The Augmented Dead. Videogame in Realtà Aumentata, riconoscimento facciale e immaginari zombie

This chapter examines both technical and cultural connections between Augmented Reality experiences and the notion of zombies, considering especially the videogames entertainment field. The purpose of the following analysis is to demonstrate how the Augmented Reality is conceivable as one of the marker of a double allegorical–symbolic process: the humanization of the zombie and, vice–versa, the zombification of the human. Augmented Reality in its multifarious applications is used as a medium able to combines physical spaces and virtual elements. Starting from this premise, the essay will argue the way in which the imaginary of a zombie invasion, borrowed from films and Tv series, is extended in real spaces by Augmented Reality media products. In the first part, the analysis will focus on the description of the main cultural practices marking allegorically an intriguing human–zombie continuity. In the second part, the focus will be on the functional and symbolic role of zombies within traditional videogames and Augmented Reality games. In the last part, the essay will trie to reinforce the idea of the overflow of a zombie imaginary into the reality of the physical spaces considering those media objects which integrate Augmented Reality with the technology of face recognition for gameplay purposes. In conclusion, as the analysis will argue, the figure of zombie is conceivable as symbolic interface for the exploration of spaces where reality and virtuality collide.