Gaming and 3D printing have been converging for quite a while now. Whether gamers are 3D printing props from their favorite video games, or game developers are providing 3D printable files as in-game rewards, the technology is certainly exciting us all.
Back in September we broke the news about a company called 3D Pioneer Systems, which had just launched their Appaloza API, which enables game developers to integrate in-game 3D printing into their apps. The idea was certainly an intriguing one in that the virtual would be allowed to converge with the physical in a way which promised to make the mobile gaming experience more interactive and engaging.
Today we got word from a company called Steampunk Wizards, who has been using a similar type of server plugin and API technology that they developed in-house, to create a 3D model and printing rewards system for their just released game Bungee Mummy.
The game was launched just yesterday for Android devices, and is available in the Google Play Store, as well as the Amazon App Store. It features a mummified ball-like creature named King Phero, who gamers needs to navigate out of the Great Pyramid. Phero is on a quest to restore his kingdom,which has been enslaved by the evil Solark. After escaping the pyramid, Phero — and his loopy-yet-loyal sidekick, the bat-like Madu — must then fight through the underworld of Hagareem, solving complicated puzzles, and avoiding dangerous traps. In the process, gamers will help free the people of Hagareem, while earning 3D printable rewards.
3D Printed Reward
“The high resolution graphics and introduction of 3D printable prizes removes the boundaries of ‘traditional’ mobile game play between digital assets on your mobile and the real world by providing tangible rewards and collectibles,” said Brendon Grunewald, CEO of Steampunk Wizard.
The rewards, which currently range from a Bungee Mummy coin to a model of the Great Pyramid, can be purchased starting at $4.99, or won within the game for no cost, and then 3D printed on a user’s own printer or by using a service like Shapeways or 3DHubs. The great thing about offering 3D models as rewards is that there is little to no cost for Steampunk Wizards to do so, while they are able to provide unique rewards that take the game into the physical realm.
As to when iOS users will be able to join in on the Bungee Mummy fun; the company has stated that the app will be rolled out to Apple devices sometime next month. Let us know if you have played this game yet, and what your thoughts are on the integrated 3D printed rewards. Discuss in the Bungee Mummy forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the video promo for Bungee Mummy below:
