Have you heard of or even played augmented darts? Yes? No? Maybe you have heard the term but have no idea what it can mean.
Many people make the erroneous assumption that augmented darts simply means playing darts in a plush venue with gold-tipped darts, and a diamond-encrusted darts board.
To be honest, that is not so much augmented darts but more ostentatious arrows.
Augmented darts is a form of darts that sees the traditional game we all know with double tops, treble 19s, bullseyes, and 180s, meeting with modern virtual reality computer technology.
This combination has created an activity that is growing at an incredible rate with both the number of people playing it and the popularity of augmented darts rocketing.
If you keep reading we will outline some of the main facts about augmented darts, which we hope will spark your interest in finding out more, and possibly even lead to you finding out where you can play augmented darts locally.
How Does Augmented Darts Work?
For you to be able to play the full-sized version of augmented darts you will need to visit a sports venue or entertainment centre that has an augmented darts system.
This system will likely consist of five main components which are:
- A specially constructed dartboard
- A projector screen on which the graphics appear
- A projector that beams the graphics for the games onto the screen and dartboard
- A user interface that will normally have touchscreen controls
- Quality speakers for gaming sounds
The other things required will be an electrical supply to power everything, a Wi-Fi internet connection, and of course, darts.
The specific venue you are in will determine what other accessories there are such as lighting, seating, and tables.
Gameplay will involve players throwing darts at the board, and the system will sense where the darts have landed and then display what was scored.
After each throw, the graphic will allow each player to see how they did, provide comparisons with the other players’ scores, and let each player know what they require to score to win the game.
Interface Usage
One of the biggest differences between augmented darts and normal darts is the user interface. In venues with augmented starts, you are likely to be set up on the player interface by a member of staff.
They will enter the name of each player and for added fun and personalisation, each player will have their photo taken…so make sure you smile.
Once every player has been added, you can then choose which augmented darts game you want to play.
This is another way in which augmented darts provides even greater fun because, just as on a computer game consul, you have game variations.
Not only that, you can choose to input each player’s skill level so that games become more balanced, and everyone has a chance of scoring well and winning.
The game interface will also let you split players into doubles or teams and as each game progresses it will give you options such as deleting scores, rethrowing darts that ‘miss’ the board, it will update leaderboards for each game, and you can add or delete players if people leave, or others join you.
You can even call on your server in venues where tray service is available should you require refreshments brought to you.
Who Can Play Augmented Darts?
Unless the venue you are in has an alcohol licence that forbids children from entering, then the simple answer is anyone.
Augmented darts can be played among friends of all ages, families, and groups of work colleagues wanting to unwind after a hard day at the office.
Darts skills are not the priority, having fun is, although if you rate your virtual darts skills, leagues are springing up all over which are undoubtedly competitive.