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What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a groundbreaking technology that layers digital information and objects ontop of the real world, creating a seamless blend between the physical and digital realms.

This new technology is being used to radically change a number of industries including gaming, retail, real estate, product design and marketing.

Through the lens of a mobile phone or headset, AR transforms everyday environments into interactive and immersive experiences, allowing users to see computer-generated graphics, animations, and data superimposed onto their surroundings in real-time.

Some examples include

  • Receiving real-time directions virtually overlaid onto streets as you navigate
  • Using holograms to visualize how furniture will fit into your living room before making a purchase
  • Location-based games that utilise your real-world GPS position to move your player around inside the game world

Through harnessing the capabilities of a smartphone's camera, sensors, and processing power, AR is able to open up a new world of endless possibilities, enhancing our perception of reality and forever revolutionizing the way we interact with the world around us.

This is achieved in real-time, through the use of complex algorithms which combine data from the camera feed and sensors on your mobile device - Some of these include gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, ambient light sensor, GPS and altitude sensors.

In this article, we will primarily be talking about the impact made by augmented reality in the sphere of video games. If you're curious about this new technology and want to know more about what it entails, then read on! In this post, we'll explain what augmented reality is, provide a list of the best AR games ever made, and show you how these virtual experiences are changing up the way we play video games.


What are augmented reality games?

Augmented Reality (AR) games are a newer addition to the video gaming world and started to become popular around 2016. They allow you to experience a new perspective of gaming by adding an extra layer of interactivity and immersion ontop of the real world.

In augmented reality games, you will see digital objects overlaid on the physical world, letting you play games that transform your living room, home or neighborhood into an interactive game. This is a feature that traditional video games - played on flat computer screens - are unable to provide.

These features have made Augmented reality gaming into a unique genre of video games, they are the only games that are able to seamlessly blend a virtual world with our physical one - Resulting in experiences which look like a science fiction movie.

A great example is GPS-based augmented reality gaming. These games leverage the GPS capabilities of your mobile phone to facilitate movement within a game world. This allows players to physically walk around - for example, through their local neighbourhood, park, etc - to engage with enemies, collect items and earn points. There are a number of GPS based augmented reality games. The most popular being Pokemon Go, Ingress, Walking Dead and Jurassic Park World.

Another example, which differentiates augmented reality gaming from normal gaming, is its heavy reliance on Hologram technology. By fusing data from a mobile device's orientation sensors and camera array, augmented reality games are able to produce a realistic hologram - Its position being updated as you move through the physical world. Allowing digital characters and objects to appear as if they are physically standing in your room.

The state of augmented reality gaming in 2024

Welcome to the future of gaming. In 2024, augmented reality games have reached new heights of innovation and excitement.

The Augmented reality gaming industry is only just starting to move forwards in a significant way. Before the year 2012, most AR Games were just tests and prototypes without any serious backing. Not many AAA games had been produced.

However, once Google, Apple and Microsoft started taking interest in the industry with their ARCore and ARKit technology, the AR market actually saw some big releases around the years 2015 - 2018. After this, the industry becomes more serious. Especially when Unity opens AR Foundation and MARS for all Indie and AAA developers.

21 best augmented reality games and AR games

Here we have curated a list of the best augmented reality games ever made. Most of the games in this list are free-to-play.

Get ready to embark on epic quests, solve mind-bending puzzles, and engage in heart-pounding battles — all while exploring the world around you like never before.

From battling mythical creatures to uncovering hidden treasures in your own backyard, the 21 best augmented reality games of 2024 promise an unforgettable adventure that will challenge your skills and ignite your imagination.

Pokemon GO

Pokémon GO is the largest augmented reality game ever made on the smartphone platform - it is free of charge. Pokemon GO's principle is very simple - You catch Pokemon in the real world, find Pokéstops and fight Gym Leaders to become the ultimate Pokemon Trainer.

Pokemon GO is a augmented reality game developed by Niantic for iOS and Android devices. The game was released in July 2016, and has since been downloaded over 750 million times. Pokemon GO allows players to capture, battle, and train virtual Pokemon who appear in the real world.

