Introduction to Pokémon in AR
Pokémon GO could have been an enormous success, however it’s not exactly what you’d call augmented reality. The game lacks computer vision and environmental mapping, that are key features of a real AR experience. However, this hasn’t stopped fans of the franchise from imagining what an actual AR version of Pokémon could appear like.
A Glimpse into the Future of Pokémon Battles
KennyWdev and Joshua Liew, two fans of the franchise, have created an idea for an AR battle system called PokéLens, designed for the Microsoft HoloLens. This system is a far cry from the random Poké Ball-flinging mechanic of Pokémon GO. Instead, it encompasses a traditional RPG battle system that is more according to the classic Pokémon games. The PokéLens tech demo was recorded using the HoloLens’ onboard HD video camera, showing off the seamless mix of real and virtual environments.
How PokéLens Works
The project was created using Unity and offers a glimpse into what Pokémon battles could appear like in the longer term. As AR headsets turn into more advanced and inexpensive, we are able to expect to see more robust object recognition and positional tracking. The demo shows a slight jumpiness of virtual characters, which is a known issue with the HoloLens because it adjusts holograms to match the environment. However, this can be a minor quibble in an otherwise impressive demo.
Other Fan-Created Pokémon Prototypes
PokéLens is not the primary fan-created Pokémon prototype built using the HoloLens. Developers at CapitolaVR in Amsterdam created a basic Pokémon capture system using the HoloLens SDK and Unity. They were amazed at how easy it was to get an AR application up and running on the device, despite only having it for a day. The project shows that the HoloLens is a strong tool for creating immersive AR experiences.
Limitations of Current AR Tech
While the HoloLens is a formidable device, it is not without its limitations. One major issue is the necessity to map out your entire playing field before playing, which defeats the notion of dynamic, world-scale tracking. This implies that we cannot be seeing a real AR Pokémon game anytime soon, not less than not until the technology advances further. Additionally, the HoloLens struggles with correct occlusion, or placing virtual objects accurately in the true world, especially with regards to unmapped objects like other people.
Conclusion
While we may not see a real AR Pokémon game within the near future, projects like PokéLens and the CapitolaVR prototype give us a glimpse into what’s possible. As AR headsets turn into more advanced and inexpensive, we are able to expect to see more immersive and interactive experiences. For now, we’ll just must keep dreaming of a world where we are able to catch Pokémon in a very augmented reality environment. With the rapid advancement of AR technology, it’s only a matter of time before we see a Pokémon game that actually lives as much as the franchise’s potential.
