The gaming industry evolved multifold in the last few decades. A plethora of cutting-edge technologies redefined the way we play video games today. One of the key differentiators in the iGaming sector is Augment Reality (AR). A better, more immersive, and engaging gaming experience is the outcome of AR integration.
Simply put, AR tech blurred the lines between the virtual and real worlds. Let’s delve into the latest AR trends making headlines in the gaming market.
Type of AR Games
You’ll find a range of AR game genres compatible with different operating devices. The most prominent AR gaming genres are
- First-person shooters
- RPGs
- Adventures
- Sports
- Simulation
- Social
- Exergames
- Educational
Per the Reports Insights, the AR game market revolves around mobile devices, HMDs, and smart glasses. However, the AR industry’s primary focus is smartphone games. The popularity of games like Pokemon GO, The Walking Dead: Our World, and Ingress confirms this current market trend.
Advanced AR Gaming Devices
Generally, AR tech depends on a device’s camera to capture and send the real-world environment to the software. After assessing the user’s position and orientation, it overlays AR content on the surroundings.
As the technology evolved, new AR-powered devices launched for more advanced gaming action. It includes:
AR Smart Glass
AR smart glasses or headsets are wearable technologies with advanced sensors and processors. These devices combine the comfort of traditional glasses with the functionality of a smartphone.
Recently, market giant Apple announced Apple’s Vision Pro. It’s an AR-enabled consumer product that can transport real-world objects and you to new spaces.
AR Projectors
AR projectors track the user’s movements to superimpose virtual content onto real-world surfaces. For example, the roulette wheel on the best roulette sites placed directly on the home’s dining table will feel like playing in traditional casinos.
Convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with AR Gaming
AR games are no longer merely about basic and overlaid images on a phone’s screen. With the amalgamation of AI, AR tech now uses real-life environments around a player to enhance the gaming experience.
For instance, AI-powered AR shooter games can recognize the physical doors where you can hide to protect yourself from the opponent character.
Hence, AI can take the shooter gaming genre one step ahead.
Builds Social Connection
Unlike traditional games, AR gaming eliminated the problem of the aloofness gamers used to feel earlier. The game’s collaborative gameplays allow interactive play time for players. That said, you can join other co-players to complete a challenge and stay connected to each other.
Imagine you teamed up with your neighborhood friends to fight against the zombie apocalypse. This shared game environment creates a social experience for all the players.
You can also participate in AR-based multiplayer gaming events to compete with other gamers, such as virtual scavenger hunts.
Role of AR in Metaverse
A shared, virtual space – metaverse allows people to interact and participate in various activities. AR gaming technology will accelerate the metaverse ecosystem by bridging the gap between the real and virtual worlds.
Players will enjoy engaging, interactive virtual experiences that feel more real and tangible in the metaverse.
Future Scopes of AR in the iGaming Industry
Currently nascent, AR technology has a massive potential that gaming companies are ready to explore. According to a study, the AR gaming market can see 30.2% CAGR growth, reaching up to USD 43.1 Billion by 2028.
A more accessible adoption of AR technologies for desktop gaming is an untapped area in the market. Once the breakthrough happens, game developers can design unique experiences that traditional PC games can’t replicate.
Further, using AI for game design is another emerging trend in AR gaming. With AI solutions, gaming companies can create adaptive game content with intelligent characters. Hence, a more personalized and alluring gaming experience is on the cards.
The expanding market trends will also increase demand for skilled game designers and AR developers in the future.
FAQs
1. What is AR gaming?
Augmented Reality games are a new form of gameplay that superimposes virtual elements onto the real-world environment. It provides an immersive gaming experience, far exceeding the standard video game format. Usually, you’ll play these games by using your phone, tablet, or wearables.
2. What are the top AR-based games?
Pokemon Go, Ingress, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, Angry Birds AR, and Jurassic World Alive are the top 5 AR game titles that you can’t miss to play.
Bottom Line
From playing Mario on your home TV and a snake slithering on your Nokia phone to catching Pokemon on the real-world streets, the gaming industry truly revolutionized with time.
Of course, thanks to tech like Augmented Reality. It created a new level of interactivity and engagement for gaming buffs. Gamers can now interact with the natural world within a virtual environment. This fantastic technology will soon take over the traditional game market.
