# Experiential Play Children's toys and products incorporate augmented reality to enhance experience. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jan 28, 2020 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/experiential-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Experiential Play trend? **Experiential Play:** With tech and STEM-learning functions now being a large part of the emerging children's toy space, brands are incorporating elements of augmented reality into once-standard children's toys and retail experiences. Whether manifesting in board games or playmats, these elevated products add a unique level of interactivity to children's playtime experiences. ## The consumer insight behind the Experiential Play trend Because of the modern digital age, it's common for children to grow up with tech-based gaming in the same way that those of past generations grew up with outdoor play. This shift has opened up unique opportunities for parents of young children to explore playtime as a means of learning and setting their children up for the rapid digital changes that are still to come. The added experiential aspect of interactive, tech-based play is not just more informative for kids, but also establishes new creative outlets that expand their imaginations. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 16, 2018 to Oct 7, 2020 - Published: Jan 28, 2020 - 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 Experiential Play trend ### Augmented Reality Toys The incorporation of augmented reality into once-standard children's toys and retail experiences adds a unique level of interactivity to children's playtime experiences. ### Interactive Storytelling Augmented reality apps like Wonderscope create opportunities for content creators to develop and publish interactive stories on the platform. ### Virtual and Physical Play Collectible augmented reality discs like AR Discs merge elements of physical and virtual play, creating more engaging experiences for users. ## What the Experiential Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Toys that incorporate augmented reality and interactive storytelling could provide new opportunities for companies within the toy industry. ### For AR and VR Industry The growing demand for augmented reality and virtual reality products could provide new and innovative ways to integrate them into the toy industry and other sectors. ### For Gaming Industry Augmented reality games and pastimes, like AR Warriors, are increasingly popular and could open up new opportunities within the gaming industry. ## Workshop question How is your brand adapting to the generational changes that have been accelerated by rapid shifts in the modern digital age? ## Trend signals for Experiential Play Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 65%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 65% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Experiential Play trend 4 featured examples from Nov 16, 2018 to Oct 7, 2020. - [Smartphone-Powered AR Shooter Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-warriors): The 'AR Warriors' Game Lets Participants Play Virtually (Category: Tech) Implication: The increasing demand for augmented reality games offers a potential new market for game developers and manufacturing companies looking to invest in developing AR-powered games an… - [Connected Toddler Play Mats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funtory-magic-carpet): The Funtory Magic Carpet Makes Use of Educational AR Technology (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can explore the integration of AR technology in their products to revolutionize play-based learning for children. - [Collectible AR Discs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-discs): AR Discs Fuse Virtual and Physical Play (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy and collectible industry can explore incorporating augmented reality to enhance the value and engagement of their products. - [Storytelling AR Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonderscope): The Wonderscope App Lets Children Visualize an Amazing Story (Category: Tech) Implication: AR storytelling apps have the potential to revolutionize the way children learn and engage with educational content. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)