Highcross Leicester welcomes UK’s first augmented reality experience
Highcross Leicester has welcomed HADO, the world’s first augmented reality (AR) techno-sport to the centre as part of a two-week pop-up.
Located in the former North Face unit on the upper mall, the pop-up looks to combine real-world sport with digital gameplay, enables visitors to compete on a real-world court while wearing AR headsets and wrist sensors, allowing them to shoot digital energy balls, raise shields, and dodge attacks in real time.
Created in Japan in 2014, HADO is unlike traditional gaming or virtual reality as players are physically active within the real-world environment while digital elements are overlaid onto their surroundings.
During the pop-up, players can take part in two games, either player-versus-player or monster battle, which sees participants take on virtual dragons, monsters and bosses across a series of levels.
Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross Leicester, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing HADO to Highcross, giving our shoppers the opportunity to experience the UK’s first pop-up of its kind in a shopping centre.
“It’s a completely new experience for Leicester, and we’re excited to give visitors the chance to get involved, whether they’re already passionate about gaming or simply looking to try something different.”
The event forms part of Highcross Leicester’s continued focus on creating experiences for visitors, following a programme of events and activations, such as the Scalextric racing competition and a community-led dance showcase.