Last week saw the UK Release of Pokemon Go, and the hit game takes advantage of augmented reality to allow players to explore the real world and different landmarks to catch Pokemon. The landmarks are real-world locations that have been geo-tagged to allow players to discover new places whilst interacting with each other.
What is Pokemon Go?
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that is succeeding at getting people up off the sofa and venturing outside by catching Pokemon. The concept of the game is a ‘treasure hunt’ almost, but for virtual creatures. Using a map with tagged locations the GIS, Geographical Information System, application utilises these locations to draw players to them to get extra items and maybe better Pokemon. Using these large datasets, they create a fully interactive map which allows you to interact with other players wherever you are. Pokemon go can also benefits small businesses, if they take advantage of it correctly. A small business could host events, offer deals with certain purchases, or just create an interactive networking event where they catch Pokemon or battle for control of a gym. Expect to see more Pokemon Go near you in the future!
What does it mean for the future of software development?
Because of the massive popularity and success of the game already, they may need to step up security over the upcoming months, and as we get more viral hit games the need for more cyber security experts steps in, and conveys how applicable these skills are in a modern day society with the amount of data being transferred in a standard mobile application.
Augmented reality has been around for some time now, and the majority of applications of it have been games. But similarly to virtual reality, augmented reality has so much potential. Within Software Development there may be more opportunities that involve creating a phone applications utilising augmented reality and GIS for businesses. Some examples at museums, they may want a system that diminishes the need for a tour guide/audio tour. The system may use mobile phones and means the user points their phone camera at the sign for an exhibit, then it pops up with extra information so they can get the most out of the museum and increase knowledge vastly.