Northampton Uni graduates aim to bring town's history to life with indie game
Developers say the game will offer a fresh way for locals to rediscover the town's Victorian era
A new augmented reality (AR) mobile game is set to let players rediscover Northampton by combining local heritage with a fictional story, immersing them in the town’s 1800s past through interactive gameplay.
Developed by Dystopia Games, a studio founded by University of Northampton graduates Elisa Pojaga and Samuel Waite, the game invites players to see the town in a completely new way. Using their phone cameras, participants can explore real-life locations enhanced with digital clues layered onto the modern day, effectively transporting players back to the Victorian era through a narrative-driven scavenger hunt.
“This AR project is about letting people experience Northampton in a completely new way, blending real locations with a fictional story set in the past,” Elisa said. “It’s a unique way to combine games with history and bring something innovative to the town.”
The story, steeped in mystery, offers clues to uncover and red herrings to navigate, encouraging players to explore repeatedly while experiencing new layers each time they play.
Samuel added: “When players look through their phone, they’ll see different clues that transport them back in time to discover what Northampton might have looked like in the 1800s. The project mixes local history with interactive storytelling to highlight real places throughout the town.”
Blending gaming with heritage
The duo is working with Northamptonshire Council and local heritage organisations to ensure the historical elements align with the town’s past while allowing for creative storytelling. These partnerships aim to blend digital innovation with Northampton’s culture and unique setting, creating a game that not only entertains but also informs.
Currently in its early development stages, the studio is collaborating with artists from the University of Northampton and aiming to grow local support for the project as it progresses. Elisa noted: “This project is all about building something local while connecting with the growing creative community here in Northampton, which is increasingly vibrant.”
Building Northampton’s creative scene
Samuel and Elisa see this project as part of a wider ambition to position Northampton as a hub for creative game development. Their studio, Dystopia Games, specialises in narrative-led indie games and is already working on another flagship project – a cyberpunk, fashion-noir detective story – alongside the AR experience.
Both graduates are representing Dystopia Games at the Northampton Film Festival networking night on 3rd March 2026, where they will join local creatives to share their passion for growing the town’s artistic and digital industries.
Samuel explained: “Our hope is to create games that stand out both technically and creatively, while also helping Northampton grow its identity as a place for game development and storytelling.”
Players and residents keen to learn more about the AR game or Dystopia Games’ other projects can find details online or meet Elisa and Samuel at upcoming local events.