Game Over: The History Of Barcode Gaming

TLDR

The history of barcode gaming, from the Barcode Battler in 1990 to the Skannerz series in the 2000s, showcases a unique blend of real-world items and digital play, though the technology was limited and often unreliable. Despite its innovative concept, the Barcode Battler faced challenges such as a simple LCD screen, repetitive gameplay, and an unreliable scanner. Other devices like Tiger Electronics' Barcodzz and Bandai's Barcode Wars also experimented with the concept, but with limited success. The Skannerz series, however, gained popularity due to its prominent advertising campaign. Today, barcode gaming is largely a footnote, but its influence can be seen in modern AR games and mobile apps that use scanners.

If you stumble upon a Barcode Battler, Skannerz, or a similar relic at a retro gaming store, pour one out for a device that tried to blur the lines between the supermarket shelf and the gaming world. It looks silly today, like a WinAmp skin, but it reflected the spirit of the times. There was a connection between the packaging, product, and play, and there could be hidden mechanics locked within everyday objects.