ARCADE WATCH
Keeping an eye on the coin-op gaming scene
Game Augmented Reality Darts Manufacturer 501 Entertainment
Out of all the attractions offered by your local pub, darts is perhaps the closest relative of videogames, with play involving simply pointing at a target and unleashing a shot. That makes it particularly appropriate for some interactive gubbins on top, as demonstrated by Augmented Reality Darts, which uses a projector to create special targets depending on the chosen game mode, as well as handling scoring automatically. Importantly, the system uses normal steel-tipped darts, ensuring that seasoned players can get stuck in easily, with a board provided by dart industry stalwart Unicorn. Developed by UK company 501 Entertainment, ARD has already been installed across a number of venues in its homeland, but a recently inked distribution deal with Sega is intended to push the hardware into worldwide markets. Whether or not a game variant featuring beer-guzzling cartoon bull Bully from Jim Bowen’s legendary Bullseye will have much appeal overseas remains to be seen.