Testing AR games on mobile phone

@code3100

Testing AR game apps on mobile device, to investigate what is effective and what doesnt work. Could not test VR games due to lack of access to a headset. Games tested:

Ghost Snap:

Aim: find 5 clues around your environment and keeping a ghost away from you so it doesnt kill you.

• The game works best in a dark environment and headphones for surrounding sound. It automatically turns on the phone torch

Pros:

• Engaging
• Keeps you entertained until the ghost kills you
• Creates a haunting effect in your environment, where the way to access the ‘paranormal’ is through the phone
• Sound effects and intentional screen mishaps gave it a truly imersive feeling that there could be something haunting the room
• Frightening experience motivates you to tell and show other people the game

Cons:

• Might be too frightening for people to repeat the experience

Bee Ready:

Aim: avoid getting stung by the bees by aiming and shooting at them

Pros:

• Easy interface and handling
• By only having the bees coming from 180° rather than 360°, it is less dizzying to play as you dont have to constantly fully turn around but rather move only upper torso
• Simple concept and engaging

Cons:

• As the amount of bees increase it gets very hectic and could cause injury to a bystander
• Gets very overwhelming towards higher levels, causing the player to want to stop
• Bees sometimes gets lost/camouflaged with the players environment

Warp Runner:

Aim: navigate player to destination box

Pros:

• Very cool concept by manipulating real enviroment on the device
• Good graphics
• Engaging
• Used any rectangular paper to align to flat surface

Cons:

• If moved phone too quick or accidentally move finger over camera, game stops and have to re align
• Sometimes the environment manipulator wouldnt work
• Had to hold phone relatively steady