Jungle Squad Brings AR Trading Cards to UK Screens
Imaginakery has introduced a pioneering concept to British audiences with the launch of Jungle Squad, the nation’s first-ever augmented reality (AR) trading card game, accompanied by a 20-part animated YouTube series. The project is spearheaded by Mark Simester, the former head of Soreen and Marketing Director at Warburtons, who now leads Imaginakery with the ambition to reimagine children’s play through interactive storytelling and technology.
Developed in Manchester and aimed at a global audience, Jungle Squad combines innovation in gaming, animation, and sustainability-driven storytelling. The animated YouTube series has been produced by Cosmos Maya, an international animation studio recognised for its work on Paw Patrol and Cocomelon. Using state-of-the-art technology, the series delivers cinematic visuals and follows a sustainability-themed hero-versus-villain narrative designed to captivate young viewers over time.
Imaginakery’s founder, Mark Simester, left a successful corporate career to pursue his vision of reviving imaginative play for children. His mission with Jungle Squad is to reconnect young audiences with creativity and family-based gameplay. The new release introduces a UK-first in AR gaming, blending physical trading cards with digital interactivity to create a unique, immersive experience for children.
Manchester-based digital agency Corporation Pop played a key role in developing the game’s design and augmented reality features. Known for their expertise in AR and VR innovation, the team translated Imaginakery’s vision into a dynamic experience that merges storytelling and technology. Their Managing Director, Dan Taylor, described the collaboration as one that brings together creative narrative and interactive gameplay, resulting in a product set to attract global attention.
At the heart of Jungle Squad is a diverse team of animal heroes, each with a rich backstory and unique abilities. Every pack of trading cards introduces new characters that come to life when viewed through the AR app, allowing children to see their favourite creatures leap from the table into their environment. The cards are designed to be accessible, affordable, and simple to use, offering a fresh take on the traditional trading card experience.
The official premiere took place at the Rex Cinema in Wilmslow on 11th October, marking the public debut of the Jungle Squad animation. The event featured exclusive screenings, live augmented reality demonstrations, and a special appearance by Luke Solve Collectables, one of the UK’s most followed trading card influencers, who regularly draws millions of views on YouTube.
Simester’s goal extends beyond entertainment. Through Jungle Squad, he aims to encourage family interaction and imaginative play that modern digital habits often overlook. The combination of an engaging AR app, collectable cards, and an ongoing YouTube series is designed to inspire creativity, storytelling, and togetherness among children and parents alike.
The project represents a significant step in British entertainment and gaming, merging the nostalgic appeal of trading cards with cutting-edge AR innovation. Positioned at the intersection of play, technology, and education, Jungle Squad aims to reignite imagination while offering a new kind of screen experience, one that brings stories to life in children’s hands.
As Imaginakery’s debut creation, Jungle Squad not only marks a milestone for the company but also introduces a new era in family gaming. Its launch underscores the growing convergence between interactive media and traditional play, setting a new standard for how young audiences engage with characters, collectables, and digital storytelling.
