As video games and movies become more immersive, the feeling missing from the experience may start to become apparent.Is there any point grand tour Do you wish you could smell burning rubber and engine exhaust?Can you try playing beer pong? horizon world It’s not complete unless you can taste the hops?
As far as this episode is concerned edge broadcastThe latest in our mini-series about the five senses in video games, we’re discussing the topic of smell and taste in video games, and whether either can actually enhance a gamer’s virtual experience. In other words: Smellovision is back for a new generation of media.
First, we tried a product (which is actually available for purchase now) called GameScent, an AI-powered scent machine that syncs with your gaming and movie-watching experiences. GameScent works by listening to the sound design of the content you’re playing or watching and using GameScent-approved scents in those sounds.We tried games like GameScent Mario Kart and ANIMAL CROSSING Let’s see if this actually heralds a scent-filled gaming future.
On the topic of taste, we interviewed Nimesha Ranasinghe, an assistant professor at the University of Maine who works on taste and taste simulation in virtual reality experiences. Ranasinghe told us about his research into sending electrical pulses to the tongue to control different taste sensations, such as salty, sweet, sour and bitter. He also talked about how his research has led to experimental gadgets like “virtual cocktails,” which allow you to send a carefully curated tasting and drinking experience through a digital signal.
If you’d like to learn more about the world of smelling and tasting digital content, here are some links to get you started:
