Augmented reality (AR) games have come a long way since their inception. AR games are unique in that they allow players to interact with virtual objects in the real world, creating an immersive gaming experience. The technology behind AR gaming has evolved significantly over the years, leading to more realistic and engaging gameplay. In this blog post, will share with you the best AR Games that you should try today and how each of these games work.
AR gaming relies heavily on the technological foundations of computer vision, image recognition, and tracking. These technologies work together to create a seamless integration of virtual objects into the real world. Gameplay mechanics in AR games are also unique, as they often require players to physically move around and interact with their surroundings. This creates a more engaging and active experience than traditional video games.
AR gaming hardware has also evolved significantly, with devices such as smartphones and AR headsets becoming more commonplace. The development and distribution of AR games have also become more accessible, with many developers creating games for various platforms. The future of AR gaming looks promising, with new technologies such as 5G and improved AR hardware on the horizon.
Best 15 AR Games
- Pokémon GO
- Ingress
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
- Jurassic World Alive
- The Walking Dead: Our World
- Knightfall AR
- AR Dragon
- Zombies, Run!
- Ghostbusters World
- Shark in the Park
- Star Wars: Jedi Challenges
- AR Sports Basketball
- Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs
- ARia’s Legacy
- Kings of Pool
Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game that has taken the world by storm since its release. Developed by Niantic, the game allows players to capture, battle, and train virtual Pokémon that appear throughout the real world. It uses GPS to mark the player’s location and move the in-game avatar, while the phone’s camera is used to display Pokémon in the real environment.
Players can visit PokéStops and Gyms, typically located at interesting places like public art installations, historical markers, and monuments. Pokémon GO’s success lies in its ability to blend the franchise’s nostalgic appeal with engaging, location-based gameplay, encouraging players to explore their surroundings in search of Pokémon.
Ingress
Ingress is another AR game developed by Niantic, which served as the foundation for what later became Pokémon GO. Ingress revolves around capturing and controlling virtual territories in a sci-fi-themed world. Players pick a side between two factions, the Enlightened and the Resistance and work together to control ‘Portals’ at places of cultural significance, such as public art, landmarks, and monuments.
The game involves physically traveling to locations to hack portals and establish ‘Control Fields’ over geographic areas. Its complex narrative and team-based objectives make it a compelling experience for players who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and strategic gameplay.
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is an AR mobile game inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. Developed by Niantic, it allows players to embark on a magical adventure in their own neighborhoods. The game’s storyline involves a ‘Calamity’ that has caused magical creatures, objects, and even memories to spill into the Muggle world.
Players assume the role of a new recruit within the Statute of Secrecy Task Force, with the goal to solve the mystery of the Calamity, cast spells, discover artifacts, and encounter iconic characters and beasts from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. The game encourages exploration and cooperative gameplay as players work to overcome challenges and return the ‘Foundables’ to the wizarding world.
Jurassic World Alive
Jurassic World Alive is an AR game that brings dinosaurs into the modern world. Players can create their own collection of dinosaur species by finding them scattered around their real-world environment. Using the mobile device’s GPS, players can discover dinosaurs by exploring their neighborhoods or cities.
They can collect DNA samples to genetically modify their creatures, creating hybrid species and battling them against other players’ dinosaurs. The game offers both PvE and PvP modes, where players can test their dinosaur teams’ strength and strategy. Jurassic World Alive provides a unique twist on the AR genre by combining location-based technology with the enduring popularity of dinosaurs.
The Walking Dead: Our World
The Walking Dead: Our World is an AR game that immerses players in the zombie apocalypse. Based on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” TV series, the game uses AR to spawn zombies in the player’s real-world environment. Players must defend their surroundings by fighting off zombies with weapons and the help of characters from the series like Rick, Daryl, and Michonne.
As players travel around the world, they can complete missions, rescue survivors, build shelters, and collect resources. The game’s social elements allow players to join groups and participate in weekly challenges, contributing to a global effort to push back the walker threat.
