The Third Eye

AR Multiplayer Game Powered by Facial Recognition.

Third Eye was an augmented reality (AR) game developed for Motorola in collaboration with Viewdle, centered around real-time facial recognition and multiplayer interaction. Built for Android devices, the game used biometric classification as a core mechanic—assigning players into rival factions and blending mobile gaming with camera-based identity mapping.

Set in a medieval fantasy world where players were either Vampires or Vampire Slayers, the game’s premise turned everyday social interactions into dynamic, location-aware missions. Players could identify others in real life through their phone’s camera, determine their faction, and initiate gameplay—unlocking powers, triggering events, or forming temporary alliances based on face matches.

Third Eye leverages cutting-edge AR to merge the digital and physical realms, offering players a unique multiplayer experience rooted in real-world engagement.

We also developed the backend architecture to support live multiplayer interactions. This included player profiles, session tracking, real-time clan assignments, and dynamic content updates. The game needed to handle shifting team allegiances, local proximity data, and social triggers—all within the constraints of Android devices and mobile connectivity at the time.

Gameplay design focused on quick, low-friction interactions. Players could scan a face, identify friend or foe, and engage—sometimes by casting spells or sharing resources, other times by initiating PvP events or unlocking hidden content. The system made use of accelerometer input, geolocation, and AR camera overlays to enhance immersion without overloading the user.

From a UX standpoint, the challenge was to make facial recognition feel natural and gameable—something magical rather than mechanical. We iterated on UI flows that minimized scanning awkwardness, and built in response animations, faction-themed visual effects, and feedback systems to make interactions feel immediate and playful.

​By integrating facial recognition technology, Third Eye redefines social gaming, turning every interaction into a potential adventure

Third Eye was both a game and a live experiment in mobile AR design—developed years before consumer AR reached critical mass. It pushed us to solve complex technical problems around facial recognition, multiplayer synchronization, and responsive AR UI. It also gave us hands-on experience designing for mobile contexts where the physical world and digital play are tightly intertwined.

Client: Viewdle / Motorola