Popular German board game Settlers of Catan, is getting an upgrade from good old cardboard to VR (virtual reality) later this year. The title will be made available for Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Rift, say Catan Studio and Asmodee Digital who are collaborating over the development of the game, and promise a fully immersive format.
The VR version of Catan is likely to feature single player as well as online multiplayer options. We’re yet to get even a teasing glimpse of what the final product is expected to look like. Designed by Klaus Teuber, the board game first hit the market in 1995 in Germany. It has seen many expansions and has been published by various gaming companies since.
For those who’ve never had a chance to enjoy it, Catan (also shortened to Settlers sometimes) has players establishing colonies on the island of Catan. They must build settlements by clever resource management and strategizing. Of course, it’s not entirely down to exercising the grey matter. Elements of chance also come in via rolling of the dice and card draws.
The ultimate goal is to be the first player and settlement to win 10 victory points. Catan VR will be offering cross-play between the Oculus Rift and Gear VR so folks don’t have to be regretting their purchasing decisions if they want to play with friends. There’s the small nagging question at the back of our mind wondering whether we need a digital version of Catan at all.
Also see: 6 Games like Settlers of Catan
Catan VR is scheduled to hit the market in time for the holiday season this year. No word on pricing because it’s probably too early to talk about that.