Knightfall AR
Knightfall AR is an augmented reality game that transports players back to the medieval era to defend a city from an invading army. The game is based on the historical TV series “Knightfall” and uses AR technology to project the game onto any flat surface, turning it into a battlefield. Players must strategically place and control units to fend off waves of attackers, utilizing various medieval weapons and tactics. Knightfall AR offers an engaging strategy experience that combines historical elements with modern AR gameplay.
AR Dragon
AR Dragon is a virtual pet simulator that allows players to raise their own dragon in augmented reality. The game uses the AR capabilities of smartphones to bring the pet dragon to life in the player’s environment. As the dragon grows, players must care for it by feeding, playing, and interacting with it. AR Dragon provides a charming and casual gaming experience for all ages, with the added novelty of seeing a mythical creature in one’s own surroundings.
Zombies, Run!
Zombies, Run! is an immersive running game that uses audio cues to deliver a narrative experience where players are survivors in a zombie-infested world. While not exclusively AR, it uses the player’s movement in the real world to progress through the story. Players must run to collect supplies, save survivors, and build their base. The game’s AR element is auditory, with players listening to their missions and the sounds of zombies chasing them, creating an intense and motivating workout.
Ghostbusters World
Ghostbusters World is an AR game that lets players become a Ghostbuster, capturing ghosts that appear in the real world. The game uses AR to project ghosts into the player’s environment, where they can use their proton pack to weaken and capture them. Players can explore their surroundings to find and fight a variety of ghosts, complete daily missions, and participate in dimensional raids. Ghostbusters World offers a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the franchise.
Shark in the Park
Shark in the Park is an AR game that transforms the player’s surroundings into a virtual underwater world where they must capture a loose shark. The game uses the smartphone’s camera and sensors to create the illusion of the ocean with a shark swimming around. Players must physically move around their environment to track and capture the shark, making for an active and engaging gameplay experience.
Star Wars: Jedi Challenges
Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is an AR experience that allows fans to live out their dreams of becoming a Jedi. Using a compatible smartphone and the Lenovo Mirage AR headset, players can engage in lightsaber battles, command forces in strategic combat, and play Holochess. The game combines physical hardware with immersive AR software to bring the Star Wars universe to life in the player’s living room.
AR Sports Basketball
AR Sports Basketball is a game that simulates a basketball hoop in the real world, allowing players to shoot hoops virtually anywhere. The game uses AR to overlay a basketball hoop onto the player’s environment, and players flick their fingers on the screen to shoot the ball. It’s a simple yet addictive game that can be played in short bursts or for extended sessions, perfect for basketball enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs brings the classic slingshot gameplay of the Angry Birds series to AR. Players can project the game levels onto any flat surface and walk around to find the best angle to launch the birds at the structures. The game’s AR technology adds a new dimension to the gameplay, offering a fresh and engaging way to experience the beloved bird-flinging action.
Evolution of AR Gaming
Augmented Reality (AR) gaming has come a long way since its inception. Early AR games were limited in scope and functionality, but advancements in technology have led to more immersive and engaging experiences. In this section, we will explore the evolution of AR gaming, including early AR games and mainstream adoption.
Early AR Games
The first AR game, Ingress, was released in 2012 and was developed by Niantic. The game was a location-based game that allowed players to explore real-world locations and interact with virtual objects. Ingress paved the way for other AR games, including the massively popular Pokémon Go, which was released in 2016.
Pokémon Go was a game-changer in the world of AR gaming, as it introduced the concept of augmented reality to a wider audience. The game used the camera and GPS capabilities of smartphones to allow players to capture virtual creatures in real-world locations. The success of Pokémon Go led to the development of other AR games, such as Jurassic World Alive and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
Mainstream Adoption
The launch of Pokémon Go in 2016 marked the beginning of mainstream adoption of AR gaming. The game was a cultural phenomenon, with millions of people around the world playing it. Since then, AR gaming has continued to grow in popularity, with more and more games being developed for mobile devices.
