Description: Augmented reality games (AR) are an innovative category of video games that combine virtual elements with the player’s real environment. Through devices such as smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses, these games allow users to interact with digital characters and objects that overlay their physical world. This fusion of real and virtual creates immersive and dynamic experiences, where players can explore, solve puzzles, or engage in battles in settings that seem to come alive around them. Augmented reality is distinct from virtual reality, which immerses the user in a completely digital environment, as AR maintains the connection to the real world. AR games often utilize technologies such as GPS, cameras, and motion sensors to detect the player’s location and movements, allowing them to integrate virtual elements coherently into physical space. This category of games not only provides entertainment but also encourages physical activity and socialization, as many require players to move around and collaborate with others. In summary, augmented reality games represent an exciting evolution in how we interact with digital entertainment, offering unique experiences that combine fun with exploration of the real environment.
History: Augmented reality has its roots in the 1960s, but its application in video games began to gain popularity in the 2000s. One of the most significant milestones was the release of ‘Pokémon GO’ in 2016, which brought AR to a mass audience and demonstrated its potential in the entertainment realm.
Uses: Augmented reality games are primarily used for entertainment, but they also have applications in education, marketing, and professional training. They allow users to learn interactively and experience real-world situations safely.
Examples: Notable examples of augmented reality games include ‘Pokémon GO’, which allows players to capture virtual creatures in the real world, and ‘Ingress’, a location-based strategy game that involves capturing portals in the physical environment.
