SquareOne: Why Bother?

SquareOne is a board game console — a large tablet that can read physical components to create a hybrid board game/video game experience.

When I describe SquareOne as a board game console, I get blank looks. Then I remember that I had no idea what that phrase meant two months ago. Even when I explain that it’s a hybrid experience between a board and video game, people don’t know why they should care.

Fully physical games have a lot going for them. There’s nothing quite like owning a big box. You’ve got great artwork sitting on your shelf, and every time you take it out to play, it’s like opening a gift. SquareOne will never replace a fully physical experience, but it will transform how, when, and where we play board games, and help induct a younger generation into the board game experience.

Take your games in a suitcase

I’m lucky to have family and friends that like playing board games. The only issue is that we live on opposite sides of the country. Bringing my entire Arkham Horror collection or a giant box like Gloomhaven isn’t exactly feasible unless I want to check luggage. The best I can do is consolidate a few simpler games into plastic bags, or pick one game that I hope I feel like playing when I arrive at my destination.

SquareOne, while a hefty suitcase item, offers an entire array of experiences in one. Throw in a few dice or special figures and you have a hybrid experience with lots of options on the go.

Survive a Spill

Ever had a deck of cards ruined by a knocked over water or beer? Maybe you learned your lesson and demand that all drinks be kept on a separate table from the board game.

I ruined part of a Dominion expansion due to my own clumsiness. It doesn’t feel good to destroy thirty bucks because of a simple mistake.

SquareOne can survive a messy moment.

Play Faster

You want to squeeze in a board game before bed, but the setup takes ten minutes to a half-hour, and when you’re done you’ve got to clean it all up, and…well, you decide you don’t have time.

What if setup took two minutes, and you knew a computer would be doing calculations for you, and cleanup was as simple as closing an application? How much more would you play?

Or maybe you don’t have much space to spread out a game. What if it was all contained behind a 20-inch screen?

SquareOne can help you play that much more.

How will you utilize the convenience of SquareOne?