Last year, Tetris took a fascinating turn when the Tetris Company collaborated with Red Bull. They turned the Dubai Frame—a towering 150-meter landmark—into the world’s largest playable Tetris installation using over 2,000 drones. This stunning display of technology captured the attention of gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
But that was just the beginning. Red Bull also released a special edition of its lifestyle magazine, The Red Bulletin, featuring a playable Tetris cover. This unique magazine isn’t just for reading; it has a game built right into it. Kevin Bates, the mastermind behind this innovation, is known for creating a range of thin, portable gaming devices. His journey includes a Tetris-playing business card and the Arduboy, a credit-card-sized gaming console.
Bates spent much of last year developing the GamePop GP-1, the playable magazine system. Although he keeps many details under wraps, he’s excited about this merging of gaming and print. This project showcases how existing technology can be repurposed in creative ways.
The magazine isn’t just a gimmick; it’s thoughtfully designed. It features a display made of 180 tiny RGB LEDs on a flexible circuit board, just 0.1mm thick. This gives it the ability to bend and flex while still being durable. Unlike modern OLED screens found in foldable smartphones, which can be expensive and delicate, this setup is designed for everyday use. Bates even tested its durability by “hitting it with a hammer.”
The GamePop GP-1 uses seven capacitive touch sensors instead of standard buttons, allowing for a responsive gaming experience. Though it sacrifices some modern Tetris features—like previews of upcoming pieces—it still makes for an enjoyable game. Players can charge the magazine via a discreet USB-C port hidden along the edge, a clever design choice aimed at extending battery life.
Approximately 1,000 copies of the magazine were made, with only 150 featuring the playable cover. These special editions were distributed to influencers and competitors rather than sold to the public.
In essence, this project demonstrates an exciting blend of technology and creativity. While it may not revolutionize the print industry, it certainly sets a precedent for what can be achieved when gaming and traditional media converge.
For more on the ongoing relationship between gaming and technology, check out this article from The Verge.
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Gadgets,Gaming,Hands-on,Reviews,Tech