With your smartphone as your trusty Pokédex, embark on an exhilarating adventure to catch, train, and battle Pokémon like never before. As you explore your neighborhood, parks, and landmarks - Pokémon leap from the screen into the real world.

The game uses GPS to track player location, and displays Pokemon on a map. Players can then walk to the Pokemon and attempt to capture them with Poke Balls. The game also features Pokestops, which are real world locations where players can collect items such as Poke Balls and eggs.

Feel the rush of excitement as you track down rare Pokémon hiding in plain sight, or challenge friends to epic Gym battles right in your own backyard.

Pokemon GO has been praised for its innovative gameplay and its ability to get people moving and interacting with the world around them. However, the game has also been criticized for its potential to distract players from their surroundings and for causing property damage due to players trespassing on private property in search of Pokemon. Do be careful.

With its innovative use of AR technology, Pokémon GO offers a truly immersive augmented reality experience, inviting players of all ages to step outside, explore, and become the Pokémon Trainer they've always dreamed of. Join the millions of players worldwide and let the adventure begin with Pokémon GO!

Walking Dead: Our World

The Walking Dead: Our World is a location-based android augmented reality games based on AMC's The Walking Dead franchise. The game was released for iOS and Android devices in 2018.

The player's goal is to survive in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. To do this, the player must gather resources, build shelters, and defend against zombie attacks.

The game also features location-based events, such as raids on safe zones, in which the player must team up with other players to survive. With its combination of resource management, base building, and zombie combat, The Walking Dead: Our World offers a unique and challenging experience for mobile gamers.

Jurassic World Alive

Jurassic World Alive is a new augmented reality game that allows you to capture and train dinosaurs. The game is free to play and available on iOS and Android devices. To play, you first need to download the app and create an account. Once you've done that, you can start exploring your surroundings to find dinosaurs.

Using your smartphone as a window to the ancient past, you'll embark on a daring adventure to capture, breed, and battle dinosaurs roaming the world around you.

With the power of AR, these majestic beasts spring to life right before your eyes, towering over your surroundings in stunning detail.

You can also collect DNA from dinosaurs, which can be used to create new hybrid creatures. Jurassic World Alive is an exciting new way to experience the world of dinosaurs. If you're a fan of the Jurassic Park franchise, or if you're simply interested in learning more about these creatures, this is definitely the game for you. So gear up, brave explorer, and prepare to unleash the wonders of the Jurassic era with Jurassic World Alive.

Ingress Prime

Ingress Prime is a mobile augmented reality game developed by Niantic for Android and iOS devices. The game is free to play and available on Android and iOS devices. Ingress Prime is the successor to the original Ingress game, which was released in 2018.

The game is set in the "real world" and uses location data to create a virtual game world. Players can choose to join one of two factions, the Resistance or the Enlightened, and must work with others in their faction to control virtual "portals" located at real-world landmarks.

Using your smartphone as a portal scanner, you'll uncover hidden mysteries, form alliances with fellow agents, and engage in strategic battles that will shape the fate of humanity.

GhostBusters Afterlife

Get ready to bust some ghosts like never before with Ghostbusters Afterlife scARe, an electrifying augmented reality gaming experience that immerses you into the unseen world. Using cutting-edge AR technology, this game transports players into the thrilling world of Ghostbusters, where creepy horrors lurk around every corner, waiting to be captured.

As a member of the legendary Ghostbusters team, you'll don your proton pack, wield your trusty ghost trap, and embark on exciting missions to rid the world of it's paranormal threats.

Whether you're battling ghostly apparitions in your living room or exploring haunted locations in your neighborhood, this game offers an exhilarating ghost-hunting experience that will leave you speechless and wanting more. So grab your smartphone, and prepare to save the world from supernatural chaos in Ghostbusters Afterlife scARe.

Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs

Get ready to catapult into a world of pig-smashing fun with Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs! Using the power of augmented reality technology, this game takes the classic Angry Birds gameplay to a whole new level of excitement.

As you step into the Angry Birds AR environment, you'll find yourself surrounded by intricate 3D structures packed with mischievous green pigs. Armed with your trusty slingshot and an arsenal of wacky birds, it's your mission to launch them with precision and skill to topple the piggy fortresses and rescue the stolen eggs.

