Mattel Creates The First Physical Board Game Played With AI—And It Looks Chaotic
Image courtesy of Mattel
Mattel is toying with the transformative world of artificial intelligence and breathing new life into one of its classic games. Pictionary, the beloved quickdraw game, is getting a modern upgrade with the introduction of Pictionary Vs. AI, and it’s said to be the first-ever physical board game to incorporate AI into gameplay.
In Pictionary Vs. AI, the game takes a more chaotic turn. All players get to wield the drawing pen, while AI takes on the role of guesser. There’s no guarantee this extra player will properly identify your rushed doodles. The fresh twist on a classic formula embraces the imperfections of AI, while reminding everyone at the table that Pictionary has always been more about the laughs than impeccable art skills.
Image courtesy of Mattel
The magic behind the system’s drawing deciphering skills comes from Google’s Quick, Draw! AI, which has learned from millions of user-submitted sketches. Combined with computer vision, this model analyzes and interprets artwork presented on the game’s whiteboard.
Image courtesy of Mattel
Besides having the machine guess their drawings, players can also earn points by predicting which masterpieces the AI will detect correctly.
To kickstart the connected play experience, players scan a QR code using their mobile devices, launching the AI. For an extra dose of fun, challenge rounds are available within the web app. Obstacles include drawing with closed eyes, using no hands, and more.
Image courtesy of Mattel
Pictionary Vs. AI introduces a modern way for fans to interact with the brand, shares Ray Adler, vice president and global head of games at Mattel. “Games from across the Mattel portfolio have been bringing families together for more than 50 years—and we’re proud that the decades-long adoration that fans have for our products is matched by the innovation constantly available in our lineup of games.”
Sven Gerjets, Mattel’s executive vice president and chief technology officer, adds: “There are many play patterns to explore around new tech to enhance engagement with physical toys.”
Image courtesy of Mattel
Showcasing the potential of AI in classic games, Pictionary Vs. AI is set to first be unveiled at this year’s Code Conference in Orange County, CA.
The board game, priced at US$24.99, opens for preorders on the Mattel Shop on September 27, with shelves stocked and ready for gameplay starting October 2.
Image courtesy of Mattel
[via Mattel, images courtesy]
This article was crafted with assistance from an AI engine, and has been manually reviewed & edited.
