# Photo Start: First Player — Face scan picker for games

> Random player selector for board games using room scanning. (iPhone/iPad app by Michael Meckler.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-start-first-player/id6754724335 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Michael Meckler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1327175206)
- Category: Games, Board
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 6 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2026-01-11
- Data updated: 2026-07-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-start-first-player/id6754724335/reviews.md

## What is Photo Start?

The easiest way to pick a start player for Board Game Night!

Works with any number of players, from 2 to 20. Simply scan the room and set the phone down. You don't have to assign numbers, throw dice, or touch the screen. Everyone else can just sit there and do nothing! The app will — fairly and unambiguously — pick a random player from everyone present.

## Key features

- Random player selection
- Supports 2-20 players
- Room scanning technology
- No dice or manual input needed
- Fair and unambiguous selection

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-start-first-player/id6754724335/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Easy to use!

*2026-01-26*

This app is super easy to use and a fun change from the usual way of picking a player!

### 5/5 — Fun addition to family game nights

*2026-01-19*

Super easy and fun. Don’t forget to make silly faces before taking pictures, this is important!  Pro tip - you can remove people by swiping up on their pic.

### 5/5 — Just so easy

*2026-01-17*

So easy to use, pretty intuitive. Also has a high player limit. Easy reroll option, too.

### 5/5 — Great!

*2026-01-16*

Easy and fun to use!

## Frequently asked questions about Photo Start

### How does Photo Start pick the first player?

Photo Start uses room scanning technology to identify players present. It then randomly and fairly selects one individual from the group without requiring dice rolls or manual input.

### What is the player limit for Photo Start?

Photo Start can accommodate a wide range of players, supporting any number from 2 up to 20 participants for your board game sessions.

### Does Photo Start require an internet connection to work?

The provided data does not specify offline capabilities. However, room scanning features often rely on device sensors and processing, which may or may not require an internet connection for full functionality.

### Is Photo Start suitable for all ages?

Yes, Photo Start has an age rating of 4+, making it appropriate for families and players of all ages to use for game night.

### How often is Photo Start updated?

The app was last updated on February 16, 2026, to version 1.2.0. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support from the developer.

### What devices does Photo Start support?

Photo Start is currently supported on iPhones. The provided data does not indicate compatibility with other devices like Android phones or tablets.

### What do users like about Photo Start?

With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 4 reviews, users likely appreciate its simplicity, fairness, and the elimination of manual player selection methods like dice.

### Does Photo Start have ads?

No, Photo Start does not contain advertisements. The 'hasAds' flag is set to false, meaning you can use the app without any interruptions.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3.1 — 2026-06-30

- Some minor tweaks to the user interface:
  - The Reroll button now has a label when there are five of more players
  - Captured thumbnails animate into the proper place when reroll is available

### 1.3.0 — 2026-05-18

- New Setting for automatic selfie start. By default you have to tap Begin to start running
- New icon
- New animation: scanned faces zoom into place on the thumbnail row

### 1.2.1 — 2026-04-01

- Improved facial recognition to better avoid duplicate scans

### 1.2.0 — 2026-02-16

- New Liquid Glass icon
- You can tap anywhere to abort the delay before rerolling

### 1.1.0 — 2026-01-19

- Added animation speed control (short/medium/long)
- Added link to user guide for hidden features

Based on your feedback! Swipe to delete faces and other tips now documented.

## Apps similar to Photo Start

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Who Starts? Turn Order](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/who-starts-turn-order/id6758178405) | — | Free | Games |
| [Salem 1692 Moderator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/salem-1692-moderator/id1181515536) | 3.2 (29) | Free | Games |
| [Return to Dark Tower](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/return-to-dark-tower/id1570832677) | 4.6 (57) | Free | Games |
| [Alchemists: Lab Equipment](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemists-lab-equipment/id921595239) | 4.2 (23) | Free | Games |
| [SUBURBIA City Building Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/suburbia-city-building-game/id681966300) | 3.2 (22) | $7.99 | Games |
| [Face Picker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/face-picker/id6502664746) | — | Free | Games |

## More apps by Michael Meckler

- [Reiterate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reiterate/id1327175207)
- [Sleep Train: Self Hypnosis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-train-self-hypnosis/id6753878861)

All apps by Michael Meckler: https://appshunter.io/developer/1327175206

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-01.*