With each level presenting new challenges and puzzles to solve, Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs offers endless hours of addictive gameplay that will keep you coming back for more.

Gather your birds, sharpen your aim, and prepare for a swine-obliterating adventure like never before in Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs!

My Tamagotchi Forever

The My Tamagotchi Forever game is an update of the classic Tamagotchi game. The game is now in 3D, and there are many more things that you can do with your Tamagotchi. You can take it on walks, play minigames with it, and even feed it different types of food. There are also a variety of different tamagotchis to choose from, each with its own unique personality.

Peridot

Welcome to the stunning world of Peridot ! In this enchanting game, players embark on an epic quest to create genetically unique Augmented Reality Pets called "Dots". Using your smartphone as a portal - collect, breed and hatch genetically unique "Dots", evolve your Peridots and unlock new genetic traits.

Encounter Peridot architypes that are based on real and mythical creatures. Harvest their unique genetic traits and breed new cominations.

Join the Peridot Keeper society and help to diversify the Peridot genome. Collaborate with a global community of Keepers and breed new generations of unique Peridots.

Feed your Peridots and watch them grow. Teach them tricks and play fun mini-games together. Dress them in lots of unique outfits and explore the world together.

Grab your smartphone, step into the realm of Peridot, and let the adventures begin!

Father.IO AR Laser Tag

Father.IO is a new augmented reality game that turns your smartphone into a laser tag gun. The game is played by pointing your phone at another player and firing virtually-projected lasers at them.

In this laser tag game, players battle one another in an immersive, augmented reality environment. Using a smartphone app, players can see their opponents as well as virtual targets and obstacles overlayed onto the real world around them.

The app also tracks statistics and scores, making Father.IO the perfect way to stay active and have fun with friends at the same time. Best of all, the game is free to play, so anyone with a compatible smartphone can join in on the fun. So if you're looking for a new way to enjoy some friendly competition, be sure to check out Father.IO AR laser tag.

Five Nights at Freddy's AR: Special Delivery

Welcome to the spine-chilling world of Five Nights at Freddy's AR: Special Delivery, where augmented reality technology takes horror gaming to a terrifying new level.

Five Nights at Freddy's AR: Special Delivery is an augmented reality (AR) game based on the popular horror video game franchise. The game puts players in the shoes of a security guard who must defend themselves from murderous animatronic animals.

Unlike previous games in the series, which were primarily played through static images on a screen, Special Delivery uses AR to place the player in a map of their surrounding neighbourhood. This allows for a more immersive and interactive experience, as players must physically move around their environment to avoid being caught by the crazed animatronic animals.

The game also features new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to use sound to lure animatronics away from you, and an expanded arsenal of defensive items. Five Nights at Freddy's AR: Special Delivery is sure to provide players with a whole new level of terror. Prepare for the ultimate augmented reality horror experience.

Hologrid: Augmented Reality (Star Wars)

In this captivating game, players become holochess masters, commanding a team of iconic Star Wars creatures in epic battles on the holographic game board.

Using augmented reality technology, Hologrid transforms any surface into a holochess arena where you can strategize, deploy troops, and engage in tactical chess-like warfare against friends or AI opponents.

Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer from a galaxy far, far away, Hologrid offers an unforgettable augmented reality gaming experience. Channel the Force, and prepare to conquer the holographic battlefield.

Hologrid games are currently only available on a limited basis, but they are rapidly gaining popularity among gamers and critics alike. If you're looking for something new and exciting in the world of video games, Hologrid is definitely worth checking out.

Zombie Gunship Revenant AR

Prepare to be transported into a world destroyed by zombies. Zombie Gunship's core concept is an immersive augmented reality gaming experience, blending your surrounding environments with virtual hordes of zombified enemies. The player takes the position of an attack helicopter gunship operator, their goal is to rescue survivors while simultaneously eliminating relentless hordes of zombies.

The game is a first person AR experience, you are positioned as a helicopter gunner and must operate an arsenal of weapons including missiles, mini-guns, snipers, rockets and more.

