The concept is good, and there is potential for good games, but the Book of spells or what-ever looks down-right stupid.
Wonderbook details emerge
Developers from Sony's London Studio reveal the technology and concepts driving the upcoming augmented reality title.
The development team behind Sony's upcoming augmented reality title Wonderbook: Book of Spells have unveiled more details on the concept and technology behind the game.
In a behind the scenes video on YouTube, the London Studio developers, including creative director Russell Harding, revealed the idea for Wonderbook began in the early days of the PS3, when the publisher's augmented reality technology had given way to two possible ideas for implementation: a virtual pet, or an augmented reality book.
Since the technology involved the camera tracking a marker (usually a card with a specific pattern on it), the Sony team decided to go with the virtual pet idea because it required the tracking of just one, not multiple, markers.
After the success of EyePet, the publishers decided it was time to revisit the technology and begin work on the augmented reality book.
Wonderbook essentially an enhanced version of the EyePet technology: while the same marker design is repeated in Wonderbook, there are now multiple markers for the camera to track and superimpose graphics on, visible on every page of the book. Markers can also be obscured from view (for example, when turning the page) and the technology will still work.
According to the London Studios team, turning the augmented reality book concept into a book of spells that would allow players to use the Move controller as a wand was a natural fit that could allow them to develop simple user interface and one-to-one movements.
Wonderbook: Book of Spells is a collaboration between Sony and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and was first unveiled at Sony's E3 2012 press conference.
The game is due out this holiday.
Content you might like…
-
Wonderbook: Book of Spells Review

Wonderbook: Miranda Goshawk's Book of Spells is a great augmented reality adventure that deftly imagines the experience of spell-casting at Hogwarts.
- Nov 12, 2012
Users who looked at this article also looked at these content items.
Hot Stories
Newsmakers
-
Biden: No legal problem with taxing violent games
United States Vice President Joe Biden believes there is no legal restriction on ability to tax violent media. Full Story
- Posted May 13, 2013 12:50 pm PT
-
Just Cause dev promises 'holy f**king sh**' moments in future games
Avalanche Studios co-founder says developer's ambition is for action, not moments that make players cry; steampunk-style game on hold. Full Story
- Posted May 15, 2013 6:33 am PT
Featured Stories
-
Bungie shoots down Destiny for PS Vita rumor
Developer confirms image suggesting version of upcoming shared-world shooter in development for Sony's latest portable is a fake. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 5:08 am PT
-
Ubisoft planning to release games more frequently
Assassin's Creed and Far Cry publisher says its network of 26 studios and over 7,000 developers will allow company to ship major franchises more regularly. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 4:42 am PT
-
Metro: Last Light dev responds to workplace conditions claims
4A Games creative director Andrew Prokhorov thanks Jason Rubin for telling the studio's story, but says, "We deserve the ratings we get." Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 12:44 pm PT
-
EA opens DICE LA to make Star Wars games
DICE head would also like to poach top talent from rivals Infinity Ward and Treyarch. Full Story
- Posted May 15, 2013 3:28 am PT
-
EA dropping Online Passes - Report
Future EA games won't require Online Passes; the service is being scrapped after tepid player response. Full Story
- Posted May 15, 2013 8:28 pm PT
Related Game
Wonderbook: Book of Spells
- Publisher(s): SCEA
- Developer(s): SCEE London Studio
- Genre: Puzzle
- Release:
- ESRB: E10+





