Board games go high-tech

Hasbro is teaming up with Italian game development studio Xplored to modernize its range of classic board games. By integrating smart sensors and AI technology, they aim to attract new fans and enhance player engagement.

Under this collaboration, Xplored will work with Hasbro to update popular games like Monopoly and Cluedo, as well as develop entirely new games. The implementation of Xplored's Teburu technology will enable game boards with electronic sensors and smart dice to track game pieces and rolls. Coupled with a tablet or computer, the AI-powered game system can accurately apply rules, introduce storytelling elements, and remember progress for future play sessions—eliminating the need for constant rulebook references.

The digital enhancements seek to make these classic games more accessible to a wider audience while preserving the cherished face-to-face interactions and tangible experience of rolling dice and moving physical components. The goal is to enrich the gaming experience and keep players engaged for longer periods.

While a specific launch window has not been finalized, Hasbro and Xplored are actively developing their retail and marketing strategy. After evaluating Xplored's technology for over a year and receiving positive feedback from players and conventions, Hasbro evidently believes the time is right to introduce an innovative digital twist to the board game market.

What do we say? About time! We remember the days of leafing through rulebooks to find a half-remembered detail, as well as having to write down the location of every counter or photograph boards to capture the state of play from week to week. Gamers could have done with all this decades ago, so we're glad to see a major publisher finally doing it.