Players view the battlefield through a thermal camera, using their aircraft weaponry to defend key places and blast enemies. The game's augmented reality system will transform tabletops and floors into a zombie-infested battlefield with buildings and other obstructions.

Powerful weapon upgrades and gunship customization allow gamers to optimise their helicopter's performance. Zombie Gunship AR offers authentic AR graphics, a fully immersive FPS AR experience, and exciting gameplay. An array of intense missions will keep you engaged for many sessions. This game is worth a play, and ultimately, delivers a fun, unique and polished zombie apocalypse gaming experience.

Kings of Pool AR

In Kings of Pool, players are immersed into the realm of competitive pool. Using augmented reality technology, the game will superimpose a virtual billiard table, cues, and balls into the player's real-world environment.

To show off your skills and strategic insight on the virtual felt, Kings of Pool provides an authentic and lively pool experience. Game types include traditional 8-ball and 9-ball games, and also feature thrilling multiplayer matches with players from around the globe.

The intuitive and easy-to-use touchscreen controls are a highlight of the game. Players can aim, and shoot accurately with their fingertips. Furthermore, the game's dynamics physics engine precisely replicates the actions of billiard balls.

In addition, their augmented reality system is stable and highly flexible, players are able to effectively aim their cue and maneuver around the augmented reality world space to get that perfect shot. Players are also able to personalize their in-game experience by choosing or creating custom pool cues, unlocking themed tables, and modifying the lighting and ambience of their virtual pool hall.

Pikmin Bloom

Niantic, the creators of Pokémon GO, have created another geolocation augmented reality (AR) game called Pikmin Bloom. The game transports players into the playful world of Pikmin.

Pikmin Bloom allows users to have a fantastical adventure in which they explore the world and tend for the various Pikmin they find. The GPS in the game tracks players' footprints as they move, planting flowers as they walk around. Progress is shown in the expansion of their Pikmin garden, the more you walk, the bigger your garden will become and the more Pikmin will join your squad.

The focus on community and discovery, is one of this game's most notable features. As players explore new locations, they find new Pikmin, flowers, and landmarks. The game heavily promotes outdoor exploration and social interaction. In addition, gamers can team up with friends or other players to accomplish tasks, report Pikmin sightings, and participate in exclusive events.

Pikmin Bloom also presents a graphically spectacular and delightfully rendered world with lush locations and adorable Pikmin. Ultimately, the game's charming animations and amusing interactions deliver a unique experience that enthrals players of all ages.

ORNA GPS RPG

Combining classic role-playing features with real-world exploration through GPS technology, Orna GPS RPG is a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) game. The enthralling role-playing game (RPG) by Cutlass Studios lets players take on quests, fight monsters, and capture real-world kingdoms. Players in Orna GPS RPG can use their smartphone devices to explore their environment and engage with virtual features (dungeons, shops, enemies, kingdoms, etc) layered on top of the real world.

Every player gets the chance to create their unique character. There are a wide variety of classes, including Thief, Mage, and Warrior. Virtual dungeons, monsters, and other players are mapped to real world locations. The game uses GPS tracking to move your in-game avatar as you move around in the real world. Territorial control, exploration, and combat are the game's fundamental tenets.

Players must explore their surrounding neighbourhood, shopping centers and parks to find dungeons, loot, and adversaries to fight. Additionally, they can join factions, stake claims to areas, and fight in player-against-player conflicts. Character advancement, skill improvement, and equipment upgrades are just a few of the many customizable aspects of the Orna GPS RPG.

Orna GPS RPG provides players with an exciting augmented reality experience that blends the thrill of classic role-playing games with real-life adventure. Thanks to its large global map, interactive gameplay, and social elements - The world around you will become a fascinating adventure just waiting to be explored. If you enjoy augmented reality games, you should give this one a shot. The game is free-to-play and will provide hours of fun.

Cosmic Frontline

In this augmented reality space defence game, players become skilled starship commanders and must conquer the galaxy. The augmented reality allows players to interact with virtual planets superimposed onto their surrounding real-world environment.

