3D Printing Brings Open Source Game to Life

Continuing with a theme I started in this post, I generally focus on what additive manufacturing (AM) is capable of doing, without really relaying people’s negative (or at best, neutral) reactions to the technology. I read and hear a lot of people claiming that no one will need a personal 3D printer, or that the technology is too sophisticated for the average consumer.

I don’t believe it. People expressed similar sentiments about computers, printers (the usual kind), automobiles, the Internet, etc. All it takes for a technology to really catch on with the general public is a few people showing how awesome it can be and a price point within the reach of customers. Well, the price point is dropping like a rock for personal 3D printers, so there’s that sorted.

Now I’ll bring the awesome. The idea that people will have “nothing to use” a 3D printer for is uninspired at best and the folks at Ill Gotten Games apparently feel the same way. The company has created the first open source board game specifically for people with 3D printers. It’s called “Pocket Tactics” and you can think of it sort of like a mini version of Risk.

The people at Ill Gotten Games spent seven years developing and testing the game that would become Pocket Tactics, before discovering 3D printing. Nearly overnight, the concept became reality in the form of 3D printed parts for the game (you could even print dice). The developers used Tinkercad to design the pieces, delighted by the free program’s ease-of-use.

“I didn’t foresee being able to deal with the 3D programs and we were looking for someone to make 3D pieces for us, but then I found Tinkercad, said designer Arian Croft. “I don’t see myself as a person with a lot of technical mastery or schooling, but if I can do this it’s open to anyone.”

Ill Gotten Games has posted its designs on Thingiverse so other people can enjoy the game they created. The rules are posted on the company’s website for free download. Players can even use Tinkercad (or another CAD program) to customize the pieces.

I believe this is just the start of people designing things specifically for AM with the home market in mind. More and more free designs appear on sites like Thingiverse every day, and the more creative individuals look at what AM has to offer, the faster the flood will become.

Below you’ll find a video featuring a basic overview of Tinkercad.

Sources: Wired, Ill Gotten Games