Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge

Universal Studios Japan, AR Mario Kart ride

Overview:

Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, premiered at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. Developed on the Microsoft Hololens, this attraction allows riders to throw shells at enemies, fight boss battles, and steer the vehicle during the race while digital media is displayed on projection screens and in an augmented reality visor.

Skills: Technical Animation, State Machines, Rigging, Level Building

Tools: Unity, Maya

Platform: Microsoft HoloLens, Proprietary AR Visors

Team: DreamCraft Attractions Ltd, Hololabs

Technical Animation

I worked on rigging, animating, and implementing 3D animations for the AR characters and Karts, world events, and crowds seen throughout the ride within the Unity engine.

Challenges: Synchronized AR and real world events, hardware limitations, and maintaining IP