If you had written off the future of augmented reality technology in gaming, this demo might change your mind.
Augmented reality devices are a little bit behind their virtual reality cousins in development and in production but make no mistake, they’re going to have a huge presence in the future tech market. Expect AR hardware to be the next big thing as quality-of-life devices and as gaming accessories. While AR in games has to this point been a mere novelty (Nintendo 3DS, we’re looking at you), the implications of what will be possible with more advanced hardware are really exciting.
Microsoft wants to whet your palette and get you excited about the bright future of AR gaming, and today at a Windows 10 devices event they did a live demonstration of a prototype game they’re calling Project X-Ray. They used the HoloLens and a companion, handheld device that will bring wearable holograms and explosive action into your living room. HoloLens dev kits will be available in Q1 2016 for $3,000, so it won’t be long until more demos and previews start pouring in.
Check out the demo video below, and if you haven’t seen it already take a look at the Minecraft demo from E3. If these don’t spark your imagination and get you pumped for next year’s holiday season I don’t know what will.