In Mixed Reality News
June 17, 2024 – Emerging technology development studios Draw & Code and 302 Interactive, have today announced a collaboration and the launch of FanPort, a social mixed-reality (MR) attraction for immersive and interactive fan and brand engagement. The companies will be showcasing the new attraction at the 2024 Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Long Beach this week.
According to the companies, FanPort is a scalable spatial experience that mixes the deep immersion of virtual reality (VR), with the accessibility and social connection of an open space. Utilizing mixed reality glasses, dynamic lighting, and spatial audio, FanPort is able to place audiences into the heart of brands’ stories.
FanPort provides a customizable system for Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) venues to breathe new life into existing venues by creating experiences for attracting and retaining patrons. The companies noted that the FanPort platform provides the portable and modular infrastructure for branded extended reality (XR) experiences within sports venues, museums, retail centers, themed attractions, and more.
By combining a large LED screen or video-mapped display with augmented reality (AR) glasses, FanPort allows four or more people to share share an immersive experience in the same physical space. Similar to the Mario Kart rides at Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood parks, the mixed reality FanPort platform allows audiences to see the real world around them while interacting with 3D scenes.
“By serving as the first development partner for FanPort alongside Draw & Code, we are helping to make high-quality immersive experience more accessible,” said Kyle Morrand, CEO of 302 Interactive. “FanPort gives brands and entertainment centers the opportunity to take XR technology, previously only found in the large theme parks, and create immersive experiences that can exist anywhere and everywhere.”
302 Interactive and Draw & Code stated that they have spent the last decade building completely custom projects and solutions. Having worked with the likes of Mercedes, Philips, as well as with several leading theme parks, the result of their years of experience in immersive activations has been the development of FanPort.
The two companies added that as a customizable platform, FanPort provides a stronger foundation for building interactive entertainment and serves as an enabler of the XR industry through base physical infrastructure and operator-friendly software that offers both flexibility and brand personalization.
“We first conceived the idea of FanPort at AWE 10 years ago, and after a conversation with 302 Interactive three years ago, we began to envision the ways that FanPort could bring immersive technology and modifiable experiences to venues around the globe,” said John Keefe, CTO and Co-Founder of Draw & Code. “From education to the arts and entertainment, this groundbreaking new platform provides brands with solutions that transport audiences into their world. With the launch of FanPort at this year’s Augmented World Expo, our vision is finally coming full circle.”
Attendees at AWE USA 2024 can experience FanPort in the AWE Playground at stand PG17. For more information on 302 Interactive click here. To learn more about Draw & Code click here.
Image credit: Draw & Code / 302 Interactive
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About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.