Players take control of their spacecraft fleet and must fight fiercely against extraterrestrial opponents, the game's core idea is strategic warfare. You'll need to outsmart the enemy with deliberate foresight and tactics to win in this game of constantly shifting powers.

Egg Inc augmented reality mode

A well-known smartphone game called Egg Inc. uses augmented reality (AR) components to improve player experience. Players can engage with the game more flexibly by using the camera on their device to superimpose the game's egg farms onto the real world. They have called it "Farm-to-table" mode.

The capacity of Egg Inc.'s augmented reality mode allows players to utilise their surrounding environment as the game's backdrop. Allowing you to farm eggs on your bed, tabletop, floor, etc.

Egg farming is the main focus of Egg Inc. Hence, playing it usually entails duties linked to that. Gathering virtual eggs that are dispersed throughout the environment or creating and overseeing virtual egg farms are some of the tasks necessary for players to complete. In addition, players may focus on resource management, and strategy, as they attempt to maximize their egg production and financial earnings.

Monster Hunter Now

Monster Hunter Now is an engaging AR GPS RPG game that vividly recreates the fascinating world of Monster Hunter. Made by Capcom and Niantic, this game immerses players into brutal battles against terrifying beasts.

The game's core mechanics include cooperative gameplay and strategic fighting, where players can work in groups or alone to hunt down monsters and gather important loot. They must explore the real world using geo-location based augmented reality. As players move around in the real-world, their avatar will move within the game, giving players a fascinating and engaging experience as they go on adventures, upgrade their equipment, and become renowned monster hunters.

Monster Hunter Now's dynamic fighting system is one of its best aspects; it lets players fight monsters in epic battles by combining strategic combat with physical movement. To defeat dangerous opponents, players must avoid oncoming assaults, use supernatural powers, and work together with other hunters.

In addition, the game provides a vibrant and immersive gaming experience, complete with lifelike animations, intricate creature designs, and breathtaking visuals that breathe life into the game. Players can also equip their hunters with a range of tools to improve their skills and enhance their chances of survival.

Euclidian Lands

A fascinating augmented reality (AR) game, Euclidean Lands gives players a one-of-a-kind, interactive video game puzzle experience by combining solving mysteries with spatial manipulation. In Euclidean Lands, players are positioned to solve complex challenges by moving and rotating the game world around them. This game feels like an MC.Escher inspired landscape.

Euclidean Lands asks players to spin the game environment in three dimensions to move their character strategically through stages resembling mazes and overcome obstacles to reach their goal. Players must use their critical thinking and strategic planning skills to solve the ever more complex problems at each level.

The unique puzzle mechanics of Euclidean Lands are one of the game's most notable aspects. Players can physically move around the game world to experience the detailed puzzles from all angles and perspectives.

Euclidean Lands's hypnotic geometric landscapes and elaborate game design, are second-to-none. A gripping playing experience is created by the video game's minimalist style and evocative soundtrack, which further add to its immersive appeal.

AR Dragon

In AR Dragon, players are invited to take an all-encompassing journey to raise and care for a virtual dragon. AR Dragon's core tenet is to treat your dragon with love and care, just like a normal pet.

After their dragon hatches from an egg, players assume the caregiver job, providing food, playtime, and teaching their dragon new skills. As players create a unique friendship with their virtual dragon companion, they will observe their dragon develop, grow and change over time. With features like personalized homes and mini-games, AR Dragon's gameplay is straightforward, captivating and fun.

Players can also collect numerous types of dragons, each with special attributes and abilities. AR Dragon is an enjoyable and engaging augmented reality game that can provide endless hours of amusement and friendship, regardless of your interest in dragons.

Genesis Augmented Reality Trading Card Game

The Genesis Augmented Reality game is an innovative new way to play trading cards. Using a deck of collectible cards, players are able to use Augmented Reality to summon monsters and engage in a realitime 1v1, 3v3 or 5v5 deathmatch. Cards are purchased in booster packs and are clones of monsters from throughout Space and Time.

Unlike other trading card games, each individual Genesis AR card tracks experience points, kill count and is able to be levelled up by winning battles. You must be careful however - every encounter carries high stakes. If a card dies, they will lose their gathered experience points.

