A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Founder’s Edition of The Arena, a new game table from Game Theory Tables which incorporates a 65″ touch-screen display directly into the playing surface. This edition offered not only the lowest prices for the table, but also promises to ship out in September. The Founder’s Edition was only available in advance of the Kickstarter campaign for the table, which has now launched. But not to worry, you’ll still be able to get very good pricing on the table, with shipping starting as early as October of this year.
What Are Kickstarter Quick Picks?
Kickstarter Quick Picks are short looks at projects currently on Kickstarter that are of interest to me, and by extension, many of our GeekDad readers. A Quick Pick is not an endorsement of the Kickstarter campaign, nor have I (as yet) received any product copies to review. If you like what you see here, go check out the campaign and decide for yourself if you’d like to back it, or wait until GeekDad has had a chance to go hands-on. As always, caveat emptor- let the buyer beware.
New to Kickstarter? Check out our crowdfunding primer.
The Arena Game Table
In my previous article, I went into detail on the features of this new, high-tech game table from Game Theory Tables. The table is styled like the classic Origins game table, which I reviewed in 2020 and continue to use as my go-to game table.
During the Kickstarter campaign, The Arena will be available starting at $5,099, and will ship as soon as October, depending on how early you back the Kickstarter. You do not have to back for the entire amount of the table; rather, you will be backing for a $299 deposit, which is refundable through April. Game Theory Tables also offers financing options.
Once the pledge manager has opened, you will also be able to add a full range of accessories, as seen in the graphic below:
If you are interested in a gaming table but have more modest needs, Game Theory Tables will also have all their other tables on offer, as well as accessories available at a discount. The pledge for a non-digital table is a $199 deposit, and for accessories, the pledge is $50 with the balance of your purchases paid in the pledge manager.
Why You Should Back The Arena
Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to get my hands on one of the prototypes for The Arena. Nevertheless, I have a lot of confidence in Game Theory Tables and their work. Not only do I have and regularly use one of their Origin game tables, but I’ve also gotten to play with the Origins Coffee Table, as well as several of the accessories available for The Origins. I’ve been consistently impressed with the quality from Game Theory Tables.
I’m personally very excited for the use of technology in The Arena. As someone who dungeon masters Dungeons & Dragons games both in-person and online with a virtual tabletop, a table like The Arena feels like a perfect fit for my needs. For my online games, I can use the table to run the virtual tabletop software and connect with my players. For my in-person games, I can use the tools in Fantasy Grounds and Foundry to lead my players’ physical miniatures through a digital map that I project onto the playing surface. Not only that, but I can still use The Arena for playing board games, as the tempered glass surface will allow me to put down a neoprene mat and play games from my collection without worrying about damaging or breaking the built-in display.
If you’re looking for a game table that weds the analog and digital worlds, then Game Theory Tables looks to have a hit on its hands with The Arena. And if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, it’s hard to go wrong with one of the other game tables that will be available to purchase during this Kickstarter.
For more information or to make a pledge, visit The Arena Game Table Kickstarter page!
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