Parents and teachers everywhere can rejoice; HYBRIDPLAY has developed a new video game system that blends two seemingly opposite entities: the alluring fun of technology and the great outdoors. A specialized wireless sensor,  along with an app, changes ordinary playground equipment, such as swings, seesaws, or slides, into video game controllers that will get kids of all ages and abilities outside and moving.  Twenty prototypes have already been created and tested extensively with thousands of children.

The creators are now in the final steps of its creation.  HYBRIDPLAY needs at least $80,000 by November 28, 2014, so it can improve game design and development thereby creating a device that meets its full potential. HYBRIDPLAY will be compatible not only with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth, but also with Google-ware devices. In the future, iPhone watch compatibility is also planned.

“Too many kids nowadays are no longer playing outdoors,” said a HYBRIDPLAY representative. “They are inside playing games on phones and tablets. Video games are a fun and enriching tool, but with HYBRIDPLAY, we can go a step further and make games not only mentally challenging, but physically engaging as well.”  It is also designed to encourage social interaction, verbal communication, and peer collaboration.

So, how does it work? Simply clip the wireless sensor to a chosen piece of playground equipment. It works with static elements such as slides or even equipment that rotates on an axis like seesaws and swings. Next, start the app. Then play. Yes, it’s really that easy. The playground equipment becomes the game’s controller. The actions that the users make on the playground, directly affect what happens in the game, thereby integrating the real world with the virtual world like never before. The customizable, weather-resistant HYBRIDPLAY also fulfills the requirements of Design for All (DfA) which means that it is designed to be used by all people— kids, adults and seniors— regardless of ability. As an added bonus, HYBRIDPLAY is an open project. It uses Gamesonomy so kids, parents and educators can code their own games for personal or educational use.

Campaign levels have been created to encourage contributions.  The limited $99 Early Bird HYBRIDPLAY level units have almost all been claimed, but the $124 units are still readily available. A Reseller Pack which includes ten units is available for $1100. All contributions are much appreciated, regardless of dollar amount, big or small. Please visit the campaign page or website for more information.