CHICAGO — America’sFunniest Home Videos, the23 year-old ABC television show that is still viewed by 7 million people each Sunday night, is set to become the first subject in a series of mobile app interactive board games being debuted in February at the New York International Toy Fair by TDC Games.
SCAN GAMES feature a free mobile app that is capable of scanning special QR code symbols (the little black and white checkered boxes that are appearing on ads, products and virtually everywhere.) These codes are used on game cards and other Scan Game components. When a code is scanned, the app will deliver instant video and audio content specific to the subject of that game card.
“Some other companies have tried to force mobile apps into existing toys and games,” said Larry Balsamo, president of TDC. “However, a Scan Game is created with a mobile app as the foundation for game play. A subject like America’sFunniest Home Videos could not even become a board game without using this scanning technology to instantly load the funny videos. We also consider it a bonus that we have given people a new opportunity to gather, in-person, around the age-old social experience of a board game while still having their mobile devices glued to the hands.”
A Scan Game looks like a conventional board game with a game board, pawns and trivia cards. However, the cards and even certain spaces on the board come to life when combined with the use of the mobile app. Video and audio appear instantly when called up by the scan because all the content is native to the app. No internet access is needed after the app is loaded. Even point bonuses are calculated by scanning a space on the board. According to TDC, the game and the app will be compatible with virtually any Apple or Android smart phone or tablet device equipped with a camera..
“Just like the show, the game is hilarious,” said Sandra Bergeson, TDC’s creative director. “We simulate the game that is already played on the show that has contestants guessing the outcome of outrageous videos. The results are side-splitting for everyone from little kids to seniors who now can enjoy a modernized version of the traditional board game.”
The America’s Funniest Home Video board game edition will be available in toy, gift, department, electronic and specialty stores nationwide in Fall of 2013 at a suggested retail price of $19.99. There will also be a card game edition that can be played alone or added to the board game at a suggested retail price of $9.99. Both products are suggested for ages 8 to adult. TDC intends to release other titles in the SCAN GAMES series in 2014.
SOURCE: TDC Games, Inc.
Leave a Reply