A Platform for Mobile Collaborative Augmented Reality Game: A Case Study of “AR Fighter”

This chapter describes the implementation of networking features in a mobile augmented reality (AR) gaming environment. A prototype of a mobile AR collaborative game “AR Fighter” is developed. AR fighter employs the TCP/IP protocol to enable multiplayer functionality in a mobile AR environment. One phone acts as the server and the other as the client. The two phones communicate to each other via WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Players are able to manipulate their own virtual avatars to interact with virtual objects in the game. We also enabled Mac server features. Individual users can update their models by connecting to the Mac OS server which manages the tracking of high scores and the provisions of in-game incentives.