One of the key factors driving the growth of AR gaming is the increasing availability of AR-enabled devices. Smartphones and tablets are now equipped with high-quality cameras and sensors, making it easier for developers to create immersive AR experiences. The rise of 5G networks has made it possible to stream high-quality AR content in real-time, further enhancing the gaming experience.
AR gaming has come a long way since its inception, with early games paving the way for more immersive and engaging experiences. The mainstream adoption of AR gaming has been driven by the success of games like Pokémon Go and the increasing availability of AR-enabled devices. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of AR gaming.
Technological Foundations
AR Technology
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that blends the digital and physical worlds to create an immersive experience for users. AR technology allows users to view the real world through a device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and overlay digital information on top of it. This technology has been used in various industries, including gaming, education, and healthcare.
Mobile Platforms
Mobile platforms, such as Android and iOS, provide the necessary hardware and software to run AR applications. These platforms have evolved over the years to support AR technology, with the introduction of ARCore for Android and ARKit for iOS. These platforms provide developers with tools to create AR applications that can run on millions of devices worldwide.
ARCore and ARKit
ARCore and ARKit are software development kits (SDKs) provided by Google and Apple, respectively. These SDKs provide developers with the necessary tools to create AR applications for Android and iOS devices. ARCore and ARKit use various technologies, such as motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation, to create a seamless AR experience for users.
AR technology is the foundation of AR games, and mobile platforms provide the necessary hardware and software to run AR applications. ARCore and ARKit are essential tools for developers to create AR games for Android and iOS devices. With the continued evolution of AR technology, we can expect to see more immersive and engaging AR games in the future.
Gameplay Mechanics
When it comes to AR games, the gameplay mechanics are what make them stand out from traditional video games. With the integration of real-world environments and objects, the gameplay mechanics of AR games are unique and engaging. In this section, we will explore some of the most prominent gameplay mechanics in AR games.
Geolocation and GPS
Geolocation and GPS are essential components of AR games. By using the player’s location, AR games can create a unique gaming experience that is tailored to their surroundings. For example, Pokemon Go uses geolocation to place Pokemon in real-world locations, allowing players to catch them as they move around in the real world.
Real-Time Interaction
Real-time interaction is another crucial gameplay mechanic in AR games. By using the player’s camera and real-world objects, AR games can create a sense of presence and immersion that traditional video games cannot match. For example, in the game “The Machines,” players can place virtual units on a real-world surface and watch them battle it out in real-time.
Audio Integration
Audio integration is a gameplay mechanic that is often overlooked in AR games. However, it can be a powerful tool for creating an immersive gaming experience. By using the player’s microphone and speakers, AR games can create a sense of presence and immersion that traditional video games cannot match. For example, in the game “Zombies, Run!” players must listen to audio cues to avoid being caught by zombies while they run in the real world.
The gameplay mechanics of AR games are unique and engaging. By using geolocation and GPS, real-time interaction, and audio integration, AR games can create a sense of presence and immersion that traditional video games cannot match.
AR Gaming Hardware
When it comes to AR gaming, the hardware you use can make a big difference in your overall experience. In this section, we’ll take a look at two main categories of AR gaming hardware: smartphones and tablets, and headsets and accessories.
Smartphones and Tablets
One of the most accessible ways to get started with AR gaming is through your smartphone or tablet. Many newer smartphones are AR-enabled, meaning they have the capability to overlay virtual objects onto the real world through their camera and display. Some popular AR-enabled smartphones include the iPhone X and newer models, as well as various Android devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 and newer models.
When using your smartphone or tablet for AR gaming, it’s important to make sure you have a device with a good camera and display. This will help ensure that the virtual objects you’re interacting with are clear and easy to see. You may want to invest in a phone stand or tripod to help keep your device stable while you play.
Headsets and Accessories
For a more immersive AR gaming experience, you may want to consider investing in a headset or other accessories. While there are a variety of headsets available on the market, not all of them are designed specifically for AR gaming. Some popular options include the Microsoft HoloLens and the Magic Leap One, which both offer a high-quality AR experience.
