Digital Companion Apps: Enhancing Board Games with Technology

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The first time Mansions of Madness unfolded a procedurally-generated mystery through its app, I understood what companion technology could achieve. The app didn't replace the physical game—it created scenarios impossible without digital assistance.

Not every app-enhanced game succeeds. Some add friction instead of removing it. This guide separates the valuable from the unnecessary.

The Philosophy of Companion Apps

Before downloading anything, understand what companion apps should and shouldn't do.

Apps Should:

• Reduce setup time (automatically handle complex configurations)
• Manage fiddly mechanics (track resources, calculate scoring)
• Add experiences impossible physically (audio, dynamic content)
• Provide reference (rules lookup, FAQs)
• Enhance atmosphere (soundtracks, timers)

Apps Shouldn't:

• Replace meaningful decisions (the game should stay on the table)
• Create phone addiction loops (notifications, social features)
• Require constant attention (occasional glances, not staring)
• Fragment attention (everyone on their phones = not playing together)

The best companion apps are invisible. You use them, then put the phone down. The game stays on the table. The humans stay connected. Technology serves; it doesn't dominate.

Universal Companion Apps

These work across your entire collection.

Collection & Reference

What it does well:

• Track owned games, wishlists, plays logged
• Search BGG forums for rules clarifications
• Browse ratings and reviews
• Find local game groups (via forums)

What it lacks:

• Modern interface design
• Offline functionality for rules
• Quick play logging without friction

Play Tracking

Features:

• Log plays with scores, player names, dates
• Track win rates by game, player, player count
• View statistics: most played, longest win streaks
• BGG sync keeps records consistent
• Challenge tracking (10x10, H-index)

Why it matters: Looking back at a year of plays provides insight into your hobby. What do you actually play? Who do you play with? What's your win rate really?

Player Selection

Simple, elegant, solves an annoying problem. No more "who goes first?" arguments.

Timers

Use cases:

• Speed variants (see our separate guide)
• Equal turn time enforcement
• Session time tracking
• Teaching pause tracking

Dice and Randomisers

Physical dice are preferable—tactile satisfaction matters—but backup digital dice serve their purpose.

Game-Specific Companion Apps

Some games have dedicated apps that transform the experience.

Fully App-Integrated Games

These games require their companion app—the app is integral to gameplay.

What the app does:

• Generates scenarios procedurally
• Controls monster AI and spawning
• Manages horror atmosphere (sound, music)
• Tracks puzzles and discoveries
• Provides narrative text dynamically

Why it works: The app enables experiences impossible with physical components alone. No GM needed for horror investigation. Every playthrough differs.

Concern: Long-term app support. If developer abandons, game may become unplayable. (Fantasy Flight generally maintains apps well.)

What the app does:

• Provides crime scenarios
• Offers clue examination via AR
• Manages suspect interviews
• Tracks time and scoring

Why it works: Digital content delivery means unlimited scenarios through app purchases.

Optional Companion Apps

These apps enhance but aren't required.

Gloomhaven Helper app:

• Tracks monster health, status, abilities
• Manages initiative order
• Handles scenario setup requirements
• Dramatically reduces admin time

Why essential (despite being optional): Gloomhaven's physical management is tedious. The app cuts session length by 30+ minutes. Widely considered mandatory despite official optionality.

Social Deduction Apps

App function:

• Narrates night phase
• Times day discussion
• Plays atmospheric audio
• Handles role distribution optionally

Why valuable: Eliminates need for dedicated narrator. Audio consistency. Timer enforcement.

Teaching and Reference Apps

Some publishers offer rules explanation apps:

• Watch It Played YouTube channel (not an app, but invaluable)
• Dized rules tutorials (text/video hybrid)
• Rules apps for specific games (Wingspan, Ticket to Ride)

Apps to Avoid

Not all gaming apps add value.

Notification Traps

Apps that send notifications pull attention from the table. Disable notifications or avoid.

Social Features You Won't Use

Photo sharing, friend connections, leaderboards—unless your group actively uses these, they add complexity without benefit.

Paid Premium Without Value

Many free apps nag for upgrades that add little. Evaluate free versions thoroughly before paying.

Replacement Games

Full digital implementations (playing Catan on your phone) aren't companion apps—they're different products. This guide focuses on apps enhancing physical play.

Setup and Etiquette

Using apps well requires group buy-in.

Before Game Night

• Charge devices fully
• Download/update apps in advance
• Test functionality with your games
• Disable non-gaming notifications (Do Not Disturb mode)

During Play

• Designate one device for shared apps (timer, music) rather than everyone on phones
• Keep personal phones face-down unless actively using
• Announce when you're checking an app (normalises it, prevents suspicion)
• Use apps for functional purposes, not escape from slow moments

Group Agreement

• Discuss app usage before starting
• Some groups prefer app-free sessions—respect this
• Establish norms: "Apps for game functions only"

Building Your App Toolkit

Future of Companion Apps

The trend continues:

Augmented reality: Games like Chronicles of Crime use AR for clue examination. Expect expansion.

Procedural content: Apps can generate infinite scenarios. Campaign games increasingly leverage this.

Cross-device play: Shared tablets displaying game state visible to all.

AI opponents: Solo mode companions with intelligent opposition.

Accessibility features: Apps providing audio descriptions, magnification, colour adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do companion apps kill the board game experience?

Only if used poorly. Good apps remove friction (setup, scoring, admin) so you can focus on meaningful decisions. Bad usage creates phone addiction at the table.

What if my group is anti-tech?

Respect it. Many games play fine without apps. Use physical alternatives (sand timers, pen-and-paper scoring). The social preference trumps efficiency gains.

Are required-app games problematic?

There's risk—app discontinuation could brick games. Weigh this against the experiences apps enable. For most current games, developer support seems reliable.

Should I tablet or phone for companion apps?

Tablet for shared use (clearer visibility, better for apps like Gloomhaven Helper). Phone for personal use (BG Stats, quick reference).

How do I keep apps from draining battery mid-session?

Lower brightness, disable background refresh, close other apps. Keep chargers nearby for long sessions. Some use dedicated "game tablet" devices.

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Final Thoughts

That Mansions of Madness app didn't replace the investigation—it enabled it. The miniatures stayed on the table. The flashlights explored corridors. The humans debated theories. The app just whispered horrors we couldn't have experienced otherwise.

Technology should serve the table, not supplant it. The best companion apps understand this. They handle the tedious so you can focus on the meaningful.

Choose wisely. Delete generously. Keep the game on the table.

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The Smoothie Wars Content Team creates educational gaming content. The team has 37 gaming apps installed and uses approximately 6 of them regularly.