Sequoia Games Launches AR Tabletop Game Inspired by NBA Top Shot

The Rise of Collectibles and a New AR Tabletop Game

The collectibles market is currently experiencing a period of significant growth, and established organizations are expanding beyond traditional trading cards. They are now embracing innovative technologies designed to connect fans in online communities.

Sequoia Games, a recently launched game studio, is aiming to achieve success with its augmented reality (AR) tabletop game. This game is designed to appeal to audiences in a market landscape altered by the impact of platforms like NBA Top Shot.

Blending Trading Cards, Strategy, and NFTs

Flex NBA presents a unique gaming experience, combining elements of trading card games, the strategic gameplay of Catan, the ownership aspects of NFTs, and the immersive technology of augmented reality.

The game seeks to replicate some of the success achieved by Dapper Labs with NBA Top Shot. However, it distinguishes itself through its reliance on physical collectibles and a traditional tabletop format.

A Hybrid Approach to Collectibles

While digital-only collectibles have garnered considerable attention, Sequoia Games’ hybrid model is anticipated to attract new segments of the collector community.

The core of the game revolves around hexagonal discs, functioning similarly to trading cards. These discs can be tracked within a dedicated mobile application, with 3D animations of the players dynamically overlaid onto them.

Gameplay incorporates mechanics familiar to fans of popular trading card games, allowing users to enhance their tiles with power-up additions.

Tile Acquisition and Ownership

Initial players will receive a selection of tiles based on their Kickstarter pledge level. Subsequently, the startup intends to offer tiles for sale in randomized packs.

These tiles are registered within the app, and ownership is securely tracked across a network. The underlying technology shares similarities with blockchain technology, though the team has been careful to avoid direct association with that term.

Registered tiles enable both in-person and online gameplay. A first-party marketplace is being developed for tile transactions, but even for online play, physical tile purchases and shipping will be required.

Partnerships and Funding

Sequoia Games has established an official partnership with the NBA and the national players’ association, mirroring Dapper Labs’ approach.

However, unlike Dapper Labs, the startup is not currently backed by substantial venture capital funding. The founder reports securing a modest seed round and is currently finalizing a larger Series A funding round.

Supply and Demand Considerations

Unlike Top Shot’s ability to quickly adjust the supply of digital collectibles to meet fluctuating demand, Sequoia Games faces constraints inherent in the physical production of tiles.

This limitation is a key reason for launching a Kickstarter campaign, allowing the company to assess potential user interest before large-scale production.

Kickstarter Tiers and Availability

Kickstarter pledge tiers range in price, from a $35 basic pack containing common tiles to a $699 “Supreme Flex Domination Pack” featuring rarer, MVP-level player tiles.

The startup anticipates beginning shipment of packs in July.