# Augmented Reality Toys Frantz Larsone's War Game Blends Video Games and Physical Toys By Nika Kubiak | Published 2009-04-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unreal-becomes-real References: [vimeo](http://vimeo.com/3515273?pg=embed&sec=) & [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/03/16/surreal-becomes-real-with-toys-and-ar/) Young designer Frantz Larsone is trying to merge strategy video games and toys. In the his futuristic game "Augmented Reality," Army men evolve in a virtual environment that looks like a real house. “I propose here to go a step further by using the actual environment of the player to make it the world in which the characters of the game evolve,” Larsone says. To play the game you need [head-mounted glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixedreality-puzzle-game), old toys and an imagination. You’ll be able to create a new environment with no limits. “The objective of this project is to create an imaginative and engrossing environment while still creating value for [old discarded toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick)," says Larsone. "It's kinda like tabletop war-game and a strategy video game coming together.” "Augmented Reality" the game is a work in progress, but already is stirring up controversy. [Augmented Reality Toys.v2 (Work in progress)](http://vimeo.com/3853814) from [Frantz Lasorne](http://vimeo.com/frantzlasorne) on [Vimeo](http://vimeo.com). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Merge of Video Games and Toys:** Opportunity for creating interactive and innovative gaming experiences by merging physical toys with video game technologies. - **Augmented Reality Toys:** Potential for using augmented reality to enhance play experiences and create immersive environments with limitless possibilities. - **Repurposing Old Toys:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in repurposing old discarded toys and giving them new value through augmented reality gaming. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming Industry:** Opportunity for game developers to explore new ways of merging physical toys and video game technologies to create engaging experiences. - **Augmented Reality Industry:** Augmented reality companies can take advantage of the demand for immersive play experiences by incorporating AR technology into toys. - **Toy Industry:** Potential for toy manufacturers to repurpose old toys and breathe new life into them by integrating them with augmented reality gaming. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AR-Based Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffity.md) - [Kid-Friendly AR Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-helmet.md) - [Augmented Reality Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-store.md) - [Phygital Fairy Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holobrite-pixie-lantern.md) - [Alien-Hunting AR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taito.md) - [Lego-Centric Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-my-world.md) - [AR-Powered Eye Training Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyes-amblyopia-trainer.md) - [App-Enabled Party Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twister-air.md) - [Augmented Reality Educational Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-educational-app.md)