game, because if earlier the player had a field drawn on cardboard with which nothing could be done, now it may well be digital and dynamically change as the players progress. The same can be said about other elements - cards, indicators, moves of enemies, random phenomena, and everything else.

 This also has a positive effect on replayability, because it is impossible to learn all the cards and moves, there are simply an infinite number of them. And if you connect artificial intelligence to the opponents, everything will play in completely different colors.

CONCLUSIONS

 The use of new technologies is quite controversial. On the one hand, it goes against the very concept of board games, which should be physical, which is why they are loved. On the other hand, they allow you to invent new mechanics and make games more diverse. Here we can even say that their mass use is able to start a new era in the development of tabletop game design and the industry as a whole.

 My prediction for the future is this - I believe and believe that in the near future AR and AI will be very tightly integrated into the use of board game manufacturers, but it is still too early for that

 Well, you can express your opinion in the comments, I will always be happy to discuss this topic there)