Our Story

From Idea to Innovation

Futurebox Systems is redefining the way people experience board games. Based in Cologne, Deutz, our mission is simple yet bold: to bring board games to life by combining the excitement of physical play with the possibilities of virtual reality.

The idea began as a college project when Arthur, Kevin, and another team member built the first prototype and demonstrated the potential of a new kind of pinball machine. As the project grew, Kevin and the other early member moved on, opening the door for a new phase.

That was when Arbaz Attaulla Khan and Mahmoud Samy joined Arthur. Together, they rebranded the project, refined the design, and secured the EXIST Business Start-up Grant (EXIST-Gründerstipendium), awarded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, BMWK). With nearly €145,000 in funding, the team successfully built the first prototype: the world’s first AR Pinball Machine.

The AR Pinball Prototype

This first version was more than just a pinball machine. It was a mixed reality experience that amazed audiences across Germany.

The prototype was showcased at more than ten major events, including IdeenExpo in Hannover, Tincon in Berlin, Gamescom in Köln, and Nacht der Technik powered by TH Köln.

Everywhere it appeared, people of all ages were excited to play. The reactions were filled with energy and curiosity, but it also became clear that the machine’s size, logistics, and cost would make it difficult to reach a broader consumer market. That realization inspired the team to take the next step.

Futurebox V2

When Arthur chose not to pursue the commercial side of the company, Arbaz and Mahmoud continued building the vision. They welcomed Alla Eddine Rakik to the team and achieved another milestone by securing the Gründerstipendium NRW, worth €45,000, awarded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia.

With this support, the team began developing Futurebox V2. This next version is designed to be portable so everyone can own one, nearly 90 percent affordable than a traditional pinball machine, Interactive and powered by the combination of VR and physical gameplay. V2 is not just a game machine, but the world’s first interactive VR pinball board game.

The first prototype of V2 is expected to be completed in early 2027, with testing and collaborations already underway. Progress can be followed at fbv2.com.

Our Vision

Futurebox Systems is driven by the belief that board games can be more than static pieces on a table. By blending the physical with the virtual, we create experiences that are immersive, social, and accessible to everyone.

What started with pinball is only the beginning. Our vision is to expand into new forms of interactive board games that will change how people play, connect, and share moments together.

This is Just the Beginning

From a simple college project to a funded startup, from EXIST to Gründerstipendium NRW, our journey has been fuelled by curiosity, innovation, and the drive to create something entirely new.

The story of Futurebox Systems is still unfolding, and we invite you to be part of it. The future of board games is here, and it’s only just beginning.