Activision may be planning to enter the world of augmented reality (AR) gaming, if a new GPS-related patent is any indication. This could open the door for Activision to release games in the style of Pokemon GO using any of the iconic franchises it owns.
AR gaming involves players seeing virtual characters superimposed over footage of the real world. This can be done using dedicated AR goggles, like the Magic Leap headset, or using a smartphone. Perhaps the best-known example of AR gaming is Pokemon Go, which tasks smartphone owners with catching Pokemon in the real world. Many other franchises have released similar games, ranging from Harry Potter to Dragon Quest, but none of them have been Activision properties so far.
Activision's patent focuses on using GPS to create an AR gaming experience for an unspecified "mobile communication device." This is presumably a smartphone. Although generally vague, there is one hint as to the nature of a game made using this system. An illustration shows the player with a sword, fighting an angry monster of some kind. Although the AR game Minecraft Earth already offers sword fights, Activision could still create something unique with swordplay.
It's worth noting that Activision will be entering a busy market if it chooses to release an AR game. In addition to smartphones and the aforementioned Magic Leap headset, Apple-developed AR glasses may soon hit the market. Since the patent seems to be focused on mobile devices only, Activision may find itself in a tough situation if it has to compete with a new Apple product. Especially if Apple were to offer access to games on its glasses through a service like Apple Arcade, it may be hard for Activision to gain traction outside of that service.
Still, Activision has access to a large number of beloved characters and franchises. No other company could organize a crossover between Tony Hawk and Crash Bandicoot, for example. Activision also has access to Blizzard's franchises, including character-driven properties like Overwatch. If people could fight alongside characters like Tracer in the real world, it could be a compelling way for Activision to attract new players.
Of course, a patent does not guarantee that Activision is planning to enter AR gaming any time soon. Companies like Sony regularly publish patents that either take years to be realized, or never get used. For example, patents like Sony's bizarre robot gaming companion have not yet resulted in actual products of any kind. Although fans of Activision properties may soon have access to AR gaming featuring characters they love, for now they will just have to wait and see.