Italian developer Xplored has soft-launched its 505 Games-published toys-to-life racing game Runimalzin its home country of Italy.
The game uses a board which connects to a player's iPad to scan in toys in the real-world. Players can then adjust the speed and location of their creatures in-game by physically adjusting them on the game board.
Runimalz toys are currently only available via GameStop in Italy. A starter pack, which includes three figures and the game board required, costs €49.99 ($56).
Plenty to buy
Additional toys can be purchased for €9.99 apiece ($11), with each toy offering different stats and characteristics. Players can also level-up their toys with special spinners, which can be used once and cost €2.99 ($3) each.
Players don't need the game board to interact with the game itself, however. Anyone can download Runimalz on Android or iOS for free, provided they have an Italian App Store or Google Play account.
Xplored isn't the only developer seeking to make a splash with toys-to-life games on mobile at the moment. Cambridge-based developer PlayFusion recently launched its game Lightseekers, while partnering with toy manufacturer TOMY to develop a physical TCG based on the brand.