Augmented Reality, Games and Art: Immersion and Flow

Abstract

All forms of augmented reality (AR)—including games—have common features. According to the authors, the two most important are immersion and flow. The phenomenon of AR is closely related with the technology: the optics, the sensors and HD displays are requirements. With the use of applications, digital information can be projected on the real world, while it becomes interactive. Most of AR games are smartphone related. In 2018 smartphones are ubiquitous devices. Their developers’ attention is focused on usability and experience, the goal is to make it as intuitive as possible and not to block the immersion of users into the games. Without the right speed or resolution, games simply do not work, but flow gives the necessary edge. In this study, the authors build on the theory by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, who in his discourse on flow points out the peak experience that occurs when an individual is deeply involved in an activity. This perfect instantaneous real momentum is the flow that is the unity of joy and creativity, something the most popular AR games provide.