Much Ado About Augmented Reality

October 20, 2008

There’s nothing like fancy titles to bring in the masses (in this case, greater than 10 people). Augmented reality in all forms (not just gaming) is really intriguing, and we are just at the cusp of what it will be able to achieve. From the horrible (glowing pucks FTL) to the awesome (BMW’s Mechanic of the future) we are on the verge of a unique and exciting new form of technology blurring the line between fiction and reality… Ya, I’ve been watching to much Dr. Who. (Just kidding, I don’t watch that cheesy show, but needed an excuse for that horrible intro)

What brings this topic to the forefront of my somewhat scattered mind, was the announcement of the DSi which sports a couple of sexy cameras. Now, I’m sure those cameras will be used for more than just taking low res images of your new cat. Nintendo usually likes to change the game up with every iteration of hardware (at least in recent years) so one can assume that they may be looking to introduce the mainstream market to augmented reality gaming. Before I get too ahead of myself and write the entire article in one drawn out paragraph, let me explain what augmented reality actually is.

“Augmented reality (AR) is a field of computer research which deals with the combination of real-world and computer-generated data. At present, most AR research is concerned with the use of live video imagery which is digitally processed and “augmented” by the addition of computer-generated graphics.”

Quoted by some geek who edits Wikipedia. Full article here.

Now, computer generated content in movies can technically be considered AR. However, we aren’t going to focus on that cause that’s been done for billions of years (give or take billions of years). Probably the most popular uses for AR in today’s world is in the TV sporting market. Ever watch a football game with that yellow “First Down” line? That’s AR baby. Or how about you racing fans. That little arrow pointer stat bar that tracks the car around the track (ya, I really don’t know what that thing-er is called) but alas, that is also AR. How about that annoying guy who sits in front of you at a hockey game and cheers obnoxiously for the other team, just to get a reaction? He’s not AR, but I swear, I would love to augment his reality.

So what would AR ever do for gaming? I mean, its never really proved itself aside from those really lame eyeToy games right? Wrong. (You totally fell for that one).

Introducing for the first time ever, exclusively on TheBarkman.com with breaking news only heard here, right from the mouth of Sony executives right onto Scott’s blog, its the announcement of the century. Its. EYE OF JUDGEMENT! *Cue ’80s power ballad guitar solo*

Ya, looks hot right? Aren’t you glad you read my blog? Ok, so the video is 2 years old, everyone knows about the game by now, nothing special. However, it does show off what augmented reality can really do, even if you aren’t a fan of card games. Frankly, I think most card games are a huge geek fest (sorry to those who play.) I’ve honestly tried to get into them, but I just can’t seem to get involved enough to compete with my friends. However a game like this? Well, this I could get into! And it really does open the doors to what is possible on a console. This goes way beyond doing silly motions in the living room to avoid being hit with random objects (see: every previous eyeToy game)

Imagine having a true board game experience using the eyeToy. You go out, pick yourself up a box of Monopoly that looks just like any regular game of monopoly, however it also includes a game disc that you can use on your PS3. You play the game just like you would normally, however when you land on a property, the game would instantly know how much money you owe, and to whom you would give it to. It would show cool little building animations, and play cool little building noises when building on your property. It would have cool little animations as your move your token on the board. The beauty of it all is, the board game could still function normally without the eyeToy in place giving you the true feeling of family board game night. No controllers necessary. “Look Ma! You’re playing video games!”

That’s all well and good – but what about handhelds like the DSi? The camera wouldn’t be fixed, so how would that work? Well, introducing.. For the first time ever, straight from the mouths of YouTube. A TRAIN GAME THING!

I think this last example, however way less graphically impressive, really shows what could be possible with the DSi. Thought it was strange that the DSi has 2 cameras? Well, imagine games that use this type of technology, but can also plaster your face onto your little dude running around your virtual living room with monsters hiding behind your TV and gremlins under your couch.

The possibilities with cameras stretch way further than just video chat, or simply sending pictures back and forth. From games that use the camera to sense movement, to full outdoor RPG games where enemies lurk behind real world obstacles and pop out when you get too close. (Mind you, the amount of concussions kids will get by hitting trees while staring at their DSi would exponentially increase)

With all that said and done, its up to developers to think outside the box on this one. Do I see Nintendo releasing a game using the camera? Well of course. Do I see Nintendo releasing a game with this form of Augmented Reality? Maybe. And that’s a very cautious maybe. I would LOVE to see a triple A title come from Nintendo that uses this tech. Maybe Nintendogs 2. Where the little munchkin can run around your bedroom floor running into things like your table, or interacting with your real life hamster. “No seriously, My Nintendog ate my homework!”

What do you guys think would work using the DSi and augmented reality? There’s tons of inspirational AR videos on YouTube. Hit some of em up and discuss below!

Filed under: Augmented Reality, Uncategorized, Video Games |