With virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences at the forefront of new and emerging trends within the attractions sector, Alterface shares how it’s working with the technology on its interactive mixed-reality dark rides

Physical attractions at theme parks or other venues need to offer their guests something they cannot experience at home.

There’s been a lot of hype surrounding head mounted displays (HMD), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). However, there are still many hurdles prohibitiong flawless implementation and usage, especially related to motion and safety. Mixed Reality (MR) offers a more realistic option, combining physical spaces and elements with digital overlays. The technology behind it is less complicated and operationally more feasible. After all, technology should facilitate and enhance the experience of the visitors.

Mixed reality (MR), sometimes referred to as ‘hybrid reality’, is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualisations where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. This mix of reality and virtual reality encompasses both augmented reality and augmented virtuality via immersive technology.

Mixed reality is an environment in which real world and virtual world objects are presented together within a single display or setting. In theme parks, this is often manifested through dark ride attractions within an indoor physical space. Most often, these are using high definition screens, video and 3D projection mapping, optical illusions and animatronic figures, as well as variable lighting to enhance the immersion of guests into the story.

Upon developing a mixed reality attraction, the following requirements should be taken into consideration:

• Choice of story or theme (IP or proprietary)

• Type of experience, nature of the ride

• Capacity of the attraction

• Available space

• Target audience

• Type of attraction within park offering

• Budget and timeframe

Based on the outcome, a first concept and proposal can be developed. Besides safety, robustness and a high throughput, attractions should be offering a fun experience. This can be obtained by immersing people into the story, allowing them to get better at something and offering them both an internal and a social experience. This is where interactive technology kicks in.

Digital layers and interactivity will maximise the physical environment and augment the theme. Guests will feel empowered and get fully immersed into the story, which should certainly not be overcomplicated. Not only can guests improve personal scoring, but also enjoy the experience with family or friends.

Alterface has been developing interactive mixed-media attractions for many years, creating new technology advancements each year. The most recent one is NOMAD (New Optimized Mobile Action Device) – a compact and portable device enabling interaction with media screens, scenery and animatronics. NOMAD brings a new level of game simplification and interaction, based on Alterface’s patented technology.

All attractions developed by the Alterface team are based on a very modular approach, with solutions to fit every need and budget, making each attraction unique. The newest non-linear solutions are very flexible and scalable, fitting smaller footprints in buildings or even spreading across the park to maximise use of space.

Compared to a game or a movie, a mixed reality dark ride is all about movement and flow rather than singular actions. Shooting or interacting on-screen is less important than the way the transitions from one scene to another are done. An effectively-themed, media-based dark ride with a good balance is the best guarantee for a successful ride with long lifespan. Therefore, park owners should always first get proper advice and consider all options, thus making sure the concept is right before starting to build the actual ride.