NFC Technology: Applications in Gaming

NXP Semiconductors announced today that it is partnering with global gaming company Hasbro and video game developer Harmonix Music Systems to integrate NFC technology into the music mixing game, DROPMIX. This will allow DROPMIX users to create their own unique mixes of hit songs by playing NFC chip-enabled cards on a game board connected to a free mobile app.

Developed jointly by Paragon ID and NXP, and manufactured using NXP's proprietary manufacturing process, the DROPMIX game combines physical and digital play, allowing players to combine their favorite artists and songs. When a DROPMIX card is placed in a Mix Slot, the electronic DROPMIX board instantly reads the card and begins playing the corresponding part of the song, such as a bass, beat, loop, or vocal. The board can read up to five DROPMIX cards at a time, and the app's proprietary software seamlessly combines them to create unique mixes.

“NXP is a co-inventor and market leader in NFC technology,” said Brian Chapman, Hasbro’s Director of Design and Development. “NXP is the perfect partner for Hasbro as we look to deliver innovative and interactive experiences by integrating NFC technology into our products, as demonstrated with the DROPMIX game,” he said.

DROPMIX cards feature global hits across pop, R&B, dance, indie, country, rock, and hip-hop, allowing users to combine them in novel ways to create new music. NXP's end-to-end NFC solution, comprised of an NFC reader and chip, ensures fast and reliable reading of DROPMIX cards.

“The opportunities for NFC gaming applications are limitless, as developers are only just beginning to realize the revenue potential that NFC offers,” said Bertrand Brault, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Paragon ID. “Our collaboration with NXP on the DROPMIX project is a great example of how our two companies are working together and pushing new boundaries with NFC technology.”

Meanwhile, Hasbro will be releasing limited-edition DROPMIX cards featuring music from the 1980s television show "TRANSFORMERS" for CES 2018 attendees. Experience DROPMIX at CES 2018's CP-25 in Las Vegas, USA, from January 9-12.