The theme of combining reality and virtual has been around for years and continues to count. The idea is to bring virtual elements to a reality environment where players can interact with these intangible objects. The idea behind this is to combine both dimensions perfectly. Several games have advanced in the search for these technologies. What does this mean for the gaming and entertainment industry?
Bringing up something that never existed is a concept that has always fascinated tech pioneers. The development of such technology began from the late 1930s to the 1940s, transforming and manipulating technology with the introduction of the first X-ray machines. In a way, the machine brought out what humans looked at inside. without the need for surgery. Now, decades later, this same technology has become more intricate and complex. Games are beginning to integrate this as a means to present a new generation of games. The games that apply augmented reality are: Kingdom Hearts 3D and Kinectimals, for example.
The idea behind this is for players to interact with the game. By placing a ‘code’ or AR (augmented reality card) card on a flat surface, players can point their gaming device or camera at the code. The application in association with the game identifies the code and finally projects the 3D image on top of the code. In games, this is taken a step further, where players can interact directly with the creature by bathing it, playing with it, tickling it, are some examples. In Kingdom Hearts 3D, when you buy Kingdom Hearts 3D Mark of Mastery Edition, it comes with AR cards that produce rare Dream Eaters with skin. Outside of the game, players can use these Dream Eaters to fight each other or, as mentioned above, play with them.
By introducing new AR concepts, games can take a momentous leap forward. Games in the future may apply AR technology by spawning a new era of survival horror games, for example. It is not a far-fetched idea if a special kind of sensor glasses is developed to incorporate gaming. Players will be able to experience the haunting sights and sounds of the game that psychologically link the player to the environments. Perhaps in the future, these types of games will use specialized controllers to also serve as a weapon in these types of games.
The possibilities are limitless applying AR technology to video games. Within a couple of years, most video games are predicted to be immensely immersive. The line between virtual and reality will merge to the point that the human mind can be tricked into creating something that doesn’t exist. The idea of a projected future shaped by video games is in fact an ongoing reality where things will not be what they seem. Perhaps in the long run, virtual technology will manipulate the human brain to touch or feel something that never existed in the first place. This concept alone will be the driving force behind designated video games in the near future.