Smartphone Game Turns The Streets Into A Laser-Tag Arena

Father.io is set to deliver a real-life, global multiplayer first-person shooter; played in the physical world against real people. With over 12 million physical locations, the augmented reality smartphone game hopes to turn global cities into giant laser-tag arenas.

Blurring the line between virtual gameplay and reality, gamers worldwide will be divided into two opposing teams — Humans vs Evolved. Cities and towns alike will be divided into Areas of 50 square meters. The first team to visit an Area can claim it as their own — from then on, it’s war! Players must steal, kill and build if they want their faction to reign supreme.

Father.io

Father.io

Gamers are required to download the free app and purchase a small infra-red emitter called The Inceptor. Once clipped onto a smartphone, it is capable of firing and detecting shots within a 50m range. The mapping system is detailed enough to give institutions such as universities, banks, and hospitals specific in-game significance. Claim an Area with a bank to secure resources in a vault, a university to boost research or a hospital to improve heal times. If fighting the impending apocalypse gets dull, gamers can get together with friends to take part in free-for-all deathmatches (sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the park!).

Father.io is currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo. The initial funding target of $50,000 was achieved within the first 24 hours. Currently available in beta form, the full app and Inceptors are expected to go live in summer 2016.

Related Insights

Unreal City

Augmented Reality App Makes the Art Exhibition COVID-Proof

An augmented reality exhibition along the River Thames transforms London’s public space into a COVID-proof digital museum.

Block by Block

Using Minecraft as an Urban Planning Tool in Developing Countries

Block by Block, an urban transformation outreach programme by UN-Habitat, helps local communities to have a say about their urban spaces by using Minecraft as a planning and visualisation tool.

Senior Playgrounds

How Cities Are Keeping the Elderly Happy and Healthy With Senior Playgrounds

Inspired by a long-standing feature of Chinese public parks, cities around the world seek to keep ageing populations healthy with dedicated senior playgrounds.