Introduction
AR Geolocation technology is opening a new era for marketing and entertainment. When it comes to AR Geolocation, few can forget Pokémon Go — the mobile game that sparked a worldwide frenzy in 2016. Players only needed a smartphone to step outside and hunt for Pokémon hidden at real-world locations — from parks and cafés to familiar street corners. This seamless blend of the virtual and the physical world proved the immense power of AR in building communities and creating experiences unlike anything before.
What is AR Geolocation?
AR Geolocation combines augmented reality (AR) with GPS data to overlay digital objects or experiences at specific real-world locations. Users simply open their phone, point the camera at the designated spot, and instantly see virtual content anchored to their surroundings. This technology lays the foundation for gamification, interactive marketing campaigns, and immersive customer experiences.
Pokémon Go – A Global Turning Point
When it launched in 2016, Pokémon Go demonstrated the true potential of AR Geolocation. Millions of people poured into parks, malls, and even street corners to “catch” Pokémon. Beyond being a cultural phenomenon, the game reshaped the retail and marketing industries by turning the real world into an interactive playground that strengthened connections between brands and their customers.
Pokémon Go’s interface applied real-life GPS positioning to determine the location of virtual creatures.
Connecting to the Vietnamese Market
In Vietnam, the potential of AR Geolocation in retail and entertainment is enormous, especially with young consumers eager to embrace new technologies.
Back in 2016, Tao Đàn Park in Ho Chi Minh City — usually a calm, quiet space — suddenly became overcrowded as hundreds of players gathered to hunt Pokémon. This moment highlighted how global trends could ignite local excitement.
Another standout example came from the Hado AR Game – The Hunter, developed by Marvy and launched at AEON Mall Hà Đông, Hanoi. Participants only needed their smartphones to scan the space and step into an AR hunting game within the mall. Virtual creatures appeared across the real-world environment, immersing players in a video game-like experience right in the heart of everyday life. The activation not only drew massive crowds of young people but also positioned AEON Mall as a hub for tech-driven entertainment, boosting both foot traffic and shopping activity.
The Hado The Hunter AR game interface caused a sensation at AEON Mall Hà Đông, Hanoi.
🔗 Find out more about The Hado Hunter Hado Game here
Why AR Geolocation Attracts Brands
Enhanced customer experiences: Transform stores, supermarkets, or shopping malls into vibrant playgrounds.
Boost engagement and sales: Virtual vouchers, mini-games, or “unlock-to-win” features encourage customers to stay longer and make quicker purchasing decisions.
Community building: Loyalty programs, AR-based member events, and interactive reward systems strengthen customer relationships.
Opportunities in Vietnam
With its young population, high smartphone penetration, and strong culture of check-ins and sharing on social media, Vietnam is a highly promising market for AR Geolocation to thrive. Retail, F&B, fashion, and entertainment brands can all learn from Pokémon Go and the Hado AR event to design unique campaigns that both attract new customers and foster loyalty among existing ones.
Consumer trends in Vietnam from 2023–2024 show strong growth in tech-driven, experience-focused spending — making now the ideal moment for brands to experiment with AR-powered engagement
Conclusion
From the global phenomenon of Pokémon Go to pioneering projects like Hado AR Game in Vietnam, it’s clear that AR Geolocation is not just a technological trend but a key driver for gamification in retail and marketing. Brands that adopt early will gain a competitive edge by creating distinctive experiences that truly resonate with their customers.
Are you looking for AR Geolocation solutions to attract customers at events, marketing campaigns, or commercial applications?
Marvy Co. — a pioneer in AR/VR/XR in Vietnam — provides full-service solutions:
Location-based AR games for festivals, malls, and public events.
Interactive AR marketing campaigns that drive engagement and social sharing.
AR tourism experiences with virtual content displayed at real-world landmarks.
Let Marvy turn your interactive ideas into real experiences — vibrant, creative, and viral.
