Mechatars

Mechatars was a pioneering "connected toy" experience developed by Schell Games for BossaNova Robotics. Built on the Unity engine, the project combined physical, remote-controlled robotic toys with a rich Desktop virtual world. Each physical robot—unique "Mechatars" with distinct personalities and abilities—could be plugged into a computer to synchronize its data. Any experience the robot had in the real world (like battles or training) would be reflected in the digital game, and vice-versa. Players could explore a vast online universe, complete missions, and upgrade their digital avatars, which would then "unlock" new behaviors and sounds in the physical toy. This "dual-reality" gameplay was designed for Elementary School children, offering a tangible connection between tactile play and digital progression.

• Schell Games
• BossaNova Robotics
• Connected Toys (Physical-to-Digital sync)
• USB connectivity
• Virtual world exploration
• turn-based combat
• robot leveling/progression

How did the physical robot communicate with the digital game?

The Mechatars robots featured a built-in USB port. When players connected the robot to their computer, the game would read the robot's unique ID and current "stats." This created a persistent identity; your specific physical robot was the exact same character you played as in the digital world.

What happened in the "Virtual World"?

The digital component was an Action-RPG. Players could explore alien environments, take on quests from NPCs, and engage in tactical combat against "The Swarm." The rewards earned in these digital missions—like new weapons or skills—would change how the physical robot interacted with the player at home.

Did the robots have personalities?

Yes. Each Mecha (like Kodar, Wrex, or Meltdown) had a distinct backstory and "behavior set." For example, some were aggressive and preferred combat, while others were more inquisitive. The way the player treated the robot and the choices they made in the virtual world would further refine these personalities over time.

What is "BossaNova Robotics"?

BossaNova is a robotics company (born out of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute) that specialized in creating high-tech consumer robots with unique movement patterns. They provided the hardware and "brain" of the physical units, while Schell Games designed the narrative, the virtual world, and the "Social Glue" that kept kids engaged with the characters.

Why was this considered "Pioneering"?

Mechatars arrived before the massive boom of Skylanders or Amiibo. It explored the "Symmetry of Play," where the digital and physical worlds were not separate, but two sides of the same coin. This forced the designers to think about "Persistent Play"—how a toy can continue to be fun even when the screen is turned off.