Description: Interactive games in the augmented reality (AR) category are playful experiences that combine digital elements with the user’s physical environment, allowing for a more immersive and dynamic interaction. Through devices such as smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses, players can see and manipulate virtual objects that overlay their reality, creating a unique gaming environment. This technology not only enhances gameplay but also encourages active participation from the user, who becomes an integral part of the experience. AR games often include features such as geolocation, allowing players to interact with their real surroundings, and motion detection, making virtual objects respond to the player’s actions. The combination of these elements offers a gaming experience that transcends the limitations of traditional games, promoting exploration and creativity. The popularity of interactive AR games has significantly increased in recent years, driven by advances in mobile technology and interest in more immersive and social gaming experiences.
History: Augmented reality has its roots in the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland developed the first AR visualization system. However, it was in the 1990s that more interactive and playful applications began to be explored. In 2009, the release of ‘AR Games’ for mobile devices marked a milestone in the popularization of AR games, followed by the global phenomenon of ‘Pokémon GO’ in 2016, which brought AR to a massive audience.
Uses: Interactive augmented reality games are primarily used in entertainment, but they also have applications in education, marketing, and tourism. In education, they allow students to interact with complex concepts in a visual and hands-on way. In marketing, brands use AR to create more engaging shopping experiences. In tourism, AR games can enhance visits to historical sites with additional information and interactive elements.
Examples: Examples of interactive augmented reality games include ‘Pokémon GO’, where players search for and capture virtual creatures in the real world, and ‘Ingress’, a location-based strategy game that involves capturing portals in the physical environment. Another example is ‘Harry Potter: Wizards Unite’, which allows players to interact with the magical world while exploring their surroundings.
