Technology: Torque Game Builder (heavily modified 1.7.6), TUIO, HID, C++11

We are using our own version of TGB in order to support multi-touch events whether they be from a TUIO message or a Windows multi-touch event (HID).

Using the Multi-Touch Interface (best in HD):

Playing a Full Game:

License: We acquired a license directly through the game's author, Andreas Steding. That license included the original artwork from the 1st Edition of the game which was created by Dennis Lohausen.

Code Design: We used a model-view-control system for this game. This allowed the two coders to work independently of each other and make a prototype of the game within a week. In addition, our system of moves allows the players to undo an action accurately all the way back to the beginning of the game.

We built a system to automatically generate most of the board. By defining the cities and the trade routes we were able to place all of the offices, banners, and houses without any additional effort. This was helpful when the final board layout was created: we just had to move the cities and the rest was done.

Art Design:Once we received the original artwork for Hansa Teutonica, our lead graphic designer (N.R.) took those files and started to re-organize the existing layouts. One of the challenges of the multi-touch table is its limited resolution (1920x1080) and the ability of a finger to accurately hit a button. After a few attempts, we found a layout that kept the look and feel of the printed game while stretching the main board to take up all available screen space.

A huge advantage of having the original art work is that N.R. was also able to design a main menu that was well themed to the game. This is one of the many ways a player on the multi-touch table gets an enhanced experience.

Audio Design:Our game also includes audio. We can provide a lot of feedback to the user in the form of text messages, audio messages, and audio cues. Not only does this make the game more entertaining, but everybody gets cues as to what just happened. In addition, we had access to a voice actor who provided a German feel to all of the messages.

Advantages of the Multi-Touch Table: This computerized game plays in less than half the time of the printed version. The game keeps track of the rules, so everybody is free to consider strategy. When these advantages are combined, we found that players are more willing to try a new tactic or strategy. Because the players are around a single table, we keep all of the fun, social aspects of tabletop gaming including the sharing of strategy, reminder of rules, and friendly taunts.