What are thoughts on board games that require a companion app? My concern is will the app still be there in X years time - rendering the game useless if it isnt.
That`s the equivalent of requiring a tv show to play with a toy. Seems cool at the moment but not a smart move in the long run. The nice thing about the Middle Earth companion app is that it`s on PC/Steam and most of my PC games are still working 10 years later. Wouldn`t have brought it if it was just on Android/iOS
If the app is an optional assistant, great, if it`s *required* then it`s the spawn of the devil.
Wellll think of it like this: Something `super high tech` and up to date but also super quick to date. *Also I know that now you want this. I like Mansions of Madness but imo the app makes it more confusing rather than less. They also put it on steam so it`s not just iOS / Android which is less awful as PC game usually keep working forever** (** not forever, ymmv)
I think the designer probably should have made a video game. IMO, if a board game needs a companion app, it is probably too complicated.
I agree thats a worry. One game that does work quite well is LOTR Journeys in Middle Earth - adds atmosphere and is useful but I think it should be playable without it. (It isnt).
I had different idea - TV working as game hub while everyone`s phone is their personal controller / non-public cards display, etc. Now that you said it, I guess yeah apps technically can be very fragile, unless done with open tech, like HTML5 based app, so any browser can run it
This is my thinking, I think apps should be complimentary rather than a requirement.
