Tabletop games are intimidating beasts, with all those rules and … more rules. Gaming developer Harebrained Schemes is looking to open up the genre to new fans by simplifying the physical experience with some digital help, and it’s using crowdfunding site Kickstarter to make the idea a reality. The company previously used the site to successfully fund Shadowrun Returns, a turn-based role-playing game for PC and tablets.
Golem Arcana is a tabletop game that works alongside a smart phone or tablet app. Using a stylus, you can click around the physical map and miniatures to display information, rules, and track records on the touchscreen. This allows for a streamlined tabletop gaming experience without completely ditching all of the physical elements.
“By integrating your touchscreen phone or tablet into the tabletop experience, Golem Arcana removes the busy work associated with miniatures games,” states the game’s Kickstarter page. “Record-keeping is automatic. Important game information is all quickly searchable at your fingertips. Instant feedback is provided for movements and attacks, eliminating the need to refer to complex results tables. Skirmish scenarios can be completed in less than 45 minutes. Plus, all Golem Arcana figures come fully assembled and painted so you can start playing right out of the box. You can forget the work and focus on strategy and fun.”
Above: Golem Arcana’s digital pen.
The Kickstarter currently has $303,955 raised of a $500,000 goal. Ten days remain for the campaign.
Harebrained Schemes previously had big success on Kickstarter with Shadowrun Returns. That project raised $1,836,447 with an original goal of $400,000.