Clue by Mobile

Players of the newest evolution of the popular Hasbro board game Clue, “Clue Secrets and Spies,” can opt to receive clues by SMS in their mission to capture the notorious Agent Black.

The real-time text message version is begun by texting SPY to a designated number. Hasbro then sends back six text messages throughout the game to spur on the action. When things get tough, players can text HELP for further clues.

Players are charged for every text message they send, the recognizable commands being SPY, HELP, PAUSE, RESUME, and STOP.

Participating mobile operators include AT&T, T-Mobile US, Nextel, Boost, Virgin, US Cellular, NTelos, Dobson, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and Cincinnati Bell Wireless. Hasbro has pledged to support the game with text messages until December 2011.

Hasbro is clearly attempting to attract a younger generation, brought up on digital media, to more traditional board games. By integrating a mobile element, board games can offer an optional extra layer of stimulation to an existing game. Despite the fact that mobile phones are used, hybrid mobile-board games can actually facilitate face-to-face interaction.

For more developments in the mobile industry, please visit our Mobile Trendpool (subscription required).

Rate this post:

No rating yet