Cyber security is the star of this enlightening AR showcase
Cyber security AR city game
At the 2018 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, we launched an immersive augmented reality experience designed to educate and entertain. Our mission: turn the complex world of cyber security into an interactive, gamified AR city under siege. Through real-time challenges and hands-on gameplay, we helped users understand the urgency and value of cyber security services in a tangible, memorable way.
Partners
We collaborated closely with a leading UAE cyber security provider to bring this project to life. Known for pioneering digital protection solutions for enterprises and governments alike, our client wanted a dynamic way to showcase their offerings at one of the world’s most high-profile tech expos.
Enter a city under cyber attack
We created a fast-paced AR game in which players defended a city against waves of simulated cyber attacks. At the heart of the experience was the physical city model, which responded to gameplay with lights, flashing areas, and reactive zones. Using our custom-built AR app, players used digital shields to protect key infrastructure – power grids, hospitals, airports – from being hacked, competing with each other to become the ultimate cyber defender.
The simulated attacks escalated in severity, beginning with central payment gateway hacks and malware outbreaks to full blown fire sale attacks and “all out” attacks – in which players are notified that all sectors have been compromised. As the game escalates, various consequences appear as warning icons above the city, including financial attacks, transport suspensions, compromised energy sources, and more, to illustrate the devastating effects of these increasingly dangerous cyber attacks.
Understanding cyber security
Cyber security is a complex and often misunderstood field. Our challenge was to visualise the real-world consequences of cyber attacks in a way that was both clear and compelling. By transforming abstract digital threats into visible, high-stakes scenarios, we emphasised the urgency and relevance of cyber defence in everyday life.
AR added an irresistible layer of excitement and immersion. Instead of handing out flyers or doing a static presentation, attendees lined up to play with our client’s message. Watching an AR city light up and ‘fall apart’ in real time drove home the stakes of cyber defence. The competitive gameplay element added energy to the booth, drew crowds, and prompted deeper conversations with our client’s team. It turned passive attendees into active participants, helping our client stand out among hundreds of booths and demos at MWC and other conferences.
Play with purpose
The cyber security AR experience highlights how augmented reality can be used as a powerful storytelling tool, regardless of the surroundings. By transforming cyber security into a city-saving mission, we made a serious subject unforgettable. The result was a standout moment at MWC, stronger client engagement, and a bold reminder that even the digital world can benefit from a little play.
Since then, we’ve continued to develop educational, gamified training apps for a variety of sectors, including cyber security training for students at Queen’s University Belfast, as well as continuing our work in the marketing and tradeshows sector.
