Future US Titles Feature Augmented Reality Special Edition "Far Cry 3" Covers

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Future US, a leading producer of gaming and technology media properties, will release three very special augmented reality (AR) "Far Cry 3" covers in succession with the first being PlayStation: The Official Magazine (PTOM), followed by Official Xbox Magazine (OXM) and then PC Gamer.  These printed magazine covers will use the latest AR technology from Aurasma, the world's leading AR platform. Fans can interact with the special edition covers by using a free Aurasma-powered app called "Future AR" (for iOS and Android) via their smart phone or tablet. This augmented reality viewer can be used on Future's media products for additional, interactive content.  For these particular executions, Future will be bringing the covers of PTOM, OXM and PC Gamer to life, in partnership with Ubisoft for Far Cry 3. Please visit http://www.digitalfuture.com/aurasma for a sneak peek of the AR covers and how they work.

The issues will hit stands on the following dates:

• PlayStation: The Official Magazine – October 23
• Official Xbox Magazine – November 6
• PC Gamer – November 6

"We are always striving to provide new and creative programs that engage our loyal audience. These special edition covers offer an exciting way for readers and Far Cry fans to interact with the covers of our most popular titles," said Rachelle Considine, chief operating officer, Future US. 

Ubisoft's "Far Cry 3" allows players to step into the shoes of Jason Brody, a man alone at the edge of the world, stranded on a mysterious tropical island. In this savage paradise where lawlessness and violence are the only sure thing, players dictate how the story unfolds, from the battles they choose to fight to the allies or enemies they make along the way. As Jason Brody, players will slash, sneak, detonate and shoot their way across the island in a world that has lost all sense of right and wrong.  The game is set to release on December 4 in the U.S., and fans are anxiously awaiting the release.

The Future AR app's AR is made possible by Aurasma's AR platform.  Aurasma uses advanced image and pattern recognition to recognize and understand real-world images and objects in much the same way the human brain does.  It then blends the images with video and animations called "Auras," which provide the ability to see the images as if they were in front of them in real life.  The Aurasma Lite app has been downloaded more than four million times in more than 100 countries, and boasts more than 8,000 partners across retail, fashion, sport, automotive, entertainment, lifestyle and gaming.

"The interactive gaming industry is a natural fit for augmented reality," said Jennifer Rapp, general manager of Aurasma.  "By using the Future US publications to launch exclusive digital Ubisoft 'Far Cry 3' content on mobile devices, these forward-looking brands are giving readers both an engaging print experience as well as an exciting way to discover more about the next big game."

About Future

Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today the company has operations in the U.K., U.S., and Australia creating over 200 special-interest publications, apps, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. The company holds strong market positions in games, music, technology, action sports, film, automotive and crafts. The biggest-selling magazines in the U.S. include Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, PC Gamer, Maximum PC and Mac|Life, while the U.K. business publishes leading titles such as T3, Total Film,and Classic Rock. The company's web sites include GamesRadar, BikeRadar, TechRadar and MusicRadar. Future sells over 2.2 million magazines each month; attracting more than 45 million unique visitors to its websites; and delivering over 100 digital editions and bespoke apps on tablet. In addition, Future exports, syndicates or licenses its publications to 89 countries internationally, making it the U.K.'s biggest exporter of monthly magazines.

SOURCE Future US

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