ARQuake

ARQuake is an Augmented Reality version of the popular Quake game by id Software. Created in the Wearable Computer Lab at the University of South Australia, ARQuake provides a first-person shooter that allows the user to run around in the real world whilst playing a game in the computer generated world. The system uses GPS, a hybrid magnetic and inertial orientation sensor, a custom made gun controller, and a standard laptop carried on a backpack. ARQuake was the first fully working Augmented Reality game created for outdoor use.

There are sixteen different types of monster in the Quake world. Some have attributes that make them unsuitable for inclusion in this type of level. Because of the limitations on movement imposed by the tracking hardware, the best monsters were those that walked or leaped and those that were relatively easy to destroy and did not inflict extreme damage on the user with their first attack. Seven types of monsters were chosen to be included in this levels. These monsters types are all land-based creatures which use weapons from a distance, and all seem well suited to the system.The monsters' skin colour and texture were changed to make them easier to see and distinguish from the physical world.

The ARQuake project was started by Prof. Bruce H. Thomas. It was initially implemented by a group of honours students Benjamin Close, John Donoghue, John Squires and Philip DeBondi in the year 2000. Dr. Wayne Piekarski has further improved the game to work with the latest mobile AR technology. The game has never become commercial, existing only in its prototype state. However, it has generated some interest in the augmented reality world.

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