Throughout the history of video gaming, game developers have been indefatigably trying to make their games better simulate reality. However with the arrival of new technology, a new trend has begun. Now with devices such as the Iphone, the Nintendo 3DS, the Playstation Vita, and the yet to be released Google’s Project Glass, game developers are hard at work aiming to integrate gaming into reality in a new field called Augmented Reality.
Screenshot from Freddie Wong’s youtube video, Future Motion Control Gaming.
For those unfamiliar with the term, Augmented Reality is basically taking computer generated content, most of the time 3D models, and implementing it into the world we see. Although we see this computer generated media in front of our eyes, it doesn’t actually exist- the technology needed to accomplish that is generations beyond us. What we do have however, is more than sufficient to create very intricate illusions that seem completely real.
The Technicals:
So exactly which technologies are being used? Lets take a look:
- 3D Cameras – Cameras are the brick and mortar of augmented reality. They allow the hardware to process the environment and determine where to display the content.
- Light Sensors– Ambient light sensors found in almost any mobile device determines the shading of 3D models.
- Accelerometer– Gives information about the movement of the device itself, this determines the angles at which to project content, giving them their 3D illusion effects.
- Proximity Sensors– Proximity sensors allow the device to calculate depth, which is crucial in the detailing of 3D objects.
- Digital Displays– These are what are actually used to view the simulated images. They display the surrounding environment captured by the cameras with the addition of augmented reality media.
- Eyewear– Hardware that places screens in close proximity to the eyes are still in the developmental phase. The closer the screens are to the eyes, the more realistic projection effects are.
The Commercial Products:
Here are devices on sale now (or soon) that can utilize Augmented Reality
- Iphone – Because of the impressive hardware packed inside the Iphone, Apple’s “do-it-all” phones are very much capable of employing augmented reality. Here’s a simple basketball game available on the app store:
- Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo’s latest portable handheld has the capability to make 3D models appear from special cards that can either be purchased or printed from a printer. Here’s a video demo of its augmented reality applications:
- Playstation Vita – Sony’s latest handheld uses 3G data along with augmented reality which allows players to connect with others from virtually anywhere and share the same projected content. Sony’s recent television commercial teases at the potential of internet-enabled augmented reality gaming:
- Project Glass – Perhaps the most anticipated augmented is Google’s project glass that is slated for release from late 2013 to early 2014. Much of the hype is from concept videos that show off the possibilities of Project Glass. In this concept video the user plays the first person shooter Battlefield by first scanning a vacant area after which the glasses start projecting a gun on to the player’s hands, army gear on to the player’s arms and even virtual enemies before the player’s eyes:
The Spread:
Of course, no piece of technology can advance without popular demand. So far, the future of Augmented Reality looks bright.
Nintendo’s 3DS has sold almost 19 million units globally (source: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/07/global-sales-of-nintendo-3ds-top-19-million/1#.UI37s2DAd8E)
While Sony’s Playstation Vita has shipped nearly 2.2 million units (source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/ps-vita-sales-total-22m-worldwide-report-6392256).
Apple’s Iphone, has sold an astounding 125 million units (source: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Apple-Sales-Profit-iPhone-iPad,18740.html)
Finally, Google’s Project Glass are expected to sell for $1500 (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Glass). Despite the high cost, sales are expected to be numerous due to the limitless applications it has.
The Impact
Augmented reality gaming has the potential to reverse trend of depersonalized communication. In order to play with other players, they must be captured on a camera, which requires person-to-person contact. If Augmented Reality gaming catches on, gamers will have to transgress outside of their homes and meet other gamers for multiplayer.
The Social Joystick 
