Microsoft Surface Embraces the NUI Flavor of Settlers of Catan

Microsoft Surface is embracing an immensely popular strategic board game that has stepped into the era of Natural User Interfaces. Fact is that, from the video embedded below, Settlers of Catan and Microsoft Surface do seem like a match made in cult gaming heaven, the Redmond company’s platform delivering a new dimension of experience to a classic title loved by so many. According to Eric Havir, Sr. manager, Digital Communications at Microsoft/Surface, Origins Game Fair attendees will be the first to get a taste of the new NUI-ready Settlers of Catan on Surface this week.

“Settlers of Catan has been at the front of the pack when it comes to strategic board games. It has been translated into over 30 languages and has sold more than 15 million copies. We’ve seen it on many different platforms, including the PC and Xbox 360. Surface, while digital, brings the game back to the tabletop with real-world objects. Four people can play and interact all at the same time on Surface’s large 30” screen,” Havir stated.

The Surface variant of the cult gaming classic has been developed by Microsoft Surface strategic partner, Vectorform. However, participants at the Origins Game Fair should look for the Mayfair Games booth, since that is the company that brings the game to the show. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed for Softpedia that Settlers of Catan on Microsoft Surface would be ready for prime time at the Gen Con Indy show in August 2010.

Vectorform’s Lindsay Ruthven enumerated some of the new feature of Settlers of Catan on Surface:

“- Full multi-touch from the Microsoft Surface allows all players to interact with their elements of the board at once.
- A digital playing surface breathes new life into the Catan experience through graphics and animations.
- ‘State-free-trade’ allow players to swap cards without entering modes or pressing buttons, keeping the experience as pure as possible.
- Customized art unifies the multi-touch interface with Mayfair’s 4th Edition release of The Settlers of Catan to create a seamless play experience.
- Integration with real-world objects to maintain the original Catan board game feel.”