Macmillan – Grishaverse AR map
The challenge
Macmillan, the publisher of the Shadow and Bone books adapted to the screen by Netflix, approached us to commission an AR experience ahead of Comic-Con to help them educate people about the Grishaverse, the world of the Grisha from the books and TV series.
They decided to do this by enabling fans to visualise a map of the Grishaverse. It was important to them that the experience kept the look and feel of the novels, using the existing Grishaverse map as inspiration.
They also wanted the experience to be created in WebAR, enabling maximum shareability of it, as people would only need a mobile browser to access it and would be able to record video and take photos to share on social media too.
Although the experience was initially intended for Comic-Con, they also wanted to ensure it could be re-used at future events, as well as by fans at home.
Our approach
We created a WebAR experience that brought to life the mystery and story surrounding the Grishaverse world, all laid out on its map.
Using the printed map, users could scan a QR code with their mobile phone to activate the AR experience and then focus their camera on the map. Immediately, the map came to life with animations. The user could then focus their camera on different regions of the map to see animated landmarks, which they could tap on to activate voiceover and text.
By exploring the different areas of the map, they could reveal hidden stories from the universe, such as the history of the Grishaverse. Who were the Grisha? What lies within the fold? And how did the Ravkan Civil war come around?
The experience was accompanied by voiceover narration and beautifully stylised graphics and text, to create a unique experience for Grishaverse fans.
The outcome
The experience launched at Comic-Con, where it was a great success.
We have now developed another version that allows users to scan a QR code to open the experience, without the need of having a physical map in front of them.
Upon accessing the URL, users are asked if they have a physical map, and depending on their response they are directed to one or the other experience.
As well as at Comic-Con, the experience was promoted across social media platforms and in the Grishaverse newsletter, encouraging fans to take pictures and video of the experience to share with their own followers.
Get started
Ready to get started with your first 3D or AR experience?
Submit your brief within minutes to start your AR or 3D journey!
