Highcross Leicester has welcomed HADO, the world’s first augmented reality (AR) techno-sport, to the centre as part of a free, two-week pop-up, giving visitors the chance to experience a new form of physical gaming that combines real-world sport with digital gameplay.
Now open in the former North Face unit on the upper mall, the pop-up gives visitors the chance to compete on a real-world court while wearing AR headsets and wrist sensors, allowing them to shoot digital energy balls, raise shields and dodge attacks in real time.
Created in Japan in 2014, HADO is a physical esports experience that combines the movement and competitiveness of sport with the technology of gaming. Unlike traditional gaming or virtual reality, players are physically active within the real-world environment, running, moving and competing while digital elements are overlaid onto their surroundings.
The pop-up is the first HADO experience to take place within a shopping centre in the UK, bringing the sport to Highcross for the first time.
Visitors can take part in two different HADO games during the pop-up:
Player Versus Player (PVP) sees teams of up to three compete against one another, firing virtual energy blasts, dodging attacks and using shields to score points. Each game lasts 80 seconds, with the team scoring the most points taking the win.
For those looking for a different challenge, Monster Battle sees players take on virtual dragons, monsters and bosses across a series of levels. The game can be played individually or in teams of up to four, with players challenged to progress through the levels and defeat the final boss.
The HADO experience is open 11am to 6pm Wednesday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, running until Sunday 30 August, with the experience completely free for visitors. Visitors can drop in with no need to pre-book.
Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross Leicester, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing HADO to Highcross, giving our shoppers the opportunity to experience the UK’s first pop-up of its kind in a shopping centre.
“It’s a completely new experience for Leicester, and we’re excited to give visitors the chance to get involved, whether they’re already passionate about gaming or simply looking to try something different.”
The event forms part of Highcross Leicester’s continued focus on creating exciting and accessible experiences for visitors, following a programme of unique events and activations, such as the Scalextric racing competition and community-led dance showcase.
For more information on Highcross, visit www.highcrossleicester.com, or check out its social media channels, on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram.
