Dacia nova

📍 Luton, UK (GB)

🏷️ Video Games

Dacia Nova is an innovative, immersive Augmented Reality (AR) kit designed to transport users into the heart of ancient Dacian civilization – the enigmatic warriors and builders of the Carpathian Mountains in what is now Romania. Drawing from UNESCO-listed sites like Sarmizegetusa Regia, this project blends historical accuracy with cutting-edge technology to create a "portable museum" experience. It's not just a gadget; it's a bridge between past and present, empowering history enthusiasts, educators, gamers, and cultural explorers to rediscover the Dacians' legacy in a fun, interactive way.The Story Behind Dacia Nova
The Dacians were a Thracian people who thrived from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD, known for their advanced fortifications, mystical sanctuaries, and fierce resistance against the Roman Empire under leaders like Burebista and Decebalus. Their artifacts – golden spiral bracelets, the wolf-headed Draco standard, and solar calendars – reveal a sophisticated society blending spirituality, warfare, and engineering. Yet, much of this history remains obscure outside academic circles, overshadowed by more famous ancient cultures like Rome or Greece.We've consulted with experts from the National History Museum of Romania to ensure accuracy, incorporating archaeological data from excavations at sites like Costești-Cetățuie and Blidaru fortresses. Dacia Nova isn't just entertainment; it's a tool for preservation, promoting tourism to real Dacian sites while educating on themes like ancient engineering, mythology, and environmental harmony (the Dacians revered nature, aligning with our eco-focus).At its core, Dacia Nova is a hybrid physical-digital kit: a tangible set of artifacts paired with a free mobile app (iOS/Android) that uses AR to animate history. Users become "modern Dacian explorers," scanning items to unlock 3D reconstructions, narratives, and games. Built on Unity engine with ARKit/ARCore for seamless integration, it leverages AI (via models like GPT for story generation) to create dynamic, location-based experiences.Cultural Authenticity: Every element is rooted in real Dacian lore, from Zalmoxis myths to Trajan's Column depictions of battles.
Accessibility: No VR headset needed – just a smartphone. Free app core, with premium features unlocked via kit.
Community Building: Multiplayer modes foster social interaction, turning solo exploration into group adventures.
Sustainability: All physical components use recycled PLA for 3D printing, biodegradable packaging, and carbon-neutral shipping options.Components of the Kit
The standard kit (priced at $75 in rewards) includes:
Dacian-Inspired Necklace: A 3D-printed pendant mimicking the iconic gold spiral bracelets found in Dacian treasures (e.g., from the Petroșani hoard). Made from eco-friendly, durable PLA filament in antique gold finish. It's wearable, symbolic, and serves as an AR anchor – scan it to access "guardian mode" for enhanced protections in games.
AR Symbol Cards (Set of 10): High-quality, laminated cards featuring etched Dacian motifs:Wolf Draco (war banner symbolizing strength).
Solar Spiral (from Sarmizegetusa's calendar, representing eternity).
Falcon Bracelet (falx weapon icon for battles).How It Works
Setup: Download the free app, create a profile (optional for personalization).
Scanning: Use your phone's camera to scan a card or necklace. The app detects markers via computer vision and overlays 3D models in real-time.
Exploration Modes:
Reconstruction View: See full-scale 3D renders of sites like Sarmizegetusa's terraced sanctuaries or Blidaru's multi-layered walls. Rotate, zoom, and interact (e.g., "enter" a virtual temple).
Story Mode: AI generates narrated tales based on GPS. In Romania? Hear location-specific legends
Sanctuary Columns (architectural elements from holy sites).
Each card is 3x5 inches, with QR-like markers for instant AR scanning. Back sides include historical facts for offline reading. Battle Simulator: Multiplayer AR game where players wield virtual falx weapons, defending fortresses against Roman invaders. Supports up to 4 players via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
Education Quizzes: Interactive trivia with rewards like virtual badges or app unlocks.
AI Personalization: Using natural language processing, the app tailors content – e.g., if you're a kid, simplify stories; for adults, add archaeological debates.
Offline/Online Sync: Core AR works offline; cloud sync for multiplayer and updates.

Features and Benefits
Educational Impact: Aligned with STEM/History curricula, it teaches archaeology, geometry (Dacian fortifications), and mythology. Partnerships planned with Romanian schools for free kits.
Immersive Entertainment: Like Pokémon GO meets Assassin's Creed – but focused on real history. User testing showed 85% engagement retention after 30 minutes.
Sustainability Focus: Materials sourced ethically; 10% of profits to Dacian site preservation funds. Carbon footprint minimized via local EU productionGlobal Appeal: Multilingual app (English, Romanian, French, German initially). Targets: History podcasts fans, RPG gamers, travel vloggers.
Community Features: In-app forums, user-generated content (share custom AR scenes), and annual "Dacian Day" events.

Risks and Challenges
Like any tech project, challenges include AR compatibility across devices (mitigated by Unity's cross-platform tools) and supply chain delays for eco-materials (we have backup suppliers). Historical accuracy is paramount – we'll iterate with expert reviews. If delays occur, transparent updates via Kickstarter. We're committed to delivery, with a small team of developers and historians ready to adapt.

Dacia Nova isn't just a product – it's a movement to revive forgotten histories in an era of digital disconnection. By backing us, you're preserving culture, sparking curiosity, and joining a community of modern explorers. Pledge today on Kickstarter and let's bring the Dacians back to life!

Thank you for your support – together, we'll make history interactive!