Augmented reality is often overshadowed by its more exciting big brother virtual reality, but there are actually many more use cases for AR that are already coming to fruition. From helping brands build more immersive social media storylines to supercharging the gaming experience across various sectors, augmented reality technology is set to well and truly transform the way we enjoy entertainment, pursue marketing techniques and more.
While this is true, augmented reality is still a topic that many people struggle to understand. The concept can take various forms, encompassing far more than the defined idea of virtual reality. Both technologies share common characteristics, but the overall end goal is distinctly different.
In essence, while virtual reality aims to create a completely new world for people to experience and interact with, using state-of-the-art headsets like the Oculus Rift, augmented reality aims for a more subtle approach. Instead of creating an entirely new reality, augmented reality technology supplements what’s already there, overlaying graphics, for example, or adding different sensory elements onto the real world.
This allows users to interact with their environment in enhanced ways, and this gets even more exciting when combined with the gaming world. Pokémon GO! is a great example, with the award-winning and wildly popular mobile game being many people’s first taste of what augmented reality can achieve.
Keep reading for a comprehensive investigation into how augmented reality is progressing in the gaming world, alongside a more thorough explanation of exactly what this concept means. We’ll also go into further detail exploring the vital differences between augmented and virtual reality, before anticipating what the future holds for this exciting new technology.
How has augmented reality progressed in the gaming world?
Understanding how augmented reality is progressing in the gaming world requires a close look at a few different categories:
iGaming
Augmented reality is set to transform the iGaming and online casino industry, enabling game developers to craft increasingly immersive experiences. Many experts see this as a more realistic and accessible way to optimize the online gambling experience, compared to virtual reality. Games like Gates of Olympus could use augmented reality in the future to drive home the Ancient Greek theme and create more compelling bonus features. Elsewhere, live dealer table games will use the technology to make the casino environment even more immersive.
Console games
Console games will likely be the largest beneficiaries of augmented reality technology in the gaming world, although developers must also contend with the challenge of overlaying graphics onto typically less exciting external realities. The reason why? Most console gamers play at home on their TV screens or computer monitors, so the capacity for augmenting reality is reduced. Even so, developers are thinking up innovative solutions like integrating AR headsets or mobile apps with syncable console games.
Online multiplayer titles
There has been a massive popularity boom for online multiplayer titles in recent years, mainly due to the impact of games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone. The potential for augmented reality to enhance these experiences is plain to see. Gamers could feel as if they are in the same room as their team mates, for example, with overlain graphics and statistics combining with traditional voice calling to create even tighter team strategies.
What is augmented reality?
First things first: what exactly is augmented reality? The best thing to do here is take a look at a reputable knowledge platform such as Investopedia. Here is their summary of the concept:
“Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real world, achieved through the use of computer-generated digital information. These include visual, sound, and other sensory elements. AR uses computer hardware and software, such as apps, consoles, screens, or projections, to combine digital information with the real-world environment.”
The main takeaway is that augmented reality seeks to enhance the real world rather than create an entirely new reality. While this has numerous applications that have the capability to transform our day-to-day lives, what many people are most excited about regarding augmented reality is the way it can enhance video gaming.
From the aforementioned Pokémon GO! to brand-new console titles taking maximum advantage of Sony’s next-gen DualSense controllers with haptic feedback, there is a world of possibilities that are only just beginning to come to fruition.
What’s next for augmented reality?
All eyes are on the future of augmented reality, with tech experts anticipating several key advancements, including improved hardware and more seamless integration. The gaming world will benefit significantly, and we cannot wait to see the results.