DC Comics this morning announced the launch of the Batman Bat-Tech Edition augmented reality app. Designed for kids ages 6-12, the app includes games, photo filters, stickers, and even exclusive digital comics. The app is available now globally in thirteen languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, and more.
Here’s how DC describes the Batman Bat-Tech Edition app in the App Store:
The Ultimate Batman Mobile Experience!
Batman is known for the technology he uses to help save Gotham City, but it’s been the stuff of mystery…until now!
Through the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition, join the Knightwatch and become immersed in the world of Batman, learning how to use his Bat-Tech to fight crime and help defend Gotham City from The Joker, Mr. Freeze, and The Riddler.
This first-of-its-kind augmented reality app is the ultimate Batman mobile experience for kids.
The timing of the app’s release couldn’t be more serendipitous on the heels of yesterday’s THR interview with DC CCO & publisher Jim Lee and senior VP & GM Daniel Cherry III about where the publisher is heading. In the interview Cherry stressed the role that mobile technology will play in ensuring the future of DC’s brand:
And if you know anything about cultural trends, it starts with a community that is strong and rich and vibrant. And it’s our job to keep it vibrant and expand it through new channels. Mobile, digital, and global are really important for the next generation of fans.
There are a lot of young fans who don’t have a history of going to comic book shops so how to meet them where they are? How do you build that bridge? It may be with content that is easiest to find, which is on their phone.
Creating an app for kids that lets them interact with and learn about the characters is a great way to promote engagement and instill an interest in the mythology, and will hopefully lead them either into a comic book store or to a digital comics app for more.
Along with the games and photo filters/stickers, The app also includes a number of videos from the different animated Batman series from over the years, as well as “Batman’s Science Lab” videos about the gadgets the caped crusader uses. The exclusive comic included on the app, Batman: Knightwatch, is written by J. Torres, with art by Erich Owen, colors by Carrie Strachan, letters by Saida Temofonte, and a cover by Marcelo DiChiara and Strachan. The first ten-page issue of the series is available to read now.
Check out some screencaps from the app, as well as the full text of the announcement, below. The DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app is available to download for free now in the App Store and Google Play store now.
BURBANK, CA, Aug.5, 2021 — DC today announced the release of the ultimate Batman mobile experience for kids ages 6-12, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app, a one-of-a-kind free mobile app available today on the App Store and Google Play stores in 13 different languages around the world. Immersing kids in narrative-driven, technology-inspired activities, the new app lets kids join Batman’s crime-fighting team, the Knightwatch and experience the world of Batman, learning how to use his Bat-Tech to fight crime and help defend Gotham City from his evil adversaries. The DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app is COPPA compliant and free to download and play.
Developed in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the new DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) technology to engage kids and immerse them in the world of the iconic DC Super Hero who uses crime-fighting tech to help him foil the evil deeds of The Joker, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler and other DC Super-Villains. In addition to learning about Batman’s technology through the app’s AR storytelling features, kids can play mini games, transform photos with AR face filters and stickers, read exclusive digital comics, watch Batman Bat-Tech themed video content and gain access to the Batcomputer, the super-computer where Batman’s tech secrets are stored.
“Batman is one of our most important franchises, so bringing together the DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products teams to develop this app featuring his fan-favorite gadgets and crime-fighting tech was a chance for us to give fans yet another way to engage with a favorite DC Super Hero,” said Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. “The app creates a truly unique experience that gives kids around the world a chance to immerse themselves in the DC Universe — there’s no other app like it available today.”
“The Batman mobile app showcases Batman’s innovative technology, using augmented reality like never before, and gives kids a way to unlock the mystery behind Batman’s crime-fighting gadgets,” said Kevin Morris, Vice President, Franchise Management and Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Kids can now experience being a DC Super Hero alongside Batman, and while learning and playing they can also help save Gotham City.”
At launch, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features:
- Augmented reality (AR) missions: Through the new app’s AR features, kids become a member of Batman’s new Knightwatch team and immerse themselves in original Batman crime-fighting missions. The amazing AR provides a realistic 3D experience that draws upon engineering and design concepts to make Batman’s Bat-Tech come to life.
- Mini games: Users can play a Batman-themed mobile driving game where players test their skills at driving the Batmobile; Batarang Practice where players face off against the clock and find out how many targets they can knock down; and the Grapnel Launcher game where players must run and jump while utilizing Batman’s abilities to overcome obstacles.
- AR face filters: Kids can transform into Batman, The Joker, Batgirl and more of Gotham City’s most iconic characters using these fun filters and can save photos and share them with friends and family.
- Sticker packs: Users can decorate photos with a variety of Batman-themed stickers, turning an ordinary shot into a cool Batman story.
- Batman Bat-Tech video content: The app connects to the extremely popular DCKids’ YouTube A new series, entitled “Batman Science Lab” will launch this fall exploring the real-world applications of Batman’s technology.
- New missions, games, filters, sticker packs, and video content will be added and updated on a regular basis to keep the app experience fresh and fun for kids.
Additionally, launching exclusively on the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app is a digital comic series, Batman – Knightwatch, where kids can explore how the Knightwatch program was created and follow along with Batman and his Super Hero team as they take on Gotham’s City’s Super-Villains following a massive breakout at Arkham Asylum. Additional digital comics will be added to the app on a regular basis.
Fans can download the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition today and help Batman save Gotham City. Available for free on the App Store and the Google Play store, the app is playable on both tablets and smart phones. The app is available globally and is localized in 13 different languages.