In addition to headsets, there are also a variety of other accessories available to enhance your AR gaming experience. For example, you may want to invest in a hand-held controller or other input device to help you interact with virtual objects more easily. Some AR games may require specific accessories such as a game mat or other physical components.
When it comes to AR gaming hardware, there are a variety of options available to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re using your smartphone or investing in a high-end headset, the key is to find a device that works well for your needs and offers a high-quality AR experience.
Development and Distribution
Game Development
When it comes to developing AR games, there are several tools and platforms available to developers. Unity and Unreal Engine are two popular game engines that support AR development. Developers can use ARCore for Android and ARKit for iOS to create AR-based games. These tools provide a range of features, including object tracking, image recognition, and spatial mapping, which can be used to create immersive AR experiences.
Niantic, the developer of the popular game Pokémon Go, has also released its AR development platform called Niantic Real World Platform. This platform provides developers with tools to create location-based AR games that can be played in the real world. Niantic has already partnered with several companies to create AR games, including Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Ingress.
App Stores and Platforms
Once the AR game is developed, it needs to be distributed to users. The most popular app stores for distributing mobile games are the Google Play Store and the App Store. Developers can also distribute their games through platforms like Steam, which is popular for PC games.
When it comes to AR games, the Google Play Store and the App Store have specific requirements that must be met. For example, ARKit and ARCore support must be included in the game for it to be accepted in the App Store and Google Play Store, respectively. Developers must also ensure that their games are compatible with the latest versions of the operating systems.
Future of AR Gaming
As technology continues to evolve, the future of AR gaming looks promising. The integration of AR technology has already made a significant impact on the gaming industry, and it is expected to continue to grow.
Emerging Trends
One of the emerging trends in AR gaming is the development of new AR games. These games offer an immersive experience for players, allowing them to interact with the game world in a whole new way. With the increasing popularity of AR technology, we can expect to see more and more new AR games in the future.
Another trend that is emerging in AR gaming is the integration of AR technology into existing games. This allows players to experience their favorite games in a whole new way, adding an extra layer of immersion to the gaming experience.
Challenges and Opportunities
While there are many opportunities for growth in AR gaming, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of AR technology. While the cost of AR devices is decreasing, they are still relatively expensive, making it difficult for some gamers to access this technology.
Another challenge is the development of high-quality AR games. While there are already some great AR games on the market, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Developers need to continue to innovate and create new and exciting AR games that offer a truly immersive experience for players.
The future of AR gaming looks bright. With the continued development of new AR games and the integration of AR technology into existing games, we can expect to see a lot of growth in this industry. As the cost of AR technology continues to decrease and developers continue to innovate, we can expect to see more and more gamers embracing this exciting new technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated AR games currently available?
There are several AR games available on both Android and iOS platforms, and the top-rated ones are Pokemon Go, Ingress, and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. These games have been downloaded millions of times and have received positive reviews from users.
How does augmented reality enhance gaming experiences?
AR enhances gaming experiences by adding a layer of interactivity to the real world. Players can use their smartphones or AR glasses to interact with virtual objects in the real world, making the gaming experience more immersive and engaging.
Can AR games be played on any smartphone, or are there specific requirements?
AR games can be played on most smartphones, but not all devices are compatible with AR technology. To play AR games, your device must have a camera, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer. Your device must support ARCore (for Android) or ARKit (for iOS) to run AR games smoothly.
What are some examples of free AR games that can be downloaded?
Some popular free AR games that can be downloaded include Pokemon Go, Ingress, and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. These games are available on both Android and iOS platforms and can be downloaded from the respective app stores.
How do mixed reality games differ from AR games?
Mixed reality games are similar to AR games, but they use more advanced technology to create a more immersive experience. In mixed reality games, virtual objects can interact with the real world, and players can interact with these objects using gestures or other input methods.
Are there any multiplayer AR games that can be played online?
Yes, there are several multiplayer AR games that can be played online, including Pokemon Go, Ingress, and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. These games allow players to team up with other players and compete against each other in real-time.
