Augmented Reality was the key technology behind the hype surrounding Pokémon GO last summer. In a short film, this technology is taken two, three steps further. It is no longer as fun, but takes on eerie traits.
Last summer, thousands and thousands of people around the world walked around with their smartphones, searching for Pokémon in the real world. Through “Augmented Reality,” the pocket monsters suddenly appeared in real-world locations. Those with a phone discovered Pokémon everywhere.
For others, who had not just pulled out their smartphones, it was hard to understand what was happening, why thousands were driven like a herd of people to certain locations.
Short film “Strange Beasts” illuminates Augmented Reality
Director Magli Barbé is now expanding on this idea. In her short film “Strange Beasts,” developer Viktor Weber has created an app that allows people to never be lonely again. Users create little monsters, can play with them, customize them, and spend time. Viktor’s little daughter Anna also loves the strange beings, the Strange Beasts.
The short film is compared to the English sci-fi TV series “Black Mirror.” It is known for its dark visions of the future. The comparison is not surprising: Director Magli Barbé has also worked on Black Mirror, being responsible for the visual effects in the episode “The Waldo Moment.”
Pokémon chief praises the advantages of Augmented Reality
Just recently, Pokémon chief John Hanke emphasized the benefits of “Augmented Reality.” This technology can bring people outdoors, into nature. This is valuable and useful for society, much more advantageous than virtual reality, which confines people indoors.
The short film impressively shows that not everything may go smoothly in Augmented Reality as the technology continues to evolve.
Here is the article where John Hanke praises the advantages of Augmented Reality:
Pokémon GO: Niantic chief warns about Virtual Reality, recommends PoGO
