New LoGaCulture research sheds light on the future of digital storytelling and authoring tools for cultural heritage.

A new study by LoGaCulture researchers Jack Brett, Natalia Adamczewska, and Charlie Hargood from Bournemouth University, investigates how both players and designers perceive mixed reality (MR) experiences in cultural heritage settings. The paper, Understanding Attitudes on Mixed Reality Heritage, was presented at the Narrative and Hypertext 2025 Workshop in Chicago.

As mixed reality technologies become increasingly embedded in museums, historic landmarks, and urban storytelling, understanding how people engage with these experiences — and how designers build them — has become crucial. This research bridges that gap, providing valuable insights for the design of future MR authoring tools and experiences.

Understanding Attitudes Toward Mixed Reality

The team conducted three complementary studies:

  • A survey of 52 MR players;
  • 12 in-depth player interviews;
  • 5 designer interviews exploring their creative and technical approaches.

Together, these studies reveal a shared enthusiasm for MR experiences that combine education, storytelling, and interactivity. Players were particularly drawn to real-world historical narratives, collecting and treasure-hunt gameplay, and social experiences that encourage group participation. Designers echoed this, stressing the importance of creating experiences that enhance the heritage site itself, rather than simply replicating traditional video games in physical spaces.

Designers in the study also emphasized the challenges of developing MR heritage experiences — particularly testing in real locations, working collaboratively across disciplines, and dealing with connectivity issues. They also highlighted the need for flexible authoring tools that can support teams of writers, artists, and technologists working together on-site. As one designer put it, “You don’t wanna create a bad video game that’s also limited by location. You wanna create an experience that elevates the place that is already a special thing.”

Connecting Research to LoGaCulture’s Mission

This paper directly contributes to LoGaCulture’s core goal: enhancing how local games and cultural storytelling can be designed, authored, and experienced across Europe. By examining both user and designer expectations, the study provides practical guidance for the project’s ongoing development of locative and mixed-reality authoring platforms. The findings also reinforce LoGaCulture’s belief that technology should serve as a bridge between digital innovation and tangible heritage, enabling more inclusive, interactive, and meaningful engagement with culture.

As part of LoGaCulture’s broader programme funded by the European Commission and UKRI, this research lays the groundwork for the next generation of authoring tools and MR storytelling frameworks. By placing both creators and audiences at the centre of design, the project continues to redefine how cultural heritage can be experienced through digital play.