Augmented reality (AR) is transforming the way we experience video games. Unlike virtual reality, which immerses us in a completely virtual world, AR superimposes digital elements on the real world, creating a hybrid experience that combines the physical and the digital.
Integration into video games of Augmented reality:
In recent years, AR has experienced significant growth in the video game industry. Titles such as Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite have achieved resounding success, attracting millions of players of all ages.
Pokémon GO:
This game, released in 2016, pioneered the integration of AR into video games. It allows players to search for and capture Pokémon in the real world, using their smartphone’s camera.
Features:
- More than 700 different Pokémon to capture.
- Evolution system to strengthen the Pokémon.
- Battles between players in gyms.
- Incursions to defeat powerful legendary Pokémon.
- Special events with new Pokémon and bonuses..
Impact: Pokémon GO has been a global phenomenon that has attracted players of all ages. It has helped popularize augmented reality and has made video games more accessible to a wider audience
Image taken from: https://www.mundodeportivo.com/alfabeta/pokemon/pokemon-go-revela-las-fechas-para-los-proximos-dias-de-la-comunidad
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite:
Following the success of Pokémon GO, this game released in 2019 allows players to experience being a wizard in the real world. Players can cast spells, fight enemies and explore magical locations.
Features:
- Over 200 different spells to learn.
- Magical creatures to discover and protect.
- Fortresses to defend against dark forces.
- Potions to improve the abilities of the magicians.
- Special events related to the Harry Potter universe.
Impact: Harry Potter: Wizards Unite has been a hit with fans of the Harry Potter saga. It has allowed players to live a magical experience in the real world and has contributed to increased interest in augmented reality.
Image taken from: https://www.vidaextra.com/otros-generos/magia-harry-potter-wizards-unite-terminara-enero-2022-cierre-sus-servidores
Benefits of AR in videogames:
- Greater immersion: AR allows players to feel part of the game, creating a more immersive and engaging experience.
- Interactivity: AR allows players to interact with the game in a more natural and intuitive way.
- Accessibility: AR is more accessible than virtual reality, as it does not require a special device, just a smartphone.
Image taken from: https://www.onirix.com/es/aprende-sobre-ra/que-es-la-realidad-aumentada/
Future trends:
AR integration in video games is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. Some trends to keep in mind are:
- Use of smart glasses: As smart glasses become more popular, game developers will be able to create even more immersive AR experiences.
- Multiplayer gaming: AR is ideal for multiplayer gaming, as it allows players to interact with each other in the real world.
- Educational applications: AR can also be used to create educational games that are fun and interactive.
Augmented reality is transforming the video game industry. It offers a more immersive, interactive and accessible experience than traditional video games. The integration of AR into video games is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with the development of new technologies and applications.
Here are some additional details about AR in video games:
- Pokémon GO has been downloaded more than 1 billion times and has generated more than $5 billion in revenue.
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite has been downloaded more than 50 million times.
- Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, is working on new AR games based on other popular franchises.
Augmented reality has the potential to revolutionize the video game industry and offer a completely new gaming experience.
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