Smartphone-based mobile AR solves challenges that past
AR systems had, including inconvenience of head-mounted
displays and computer backpacks as well as requirement of
external data processing infrastructure. We described two
versions of Calory Battle AR exergame that utilizes mobile AR
as a means of visualization and interaction. In Calory Battle
AR, the player’s role is to find and defuse virtual calory bombs
in a real world environment. First prototype of the game was
created without a third party rendering or game engine. This
led to many challenges related to 3D data processing and
presentation. To solve these challenges, we designed a new
version of game with the Unity3D game engine. The game
development process was significantly faster and required far
less programming than the first prototype development.
Usability evaluation indicated that the Unity version
outperformed the first prototype especially in aspects of
interaction with AR content and user interface clarity. One of
aspect that improved user experience is virtual buttons. They
made it possible for players to have more realistic interaction
by using their fingers directly. Graphical expression was also
enhanced by using Unity’s built-in shaders.