Michael McGlade is the founder and creative director of Rovar, a company that partners with leading visitor destinations to create world-class virtual, factual and fun visitor experiences delivered as AR experiences built upon its dedicated Rovar platform.
A key client is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Bringing immersive interactive experiences to the world’s largest and most famous TV series, Rovar worked in partnership with Linen Mill Studios and HBO. Its augmented reality experiences allow visitors to explore the seven kingdoms from the title sequence in high animated detail, laid out on the original King’s Landing map room.
The firm also worked on the Home of Titanic experience which brings the industrial story of Belfast to life in a truly immersive way. Thanks to cutting-edge AR technology, Rovar reconstructed the iconic ship on the Thompson Dry Dock in full 3D detail. With this project, its goal was to reimagine the untold story of the Titanic in an immersive way that would capture visitors’ imaginations and help them understand the events that unfolded. Guests were given the ability to explore the ship’s decks, lifeboats, funnels, and compartments just by using their smartphone, making it an easy and accessible experience that everyone could enjoy.
Rovar has also worked with the Aldar Group in Abu Dhabi on a Speed Racing AR attraction and developed an experience exploring the WWI aircraft carrier HMS Caroline.
One nominator said: “Michael is truly one of the most innovative leaders in themed entertainment today. Michael and his team at Rovar are pioneers in creating immersive visitor experiences with the use of augmented reality for major international brands and smart tourism, making use of open spaces to recreate and tell cultural stories throughout cities, and helping communities maintain a sense of ownership. In the process, he is paving the way for new immersive attractions and helping communities kick-start and regenerate their visitor economies.”