The first ever city-scale augmented reality (AR) experience has launched today (20 August) in the UK cities of Bristol and Cardiff, as well as San Francisco in the US.
The AR Fix Up The City app is the product of an R&D partnership between the multi-award-winning studios Aardman Animations and immersive storytelling consortium Fictioneers. Starring Wallace & Gromit, the much-loved duo, the experience uses AR alongside hyper-precise digital scanning technology to transform the three cities into virtual playgrounds local users can explore.
The AR experience allows fans in Bristol and Cardiff to interact with the team in a whole new way, with the game taking roughly 60 minutes for players to complete. Users in San Francisco, on the other hand, can enjoy a condensed experience via a compilation of highlights. From Wallace’s rocket to Gromit’s plane and an action-packed battle with a big old cleaning robot, the spin-off is an unmissable for all stans of the famous pair.
The launch of the AR experience, funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), trails Fictioneers’ successful launch of The Big Fix Up earlier this year – an app that was shortlisted for two Cannes Lions awards.
“Wallace & Gromit are no strangers to invention and new technology and we are delighted they are part of such a ground-breaking project” – Merlin Crossingham, Aardman
With the help of Unity Technologies – the software company behind more than 60% if the world’s augmented and virtual reality (VR) content – and bespoke 3D mapping company Fantasmo, the team at Fictioneers were able to scan key architecture in each city to embed hyper-precise AR features and experiences, supporting a more personalised, immersive and engaging user journey.
Iconic British actor Miriam Margolyes voices ‘BERYL’ in Fix Up The City, which also features Jim Carter OBE as ‘Bernard Grubb’, YouTuber Joe Sugg as ‘Big LAD’, and Ben Whitehead as ‘Wallace’.
Merlin Crossingham, creative director at Aardman, commented: “Wallace & Gromit are no strangers to invention and new technology and we are delighted they are part of such a ground-breaking project. For the first time, you can actually be part of a Wallace & Gromit adventure, and experience them larger than life, out in the real world!”
From the archive: First look at 9-year-old’s winning design for new Wallace & Gromit AR adventure