LocoMatrix is a UK based game company that has developed a location based game to force our kids into the open.
The games are available for GPS enabled mobile phones. One of the games, called Fruit Farmer, requires the players to run around in a real environment such as a park or beach collecting virtual oranges. The oranges are visible on their mobile screens, along withobstacles and dangers like killer wasps.
Multiple levels are available and users can even create their own levels using the editor available online. Other games like Treasure Hunt offers the player visual clues to find a series of locations. There are more games down the pipeline with Locomatrix planning to expand to role-playing games, strategy games and games of cooperation. The games are presently free but maybe charged once its out of the beta phase.
Location Based Gaming
Locomatrix Blends Virtual and Reality
Trend Themes
1. Location-based Gaming - The surge in location-based gaming can disrupt the traditional gaming industry by merging virtual and real environments.
2. Mobile Gaming - Mobile phones and their GPS feature unleash new innovation opportunities for the gaming industry to improve mobile user engagement by interactive features.
3. Customized Gaming - The use of online editors to personalize gaming levels in location-based games can give rise to a new market for players and game developers.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Industry - Traditional gaming companies can explore integrating geolocation technology within their gaming strategies to attract mobile users.
2. Mobile App Industry - The mobile gaming industry can integrate interactive location-based game features within their apps to develop geocentric apps for users.
3. Outdoor Recreation Industry - The location-based gaming industry can collaborate with the outdoor recreation industry to create experiential games that seek to encourage outdoor activities and exercise.