HADO is an innovative sport that combines augmented reality (AR) with elements of video games and traditional sports. Presented at XR Fair Tokyo 2024, HADO drew attention for its unique and immersive approach to sports entertainment, and I was delighted to interview its CTO Tomita-san:

Interview with the CTO of Meleap

HADO is considered a technosport, which is played on by team on a field, with augmented reality helmets. Created by the company Meleap in Japan in 2014, the idea came from its founder Hiroshi Fukuda, who dreamed of launching hadoken like in comics and on television.

In HADO, participants wear AR helmets and sensors on their arms, allowing them to see and interact with virtual elements in the real world. The game takes place on a field where players can move freely. The main objective is to throw virtual “energy balls” at your opponents while dodging those thrown at them. Sensors record the player’s movements, allowing for smooth and responsive interaction with virtual elements.

This sport highlights several interesting aspects of immersive technology. First, it demonstrates how augmented reality can be used to create dynamic and engaging gaming experiences. Unlike traditional video games, HADO requires real physical activity, making it an active and healthy form of entertainment. Players must run, jump and dodge, which adds a physical dimension to the game.

In addition, HADO illustrates the evolution of sports towards more technological and interactive formats. It offers a new way to practice sports, combining the fun of video games with the benefits of physical exercise. This combination attracts not only video game enthusiasts, but also those looking for innovative ways to stay active.

XR Fair Tokyo 2024 highlighted HADO as an example of how XR technology can transform entertainment and sports. The demonstrations showed how this technology can be used to create immersive and interactive experiences that captivate audiences. The interviews with the creators and participants highlighted the growing enthusiasm and interest in this type of sport.

HADO represents an exciting fusion of technology and sport, offering a unique experience that could well become a major trend in the field of immersive entertainment.