Tainan Transforms into a Gaming Battlefield: New AR Tech Revives an Ancient City

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
Technology combined with local culture can spark new inspiration. Tainan has partnered with the well-known virtual reality game Ingress to hold “Anomaly Day” and “Mission Day” on May 28 and 29. Tainan has also been named the Asia-Pacific main host site for “Anomaly Day.”

Ingress is a virtual reality game under Google, divided into two major factions: the Enlightened and the Resistance. Players must walk across the city, explore, cooperate with each other, and use smartphones to virtually capture “Portals” (energy towers) disguised as various city landmarks. Players not only compete in the game but also encounter real opponents in the physical world, fostering community friendships.

For Mission Day on May 29, the Tourism Bureau will give out 2,000 limited-edition physical medals— the first Taiwan and Ingress co-branded release—to agents who complete missions in six zones. The bureau has also partnered with hotels, homestays, and restaurants to launch various promotional packages. Beyond completing missions in Tainan, visitors are encouraged to eat, play, and explore the city.