Destroy your enemies at a variety of gameplay scales - Tabletop, living room or giant mode.

The game includes a variety of different game modes and challenges, players compete to add their highscore to the top of the global leaderboard. Genesis AR TCG offers a unique and immersive gaming experience. If you're looking for something new and exciting to play, the Genesis Augmented Reality game is definitely worth checking out.

So grab your pack of cards, pick up your smartphone and jump into the world of Genesis.

Types of Augmented Reality

Fiducial Marker Technology

In augmented reality gaming, a fiducial marker serves as a digital anchor, unlocking immersive experiences by acting as a recognizable reference point that the AR system can track and use to overlay virtual content onto the real world.

Imagine a magical key that unlocks a hidden realm - that's what a fiducial marker is in augmented reality gaming.

These markers are like secret symbols, invisible to the naked eye but recognized by your AR device as gateways into the AR World. Placed strategically in your environment - whether it's a card, a sticker, or even a piece of furniture - fiducial markers serve as anchors for virtual objects, and are the key which allows an AR experience to come alive around you. They're the portals to fantastical realms, the triggers for epic battles, and the keys to unlocking the full potential of augmented reality gaming.

Simulataneous Localisation and Mapping

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is the next generation of Augmented Reality which was developed after fiducial marker technology had matured. This technology is the magic behind modern augmented reality gaming, seamlessly weaving together the real world with digital elements by using your smartphone's sensors and cameras to map your surrounding environment and pinpoint your precise location in real-time.

Picture this: Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is like the eyes and brain of your augmented reality device, it is able to see and understand the objects around you. It's the secret sauce that allows your device to understand where you are in the real world and how virtual objects should interact with you. With SLAM, your smartphone becomes a window to another dimension, seamlessly blending physical and digital realms to create immersive gaming experiences that blur the line between fantasy and reality. So, whether you're hunting down virtual creatures in your backyard or battling enemies in the streets, SLAM is the invisible hand that makes it all possible, transforming your world into an endless playground of adventure and excitement.

Spacial Computing (using AR Headsets and AR Glasses)

The next generation of augmented reality gaming will be based in spacial computing, which leverages specialised headset technology. This new technological revolution will seamlessly integrate virtual elements into your real-world surroundings with unprecedented precision and realism. The catch - it is currently very expensive - carrying the price tag of a new high-end computer.

This new wave will become the keys that unlock a new frontier in augmented reality gaming.

A great example is the new Apple Vision Pro (AVP), featuring a never-before-seen hardware architecture. With an R1 (augmented reality) specific chip that is a dedicated processor for the spacial tracking systems. All other processes are handed off to the Mac M2 CPU chip. Which is the flagship processor of all modern MacBook's Post-2022.

FAQ's

Which is better VR or AR?

VR immerses players into a completely virtual environment, while AR enhances the physical world with hologram-like overlays. VR Games are 75% virtual, whilst AR games are 25% virtual. VR is based on headsets, whilst most AR is based in smartphones and tablets. VR users move through an entirely virtual landscape whilst AR users move through a physical landscape. Neither is "better" than the other, they are completely different experiences and are used in different ways.

Is augmented reality the future?

By overlaying digital content onto the real world, AR enhances our understanding of our surrounding environment, enriches learning opportunities, and revolutionizes how we interact with the world. From enhancing gaming experiences to revolutionizing industries like healthcare, education, and retail, AR offers limitless possibilities for innovation and is providing experiences which feature a never-before-experienced depth of psychological immersion. In a future where digital and physical realities converge, augmented reality is poised to lead the way, offering new opportunities for creativity, exploration and discovery.

Why should I use augmented reality?

There are many reasons to use augmented reality. Some people use it for fun, while others find it helpful in their everyday lives. AR can be used to improve your shopping experience, help you learn new things, or even make you more productive. There are endless possibilities for augmented reality, so it's definitely worth exploring.

Conclusion

Augmented reality gaming is definitely the future. With the rapid development of technology, augmented reality will only become more advanced and realistic. This means we can expect to see even more amazing augmented reality games in the future. If you're looking for something new and exciting in the world of video games, augmented reality is worth checking out.

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