Childish Gambino Pharos AR
We collaborated with Google and Childish Gambino to create the PHAROS AR app, an ambitious project that redefined how music is experienced through augmented reality. The app invited users to step into a shared digital space, exploring an interactive cave filled with hidden glyphs and visuals synced to Gambino’s music, where he also chose to debut a new single, enhancing the immersive experience and showcasing ARCore’s Cloud Anchor technology.
The PHAROS AR app was Media.Monks’ most innovative AR project to date. As Senior Director of Technology, I led the technical direction, drawing on years of experience with Google AR projects to develop a seamless, multiplayer AR experience that supported cross-platform interaction. This project pushed the boundaries of what AR could achieve, elevating artistic expression with cutting-edge technology and setting a new benchmark for immersive, shared digital experiences.
PROCESS
From a technical perspective, PHAROS AR leveraged ARCore’s Cloud Anchor technology for seamless multiplayer interaction across Android and iOS platforms. We built a robust architecture that synchronized real-time data, integrating Unity’s rendering capabilities with custom scripts for complex animations and interactions. My expertise with the ARCore SDK positioned Media.Monks as the perfect partner for this project, guiding all parties toward an innovative yet feasible experience within the timeline. The app's success was underscored by over 100M+ impressions, 200 PR hits, 50k downloads, and a featured status on the Apple Store.
