Magnesland brings computer games from the screen into the real world.
Have you ever imagined Age of Empires but with real little figures running around your table collecting wood and stones and with the army going into battle?
I dream about it too and I want to make this dream come true!
I've been working in computer animation for a long time. I like playing tabletop games and I often wish the figures could move and perform actions. I invented a technology that brings these little characters to life.
Computer animation of Magnesland to visualize what it would be.
Magnesland
Magnesland is a set of electromagnets. By controlling how they repel and attract permanent magnets attached to figures with mechanical joints, the board moves the figures.
In the main video you can see my proof-of-concept prototype. It uses a 3x3 array of electromagnets.
This technology will open a new way to visualize computer games. The characters will be real and play directly on the board.
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A diagram of the Magnesland
The money raised will be used to develop a larger scale prototype of the game board as well as determine how the mechanical figures should be constructed and develop a plugin for the Unreal engine as well as Unity to interface with the board.
The new prototype will have a 12x12 array of electromagnets, a Raspberry Pi Pico processor, HDMI and USB connectivity to a computer and electronics for individually addressing the electromagnets, plus a 7-inch LCD. Mobile devices will be used as game controllers.
This version will be designed so it can be used as a module. Combining 36 modules in a 6x6 array will result in a large Magnes board with a 22 inch square LCD.
Visualization of physical figures played on the Magnesland.
Development games
It may seem like a huge task to make several games to represent the capabilities of the board. But due to the nature of the many game situations, I think the games described below will best showcase the board's potential.
The fearless horde
A portal from a parallel universe opens in the city park and a dragon enters, chased by evil knights. The knights hunt the dragon, but soon begin stealing children's toys. The fearless horde appear - children with magic swords come to the dragon's aid. But the knights are treacherous and there are too many of them. The fearless heroes need you…
All sails up!
You are a ship captain and a merchant and your goal is to become the richest merchant of the seven seas. You must stay away from the pirates as the battles with them are viscous. You will engage in gun fights in the harbor. You will meet the princess and dance with her.
The football duel
A football game with real figures that run and dribble on the field, with real goalkeeper jumps. Choose your character and let's play football, two on two or all against the computer controlled FC Redoubt.
Figures for these games will have mechanical solutions for additional movement of body parts to perform actions such as shooting, running, jumping, sword fighting, picking up objects and carrying them.
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Visualization of Pin-OX, a mechanical figure for the Magnesland.
It will show game developers how to create their own games with custom figure designs. In game engines, the coding process will not differ from normal game programming.
Magnesland uses magnets to move small figures and their mechanical parts. (visualisation)
What I Need & What You Get
I would like to raise funds in order to create a larger, higher-fidelity prototype of my idea.
The funds would allow me to further develop the Magnes prototype with 12x12 array of electromagnets over the next 14 months.
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Magnesland prototype development schedule.
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Magnesland prototype development budget. (in Euro)
Tasks to perform
- I will develop a custom "anti-aliasing" model to smoothly move the permanent magnets.
- I need to design 3D models for the mechanical figures and then 3D print the parts.
- I will test different assembly methods for connecting permanent magnets to springs and hinges.
- The project will also require purchasing tools, electronic components, and materials.
- 3D printer's filaments and other materials
- permanent magnets
- producing custom made electromagnets,
- print PCBs and assemble them with IC components.
- Finally, the project will also require paying for some consulting services.
- I need help from experts to create a game design, fine tune the electronics and improve the game code.
The money will pay for:
- the purchase of tools, components and materials;
- my time, to help me buy food and pay rent;
- consulting services
When you contribute, your name may be added to the list of contributors.
- Donate 10 Euro, support the project for no reward, just because you believe in it.
- Get a perk of 50 Euro. Your name can be written in the credit list of contributors.
- For 100 Euro, you can receive exclusive access to the beta version of the demo games. You get to play them early, provide feedback, share your thoughts and ideas and help guide the creation of Magnes board. Your name can be written in the credit list of contributors.
- With 30000 Euro became - Main companion. If you contribute the highest value, your name will be placed above the logo right next to mine.
Example:
Svetlin Karlov's and John Doe's
Magnesland
If the full amount is not reached, I will use the amount raised to continue working on the project in my spare time, and will continue to seek funding support.
The Impact
Your contribution will help make this new type of gaming technology tangible. And I know from experience how important that is. My animation projects always start as words on paper. The idea is there but it is very difficult for people to understand what the film will look like using imagination alone. Creating a working prototype will enable people to appreciate its full potential. It also opens the doors to the next step - creating a final product and preparation for mass production.
Magnesland will open the door to brand new types of gaming stories.
Challenges
There are a number of challenges:
- Solving the problems of:
- Voltage drops in the PCB
- Needs for cooling
- Maximum current drawn
- Testing high-tech magnetic shielding materials. The figures will have several permanent magnets on which the magnetic field must be controlled.
- Testing different materials to build the figures from.
Future work
Beyond the scope of the current proposal, there are several possible improvements to Magnes Board:
- Developing small electromagnets with special wire winding technology. This will increase the resolution of the game board.
- Creating a feedback interface. The computer AI will know what is happening in the real world.
- Researching methods for creating flexible terrain. This will open up an opportunity to create hills.
- Sending all the data through HDMI – with cable or wireless. This will make the device more user-friendly.
- Write software for 3d real-time magnetic and physical simulations.
Other Ways You Can Help
I understand that not everyone can help with a contribution, but I would be very grateful if you would spread the word about this project on social media. And don’t forget that you can use Indiegogo's sharing tools!
Thank you!
