Lenovo, Disney bring new multiplayer mode to ‘Star Wars: Jedi Challenges’ augmented reality experience

PRESS RELEASE

For the first time in Star Wars: Jedi Challenges, Star Wars fans can have lightsaber battles against each other in local multiplayer mode, the newest feature expansion for the smartphone-powered augmented reality (AR) experience from Lenovo and Disney. The feature update, titled Lightsaber Versus Mode, is the second free update since the product launched in November 2017. Lightsaber Versus Mode is available now in the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges app, which is free to download on the App Store® and Google Play™.    

A first-of-its-kind, Star Wars: Jedi Challenges has allowed fans to train like a Jedi, battling against legendary dark side villains like Kylo Ren and Darth Vader in AR since its launch in late 2017. Driven by overwhelming fan demand, the new multiplayer mode allows two players – each equipped with the smartphone-powered Lenovo Mirage™ AR headset, Lightsaber Controller, Tracking Beacon and a compatible smartphone¹ – to face off in AR lightsaber battles, while in the same room. This is the first time two players can play simultaneously while being able to see the other player’s lightsaber in AR.

“Innovating and iterating based on customer feedback is a big part of what makes Lenovo products different and better,” said Jeff Meredith, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Lenovo Consumer PCs and Smart Devices. “One of the most popular fan requests since the launch of Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is to enable 1-on-1 local multiplayer mode for fans to duel one another in lightsaber battles. We’re excited to continue collaborating with Disney to fulfill fans’ wishes by testing the frontiers of augmented reality. The introduction of the Lightsaber Versus Mode is another step in our journey to offering consumers one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences made possible by AR.”

In Lightsaber Versus Mode, players are guided by visual cues indicating when and where to block, dodge, and strike. As players face off, the battle increases in difficulty until one player claims victory. Each player must download the latest version of the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges app² on compatible smartphones,¹ with access to the same Wi-Fi connection.

“Our goal here is to extend Star Wars experiences in completely new and different ways for fans -- Star Wars: Jedi Challenges does exactly that,” said Kyle Laughlin, Senior Vice President, Games and Interactive Experiences, Disney Parks, Experiences & Consumer Products. “The product’s global success has encouraged us to give players even more authentic Star Wars moments, and we look forward to continuing to improve and expand the gameplay.”

About Star Wars: Jedi Challenges

Star Wars: Jedi Challenges brings iconic Star Wars experiences to life with the Lenovo Mirage AR headset, a Lightsaber Controller modelled after Rey’s lightsaber as seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi™, Tracking Beacon, and compatible smartphone.¹ Offering more than 30 hours of multi-level immersive content, Star Wars: Jedi Challenges features three gameplay modes players must master on their journey to becoming a Jedi:

●      Lightsaber Battles: Perfect your lightsaber skills by taking on some of the most menacing villains the dark side has to offer – from Kylo Ren to Darth Vader and more. Or grab a friend and face off in the new Lightsaber Versus Mode.

●      Strategic Combat: Command forces against enemies in large-scale legendary ground wars.

●      Holochess: Outwit your opponents in the ultimate game of concentration and strategy in the beloved Star Wars board game that first appeared in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope™.

Multiplayer mode is the second expansion to the original experience and offers endless hours of dynamic 1-on-1 gameplay.  Star Wars: Jedi Challenges also features an earlier content expansion, inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi, including a new lightsaber duel against two Praetorian Guards in Lightsaber Battles, three additional levels of Strategic Combat set on the mineral planet Crait, Porgs and more.

Pricing and Availability

Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is available on www.jedichallenges.com and select local retailers:

·         Villman

·         Silicon Valley

·         Gigahertz

·         DS Gadgets

·         Select PC Express branches

It is priced at P14,995.

The Star Wars: Jedi Challenges app is free to download on the App Store and Google Play.

¹ Smartphone is sold separately. For a list of compatible smartphones, please visit www.jedichallenges.com/compatibility.

² Available at www.jedichallenges.com/app.