A DIY AR game built around an ESP32 turns a room into an interactive firing range, spawning targets from the user’s surroundings and logging scores for each session.

A 3D-printed gun-shaped enclosure houses the electronics, with a GC9A01 circular TFT display mounted on the barrel to enhance immersion and aiming feedback.

Players get ten shots per game, and the session ends when ammo runs out, with no time limit beyond the device’s battery life.

The project draws inspiration from HJWWalters’ ESP32 AR project, which provides a detailed step-by-step blog with guidance, including AI-assisted target generation and hardware considerations.

Real-time video feedback powers the AR experience, as targets spawn from various locations within the room based on the surrounding environment.

The piece highlights the novelty and immersion of at-home AR gaming and points out how DIY enthusiasts can replicate or adapt the concept using available hardware and 3D-printed parts.

Overall, the article combines practical hardware instructions with analysis of the current state and future potential of home AR gaming.