Augmented reality (AR) games are a type of video game that combines virtual elements with the real world. These games typically use a device’s camera and GPS to create a mixed reality experience that allows players to interact with virtual objects in the real world.
The technology behind AR games has been around for a while, but it has only become more widely available and accessible in recent years with the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices. This has made it possible for developers to create AR games that can be played by anyone with a compatible device.
In this article, we dive into what AR games are, the best ones, and how they will shape the Metaverse.
What are Augmented Reality (AR) Games?
Augmented reality games are new video games that use technology to superimpose digital elements onto the real world. These elements can include images, sounds, and even virtual objects that interact with the physical environment. The goal of augmented reality games is to create a seamless blend of the physical and digital worlds, allowing players to experience the game in a unique and immersive way.
Augmented reality games are typically played using a smartphone or other device with a camera and display. The game uses the device’s camera to capture the player’s surroundings and then overlays virtual elements onto the live video feed. This allows players to see and interact with both the real world and the virtual game world at the same time.
Examples of augmented reality games include Pokémon Go, Ingress, and Minecraft Earth. These games have been popular with players and have helped to showcase the potential of augmented reality as a medium for gaming.
What is the difference between Augmented Reality Games and Virtual Reality Games?
The main difference between augmented reality games and virtual reality games is the way in which they present the game world to the player.
Augmented reality games superimpose digital elements onto the real world, allowing players to see and interact with both the physical environment around them and the virtual elements of the game. This is typically done using a smartphone or other device with a camera and display.
Virtual reality games, on the other hand, create a completely immersive digital environment for the player. These games are typically played using a headset that covers the player’s eyes and displays the game world in 3D. The player’s movements and actions are tracked, allowing them to move and interact with the virtual environment as if it were real.
Read More About Multiplayer VR Games: 22 Best Multiplayer VR Games in 2023 [Gamer’s Review]
In summary, augmented reality games blend the real and digital worlds, while virtual reality games create a completely digital environment for the player to explore.
Top 8 Augmented Reality Games
Some popular augmented reality games in 2023 include Pokémon Go, Ingress, and Minecraft Earth. Other notable augmented reality games include ARIS, AR Defender 2, and AR Dragon. These games have been well-received by players and have helped to establish the potential of augmented reality as a medium for gaming. However, the field of AR games is constantly evolving, so this is not a definitive list. While we are always here to help, the best AR games are ultimately up to you to choose.
1. Pokemon Go
Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game developed by Niantic. It was released in 2016 and quickly became one of the most popular mobile games in history. The game uses GPS and the camera on a player’s smartphone to create an augmented reality experience in which players can capture, battle, and train virtual creatures called Pokémon. These Pokémon appear on the screen as if they were in the same real-world location as the player, allowing players to interact with them as if they were real.
In Pokémon Go, players can explore their real-world surroundings to find and catch different types of Pokémon. They can also battle and train their Pokémon at virtual gyms, which are located at real-world landmarks. The game has been praised for its innovative use of augmented reality technology and for encouraging players to get outside and explore their local communities.
2. Minecraft Earth
Minecraft Earth is an augmented reality game developed by Mojang Studios. It is based on the popular video game Minecraft, allowing players to build and explore virtual worlds that are superimposed onto the real world.
In Minecraft Earth, players can collect resources, craft items, and build structures using virtual building blocks. These virtual creations can be placed in the real world, allowing players to see and interact with them as if they were real.
The AR game also features various mini-games and challenges that players can complete to earn rewards and progress through the game. Minecraft Earth uses augmented reality technology to create a seamless blend of the physical and digital worlds. It allows players to experience Minecraft in a new and unique way, and it encourages them to get outside and explore their local communities.
3. Ingress
Ingress is a mobile augmented reality game that was developed by Niantic. In the game, players are divided into two factions and must capture and control virtual portals that are located at real-world landmarks. The game uses GPS to track the player’s location and allows them to interact with the game world through their smartphone or tablet. It was one of the first widely popular augmented reality games and has been downloaded millions of times.
As I mentioned earlier, Ingress is an AR game that uses the player’s GPS location to allow them to interact with the game world. In the game, players are divided into two factions, the “Enlightened” and the “Resistance,” and must compete to capture and control virtual portals that are located at real-world landmarks. The game uses a map of the player’s surroundings and allows them to see the location of nearby portals and other players.
In the game, players can hack portals to gain access to in-game items, and they can also link portals together to create control fields. These control fields can provide various benefits to the owning faction, such as increased in-game resources or the ability to attack enemy portals.
