Game night goes high-tech!
Unveiled at this year’s Code Conference in Orange County, California, Mattel introduces Pictionary Vs. AI, an innovative spin on one of the world’s most beloved board games. First published in 1985, Pictionary is a charades-inspired guessing game that has entertained kids and adults for close to 40 years. Now part of the Mattel Games lineup, Pictionary continues to stand the test of time with over 38 million copies sold in 60 countries around the world. It also sits as the third best-selling family board game globally and has spawned a number of different versions including the younger skewed Pictionary Jr. and even a Pictionary card game. This latest version sees players attempting to stump a first-of-its-kind AI opponent with their drawings.
“Mattel is excited to announce Pictionary Vs. AI, bringing technological advancement to create new and exciting challenges to fans who love the classic game,” said Sven Gerjets, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Mattel in a press release. “At Mattel, we create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. There are many play patterns to explore around new tech to enhance engagement with physical toys.”
In Pictionary Vs. AI, everyone sketches but the AI makes the guesses. Players can also earn points by predicting whether or not their artificial opponent will guess the other player’s drawings correctly. With its avant-garde gameplay, Pictionary Vs. AI continues to prove that this classic quickdraw staple is less about being a talented artist and more about the hilarious results. And, if you’re looking to turn up the fun, be sure to enable the special challenge rounds within the web app. These ask players to draw with their eyes closed, without using their hands, and more!
To play, a mobile device is required to scan a QR code that launches the AI. The game uses Quick, Draw!, Google’s artificial intelligence software, to guess the players’ drawings. Launched in 2016, Quick, Draw! is a neural network AI that learns through user-submitted sketches and pairs this AI data with computer vision to look at and guess the drawings within the given frame.
“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 with our products is matched by the innovation available in our lineup of games,” said Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head Of Games at Mattel. “Pictionary Vs. AI continues to build upon our impressive portfolio by offering a new, modern way that fans can engage with the brand, combined with the hilarious quickdraw gameplay they’ve always loved.”
With fun, safety, and trust at the forefront of the Mattel Games portfolio, Pictionary Vs. AI has been certified by the Entertainment Software Rating Board and designed with children’s privacy in mind. As such, all content within the game is kid-friendly and appropriate for players eight years of age and older.
Currently available for purchase through several retailers, Pictionary Vs. AI is priced at $24.99 USD and is certain to add a fun, high-tech twist to your family game night!
Are you ready to play?
