From a 19th-century parlor game to a divining tool used by spiritualists to a horror movie staple, the Ouija Board is often associated with dusty antique shops, eerie attics, and other spaces that specialize in occult oddities.
This Halloween, Hasbro is bringing the classic game to your computer screen, but like a ghost, it’s disappearing by Nov. 1. And since this is a 2023 update, the virtual board is enhanced by AI. Navigate to ouija.com to pose questions to spirit; no candles or chants needed.
(Credit: Hasbro)I’m no stranger to Ouija Board use. When I was a kid, I delighted in hosting amateur seances with my friends. Sure, the movement of the planchette (the thing that the spirits supposedly move) was probably us subconsciously pushing the thing to spell something spooky, but we didn’t care; every little jerk and jump of the heart-shaped piece of plastic was the thrill of the century. When I heard about this new digital version, I was instantly hit with a wave of nostalgia. And curiosity. How would an AI-enhanced, e-version of the classic game fare compared to the physical version? I decided to find out.
Upon going to the aptly-named website, I was greeted with creepy music, an age verification menu, and a “guide to contacting spirits” that advised me to be clear about who I was addressing and what I was asking. I was also warned that “spirits” can become distracted after five or more interactions, and that if I wished to speak to a new one all I had to do was type “goodbye.” Pretty simple. In keeping with the holiday, I chose to speak with Edgar Allen Poe. Or an AI-enhanced version of him, at least.
Like other AI test generators, the board spat back out generic but correct answers when asked what works Poe had written, citing The Raven and repeatedly spelling out “Nevermore.” It also was right about Poe living in Baltimore and that the Poe Toaster’s preferred drink to leave for the author is cognac.
Unfortunately, when asked what flowers the mysterious figure leaves on the literary legend’s grave each year, it answered with the right flower (roses) but the wrong color (black instead of red). When I said goodbye and tried speaking with a stranger, the supposed spirit of the board responded instead with generic phrases and vague answers about timelessness and the beyond.
Though fun for a few minutes, the charm of the AI-enhanced Ouija Board quickly wore off. The lack of a tactile connection lessened the experience, and the addition of AI caused any spark of mystery or supernatural interference to be snuffed faster than a candle in a gothic novel.
If you’re curious, check out the AI-enhanced Ouija Board on ouija.com before it disappears on Nov. 1. Maybe you’ll get lucky (or unlucky depending on your view) and interact with a presence inside your PC. Other than tracking cookies and potential viruses, of course.