Augmented Reality is a pretty awesome gimmick in my opinion, while I don’t expect it to catch on like wildfire, some companies like Nintendo hopes to improve their games with it, with titles like Spirit Camera (which is actually a nifty tech demo for AR) and Kid Icarus. Just like the move, Sony is looking to Nintendo for inspiration and are delivering an interesting concept.
Using the EyeToy and a book in your hands to create an interactive experience using AR tech. Sony demonstrated the system that they called WonderBook with a title from Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowlings called Book of Spells. An AR WonderBook title that allows players to use the move controller as a wand and create spells to complete challenges, as well as gain some back story into the potter universe, this is the first collaboration with Rowling and Sony as part of the new Pottermore website that major news outlets have been buzzing about.
Despite some technical flaws on the E3 stage during the live gameplay demo, it actually looks like an interesting product, and while it’s not technically a game for the PS3 and more like an add-on for an existing product, it’s nice to see a major family-friendly demonstration at E3. We’ll keep posted on this product as we hear more.