Why SquareOne was Successfully Kickstarted
SquareOne is a board game console — a large tablet that can read physical components to create a hybrid board game/video game experience.
With gaming systems and powerful computers everywhere, why would a community invest 250k into a board game console? What’s compelling about the SquareOne experience?
The answer is straightforward: we crave a better gaming experience.
Wizama, the company behind SquareOne, set out to change the way we play board games. The SquareOne can read physical toys, cards, and dice, creating a magical experience where games come alive.
I’ve written extensively about why board games persist in a world where video games exist, why kids should play board games, and even the specific benefits of SquareOne. All these reasons come together to answer the question of why people give a shit about a hybrid board game experience.
How many times have you booted up five different video games for five minutes each only to find that nothing really felt fun? Part of the reason for that experience is that you have no reason to commit to playing.
A board game session with friends requires full commitment.
Everyone wants to connect, to build relationships. Building relationships is hard. Even with friends you’ve had for a long time, catching up can be difficult. Is there ever a good time for a phone call? Or maybe you jump on to play a video game with a buddy, but you don’t really get the chance to talk about life. Video games can certainly connect people, but most of us find it’s not a reliable way to build relationships.
Tabletop games can appear too nerdy for some. SquareOne is sexy, new, innovative, and may just convince those friends who would otherwise scoff at tabletop games as nerdy to try this new piece of technology. Not only is it attractive as a fresh innovation, but the clean design and quick set up can keep people engaged.
SquareOne is a great way to get kids into board games. Screens are always the most interesting thing in the room. SquareOne can introduce youngsters to the mechanics of board games while offering visual interest and animations that grab their attention.
Those are just a few of the needs and wants that board game consoles fulfill.
What do you think drove the successful funding of SquareOne?