Ingress has been downloaded millions of times and has a dedicated player base that continues to play the game regularly. It was developed by Niantic, the same company that created the popular mobile AR game Pokémon GO.
4. Jurassic World Alive
Jurassic World Alive is a mobile augmented reality game that was developed by Ludia. In the game, players can collect and control virtual dinosaurs that are located in the real world using their smartphone or tablet. The game is similar to Pokémon GO, where players must physically move around to collect in-game items and battle other players.
In Jurassic World Alive, players can collect DNA from virtual dinosaurs that they encounter, and then use that DNA to create new species of dinosaurs. The AR game also features battles between the player’s dinosaurs and those of other players.
Jurassic World Alive was released in 2018 and is available on both iOS and Android devices. It is based on the Jurassic World movie franchise and allows players to experience the thrill of encountering and collecting virtual dinosaurs in the real world.
5. Harry Potter Wizards Unite
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a mobile augmented reality game that was developed by Niantic also, the same company that created the popular game Pokémon GO. In the game, players are able to explore the real world and collect virtual Harry Potter-themed items, such as magical artifacts and creatures.
In Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, players are able to cast spells, duel other players, and join forces with other players to complete collaborative tasks. The game also features location-based elements, where players must physically move around to different locations to find and collect in-game items.
This AR game was released in 2019 and is available on both iOS and Android devices, however, it continues to maintain its popularity in 2023 as well. It is based on the popular Harry Potter book and movie series and allows players to experience the magic of the wizarding world in the real world.
6. Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs is an augmented reality game that was developed by Rovio Entertainment. In the game, players can use their smartphone or tablet to project virtual Angry Birds onto the real world and then use the device’s touchscreen to fling the birds at virtual structures to knock them down.
In Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs, players can play through levels that are based on the popular Angry Birds mobile game, but with the added twist of being able to see the game world in augmented reality. The game also features new levels that are exclusive to the AR version.
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs was released in 2019 and is available on both iOS and Android devices. It is the latest iteration of the popular Angry Birds franchise and allows players to experience the fun of the game in a new and immersive way.
7. Five Nights of Freddy’s AR
Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery is an augmented reality game that was developed by Illumix. It is based on the popular Five Nights at Freddy’s video game series and allows players to experience the horror of the games in a new and immersive way.
In the game, players receive animatronic characters from the Five Nights at Freddy’s series as “deliveries” and must use their smartphone or tablet to track and defend against them. The game features real-time AR technology that allows the animatronic characters to move and behave as if they are in the real world.
Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery was released in 2019 and is available on both iOS and Android devices. It is the latest installment in the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise and offers fans of the series a new way to experience the horror of the games.
8. The Walking Dead: Our World
The Walking Dead: Our World is a mobile AR game that allows players to explore and fight off zombies in a realistic, location-based setting. The game uses augmented reality technology to blend the virtual world of The Walking Dead with the real world, allowing players to experience the thrill of surviving a zombie apocalypse in their own neighborhoods. The game is available on both Android and iOS devices.
The gameplay of The Walking Dead: Our World involves exploring the real world using your device’s GPS and camera, and encountering virtual zombies that you must fight off using weapons and other items. As you play, you can collect items, rescue survivors, and build up your base to defend against the zombie hordes. The game also includes multiplayer elements, allowing you to team up with other players to fight off the zombies together.
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How will AR Games be important in the Development of the Metaverse?
The metaverse is a term used to describe a shared, virtual space where people can interact and participate in a variety of activities. Augmented reality (AR) technology has the potential to play a significant role in the development of the metaverse, as it allows for the creation of immersive and interactive virtual experiences that are closely tied to the real world.
AR games are one way in which this technology can be leveraged to build the metaverse, allowing players to experience virtual worlds and interact with others in a way that feels more real and tangible.
Augmented reality (AR) technology also has the potential to greatly impact the gaming industry by providing new and immersive ways to experience games. AR games use the real world as a backdrop, overlaying virtual elements and objects onto the user’s surroundings.
This allows for more interactive and engaging gameplay, as players can physically move around and interact with the virtual world.
FAQs
- What are some of the top AR games to play in 2023?
Some top AR games in 2022 include Pokemon Go, Harry Potter Wizards Unite, and The Walking Dead: Our World.
- What do I need to play AR games?
To play AR games, you would need a mobile device to start playing.
- What is AR gaming?
Augmented reality games are video games that use technology to superimpose digital elements onto the real world. Augmented reality games are typically played using a smartphone or other device with a camera and display.
