Verizon AR Wayfinding: A Goblin’s Journey Through 5G Innovation

When Verizon approached my company to develop a wayfinding application for their New Jersey headquarters, the initial brief was straightforward: create a mobile Augmented Reality (AR) experience using arrows to guide guests through the building. However, with dual objectives of showcasing the advances of 5G and cloud computing while delivering a functional application for prospective partners like theme parks, museums, and shopping complexes, we saw an opportunity to push the project further.

We recommended a shift from a purely functional tool to an immersive, branded entertainment experience—one that would captivate users while demonstrating the broader potential of the technology. Verizon enthusiastically approved, and the result was a unique, interactive adventure led by Gabe, an adorable goblin creator with a jetpack.

Gabe was brought to life with the expertise of Academy Award-winning designer Chris Walas, famed for iconic creations like Gizmo from Gremlins, Cronenberg’s The Fly, and the Ewoks of Star Wars. Captured using volumetric technology, Gabe became the charming heart of the experience, guiding visitors through Verizon’s headquarters and into parallel universes.

To enhance immersion, we 3D-scanned Verizon’s physical architecture, overlaying interactive 3D environments that aligned perfectly with the real-world spaces. As players followed Gabe through puzzles, battles, and exploratory challenges, they were treated to witty one-liners and stunning visuals that transformed the office into a realm of adventure.

The project was a resounding success, both creatively and technically, spinning off multiple iterations as Verizon integrated different technical elements into the framework. The development process, completed at the height of the pandemic, required innovative solutions to overcome remote production challenges while coordinating with Verizon’s on-site team.

What began as a technical objective evolved into a showcase of 5G and cloud computing’s potential, delighting Verizon and demonstrating the power of immersive experiences for future applications. Gabe remains a beloved symbol of the project, proudly displayed in our conference room, awaiting the next adventure.