# Augmented Escape Children's play shifts to virtual simulations to heighten engagement. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 28, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/augmented-escape ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Augmented Escape trend? **Augmented Escape:** Encouraging exploration, parents are turning to virtual simulations as a safe approach to child-friendly adventure. Using virtual reality and mobile projections to create immersive environments and interactive games, these products not only provide kids with an interactive activity, but also encourages imaginative thinking in an exciting, future-focused way. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 13 to Jul 17, 2014 - Published: Jan 28, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Augmented Escape trend ### Virtual reality play The use of virtual simulations and reality to create immersive environments for children's play time, with endless possibilities for innovative game development and future technologies. ### At-home projections Increasing use of projection technology to bring the world into homes, from starry nights to city lights, indicating opportunities for disrupting traditional ideas of home entertainment. ### Interactive, tech-enhanced activities A demand for activities that engage children and adults in imaginative ways that defy traditional categories, providing ample space for new startups and investment opportunities. ## What the Augmented Escape trend means for industry ### For Gaming industry Creating immersive environments for children's play time and developing endless possibilities for innovative technologies in virtual simulations and reality. ### For Entertainment industry Shifting traditional ideas of home entertainment with projection technology and interactive, tech-enhanced activities for children and adults. ### For Education technology The use of virtual simulations and reality to encourage imaginative thinking and interactive learning experiences, with potential for disruptive innovations in the education sector. ## Trend signals for Augmented Escape Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Augmented Escape trend 4 featured examples from May 13 to Jul 17, 2014. - [At-Home Planetarium Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/at-home-planetarium): Luna's Mini Planetarium & App Puts the Solar System at Your Fingertips (Category: Tech) Implication: Consumer electronics companies can get ahead of the trend by developing and marketing compact, high-quality at-home planetarium devices like Luna. - [Colorful Sky Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northern-lights-projector): The Northern Lights Projector Creates a Dazzling Aurora Light Show Indoors (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine technology and design to develop cutting-edge home electronic products. - [Virtual Reality Arcade Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chuck-e-cheese-birthday): A Chuck E Cheese Birthday Game Will Now Be Offered in Oculus Rift (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Virtual reality arcade games enhance the entertainment experience and attract more customers to amusement venues. - [Animated Paper Fish Aquariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-aquarium): Sketch is an Interactive Aquarium Full of Fish Drawn by Kids (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Incorporate interactive aquariums into entertainment venues to provide a novel and engaging experience for visitors. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Thoughtfully Designed Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glacier-lunchbox) - [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party) - [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)