The one problem with IAAPA is that it’s such a large show that you are bound to miss out on something cool, and this is one of those things. A company called Total Immersion is now showcasing their Video Gun controller (pictured above) in conjunction with a new augmented reality game they have designed called Paranormal Activity. The game works as follows: “Before entering in the attraction, guests are equipped with a backpack and a video gun (with an infrared camera, one LCD display and a trigger). Guests have to use the video gun to progress inside the horror house and find ghosts. As soon as the ghost is found, guests have to shoot it to collect point and succeed their mission. Augmented Reality permits to have very impressive scenario like a videogame for this kind of attraction. Guests are totally free of movements inside the ghost house.
This sounds like a lot of fun actually and it’s an excellent use of augmented reality, which we have discussed before. For more information on AG in case you haven’t heard about it before, go here. From what I gather in regards to how it would work in this game, players would be walking around a certain area with this pack and markers would “insert” characters such as ghosts into the area but it would be viewable only on the screen mounted to the gun. This effectively creates a more life-like light-gun shooter that could prove to be a very attractive experience for consumers. The system is designed for entertainment venues such as Family Entertainment Centers, shopping malls, amusement parks, haunted houses, etc.and would certainly provide something unique to any facility looking to spice things up a little.
Here’s a brief video
More details can be found in the press release after the break
Press Release, December 2009
| Total Immersion puts augmented reality at the forefront of entertainment with new interactive walk through experience. |
Total Immersion has confirmed its position as leader in the field of augmented reality through the launch of new kind of interactive attraction using mobility and augmented reality. This new attraction developed in cooperation with Hanwa Co. (Japan) is a state of the art walk through where guests are swept in an experience merging videogame and real live adventure.
Before entering in the attraction, guests are equipped with a backpack and a video gun (with an infrared camera, one LCD display and a trigger). Guests have to use the video gun to progress inside the horror house and find ghosts. As soon as the ghost is found, guests have to shoot it to collect point and succeed their mission. Augmented Reality permits to have very impressive scenario like a videogame for this kind of attraction. Guests are totally free of movements inside the ghost house.
“We’re demonstrating the magical ability of augmented reality to capture visitors’ attention and imagination,” said Bruno Uzzan, CEO, Total Immersion. “Guests experience real time interaction with augmented reality content — and are pulled into real life videogame, dynamically.”
This new kind of attraction has been especially developed for Family Entertainment Centres, Shopping Mall and Pay per Ride Parks. This new concept benefits of a high marketable price and revisit rates especially with teens and gamers audience. Hanwa Co. provides turn key project including design and hardware supply and Total Immersion develops Augmented Reality Software.
Video Available Here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoOKsKbUxNg
About Total Immersion
Total Immersion (www.t-immersion.com) is the global leader in augmented reality. Through its patented D’Fusion® technology, Total Immersion blurs the line between the virtual world and the real world by integrating real time interactive 3D graphics into a live video stream. Leading the augmented reality category since 1999, the company maintains offices in Europe (France and UK), Asia and in the US, and supports a network of more than 50 partners worldwide. Check our latest news : http://www.augmented-reality-news.com
Total Immersion @ IAAPA 09 Las Vegas.
Pictures and video about the concept are available, please contact nicolas.bapst@t-immersion.com for further information. Credit photos: Total Immersion / Hanwa Co.
Silly game developers, their product has existed for centuries in something we call psilocybin. Although I give them credit for tapping into the right market with the right idea.