Sony To Launch 'Ghostbusters'-Inspired Augmented Reality Experience

If Marvel Studios, ILMxLAB and The Void created "Avengers: Damage Control" as their location-based virtual reality experience, Sony picked a cult classic that will have fans suiting up as a "Ghostbusters" and track down ghosts and ghouls.

In line with the franchise's 35^th anniversary, Engadget reported that Sony is testing a new augmented reality experience based on the popular hit show of the '80s.

Starting October 12^th to December 8^th, a portion of the Ginza Sony Park in Tokyo, Japan will be transformed into a ghost-infested spot where four players can team up and fend off ghosts just like what Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, Winston Zeddemore and Egon Spengler did in New York City.

Upload VR pointed that soon to be virtual parapsychologists will use ghost-busting accessories and Sony's novel AR R&D prototype headset that looks like Lenovo's Mirage AR.

“These devices tend to have low brightness, transparency and contrast, but afford a relatively large field of view and are inexpensive to to produce,” the website said.

Sony will host up to four sessions per day on the aforementioned dates. Each session will go for 60 minutes. The best about Sony's "Ghostbusters" experience is that it's absolutely free. You heard it right, folks: Sony won't charge a dime and you can catch all the ghosts that your nostalgic heart desires.

The Japanese consumer electronics giant expects the demand to be high, so they came up with a “lottery system” so that fans can apply for a spot. It's best to keep your fingers crossed if you really want to be ghostbuster for a day.

Sony said it's best to apply with two or more people who are 18 years old and above. In addition, they need to complete a questionnaire. The company didn't divulge much about it, but it's a clear sign that they will be using the answers to further improve their AR efforts.

"Ghostbusters" is just one of the many AR-inspired experience Sony has been brewing lately. Next Reality said that the company has two AR experiences: an 60's inspired “interactive museum” and what looked like an “outdoor interactive art project.” They will use the same prototype headset, while concept videos suggested that the AR gear will also include “advanced hand tracking,” earbuds and a rather large backside that will supposedly house the headset's battery and “computing components.”

Keep in mind that the upcoming "Ghostbusters" AR experience will be in Japan and as such, will be detailed in Japanese. Be that as it may, it's not every day that you'll get to be a ghostbuster, let alone have a go on what will become one of the best AR platforms in the industry.