By selecting "I Accept, " you give consent to our utilization of cookies and other tracking technologies. Hasbro, the renowned publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and numerous classic board games, has partnered with Xplored, creators of the Teburu digital board game platform. In a recent press release, the Rhode Island-based company stated that this collaboration will aid in the exploration of integrating smart-sensing technology, AI, and dynamic multimedia. Hasbro Gaming's Senior Vice President and General Manager, Adam Biehl, expressed excitement about a future where technology seamlessly integrates with analog gaming experiences, delivering innovative gameplay, limitless digital expansions, smooth onboarding, and powerful AI-driven game mechanics to players and fans. Xplored entered the tabletop scene in 2022 with a successful crowdfunding campaign for their miniatures-heavy board game, The Bad Karmas and the Curse of the Zodiac, which also introduced an early version of their Teburu platform. Utilizing RFID tags, Bluetooth, and smart devices such as phones, tablets, and televisions, Xplored demonstrated the effectiveness of their technology in the consumer space. Polygon tested the Teburu platform and marveled at its seamless functionality. With a dongle featuring two antennas connected to RFID chips and Bluetooth-enabled devices like speakers, tablets, and smartphones, the game board stays connected to the digital kit.

This connectivity allows the game to track the players' positions and triggers programmed behaviors for enemies and environments. The Teburu platform enhances the gaming experience by offering unique sound effects for player movements, skill selection on smartphones, dice rolling effects, and illuminated plinths for boss miniatures. This technological advancement opens up possibilities for generative AI to expand existing board games, which could benefit Hasbro, including their virtual tabletop solution for Dungeons & Dragons. Hasbro's partnership with Xplored provides the necessary hardware, connectivity, and design expertise for future advancements. Notably, both companies have leaders with significant experience in the video game industry, such as Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks, the new President of Wizards of the Coast Cynthia W. Williams, and Xplored's lead game designer Riccardo Landi, who previously worked with Ubisoft. Xplored is currently working on other board game projects, including Vampire: The Masquerade — Milan Uprising, which is raising funds on Gamefound. More information about this partnership is expected to be shared during Hasbro's quarterly earnings call on August 3, coinciding with the start of the Gen Con tabletop gaming convention in Indianapolis.