# AR World-Building Games Minecraft Earth Introduces a New Way to Play with Augmented Reality By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-07-24 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minecraft-earth References: [fastcompany](https://www.fastcompany.com/90379854/a-first-look-at-minecraft-earth-microsofts-wild-new-attempt-to-bring-gaming-to-the-real-world) & [minecraft.net](https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/earth) In the last few years, [augmented reality games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-hyperscape-capture) have captured the hearts of Millennials and Gen Z alike and now, Minecraft fans are able to experience their favorite game in an entirely new way with Minecraft Earth. This new [mobile gaming app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geoguessr-steam-edition) introduces an AR version of the familiar desktop game that challenges players to [build structures and battle mobs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixedreality-puzzle-game) in their very own real-world surroundings. Currently, Minecraft Earth is only available in limited locations, including London and Seattle, as it is extremely location-based, allowing players to virtually build on top of their neighborhood. With the new augmented reality game, Minecraft Earth players are able to collaborate with other players for mini-adventures and construction of their very own blocky, towering masterpieces. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Augmented Reality Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new AR games that allow players to interact with their favorite virtual worlds in real-world environments. - **Location-based Augmented Reality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating location-based AR games that encourage players to explore and interact with their physical surroundings. - **Collaborative AR Gameplay:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing AR gaming experiences that foster collaboration and teamwork among players for shared adventures and creations. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging AR technology to enhance traditional gaming experiences and attract a new generation of gamers. - **Mobile App Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating innovative AR mobile gaming apps that provide immersive and interactive experiences for users. - **Urban Planning and Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Using location-based AR games to engage communities in urban planning and encourage creativity in architectural design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real-World Adventure Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scratch-earth.md) - [Augmented Reality Educational Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-educational-app.md) - [Alien-Hunting AR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taito.md) - [Lego-Centric Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-my-world.md) - [Augmented Reality Hunting Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monster-hunter-now.md) - [AR-Powered Cereal Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/journey-to-the-magic-gems.md) - [AR Superhero Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marvel-world-of-heroes.md) - [Virtual AR Adventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-treasure-quest.md) - [Cryptocurrency-Themed Gaming Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fold-ar.md)