Turning Packaging into Play: AliveNow’s Innovative AR Game Demo on Snapchat

In a world where consumer attention is harder than ever to capture, brands are continuously looking for ways to stand out. One of the most exciting frontiers in this pursuit is the intersection of augmented reality and packaging — transforming static boxes, cans, or wrappers into gateways of digital interactivity.

AliveNow’s latest AR demo experience takes this idea to the next level by turning product packaging into an actual game controller. Built as a Snapchat Lens, this creative tech experience lets users scan the brand’s packaging and then use it to control elements within a playful AR game.

The Concept: Packaging as a Controller

Imagine holding your product — a cereal box, snack pack, or beverage can — and realizing it’s not just packaging anymore. It’s the joystick. Using Snapchat’s powerful AR capabilities, users can scan a code or activate the lens, which then recognizes the product’s packaging design. Movements of the pack are tracked in real time, allowing the user to control the game simply by tilting or moving the packaging.

It’s a delightful fusion of physical engagement and digital immersion — making users literally play with your product.

Built using Lens Studio and Snapchat’s camera tracking technology, the experience showcases how brands can integrate object recognition, motion tracking, and AR interactivity seamlessly.

AliveNow’s creative tech team designed the demo to be both fun and technically sophisticated, highlighting what’s possible when packaging and AR meet. The result is a proof-of-concept that’s perfect for FMCG brands, beverage companies, snack labels, and packaged goods looking to drive engagement and brand love among digital-first audiences.

For marketers, this isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a glimpse into the future of interactive brand storytelling. Turning packaging into a game controller unlocks multiple opportunities:

• Interactive Sampling: Consumers can experience gamified fun directly from the product they purchase.
• Digital-Physical Bridge: Blending real-world packaging with digital play strengthens brand recall.
• Social Engagement: Snapchat’s native sharing capabilities drive organic reach and participation.
• Memorable Brand Experience: Gamification adds a layer of emotional connection that traditional media can’t replicate.

This experience is more than a demo — it’s a creative invitation for brands to explore what’s next in AR-driven marketing.