I was reading a comment asking what the sent module was and it got me thinking…
Is a scent module really a good idea considering the types of games we play?
Imagine this if you will perhaps for a giggle…
Considering that scent is the sense that is closest to memory ( or is it emotions?), picture playing resident evil and getting a faint hint of lavender scent from your VR module…
After hours of playing the same game and getting the same scent pushed into your nostrils…
what will happen the day you cross an actual lavender field or your girlfriend starts washing with lavender scented soap? Lol
I’m pretty sure there won’t be blood and broken bones scents for when you play Doom Vr… so what else is there? Loll.
Hope I didn’t offend anyone… I just find the concept pretty funny personally.
I actually think its pretty cool, if used properly. I imagine its place would be on nature themed VR experiences / cooking experiences. I don’t see it in other genres though. I believe it could help with “presence.” I would buy it just for the novelty.
I can see this as more of a commercial application. In games like Nature’s Trek for example is a relaxing game. So trekking in the wilderness smelling plants as they grow & bloom flowers for example. Can add immersion value. Rottening games not so much if one wishes to keep the contents of their stomach intact. Lol
Totally agree, it’s not really a gaming feature because we move around too much, unless it was just a simple gunpowder smell, or something. I think it’s aimed at environment appreciation experiences, like you said
That’s how I see it, Heli. It’s not really going to be something I can see used in practical gaming beyond “new car smell” with a slight hint of burnt rubber for a car game. Which would actually suck.
(speculation warning)
It also may have to rely on some type of cartridge to renew the scent when it wears out, or is used up. Totally guessing here but nothing smells for ever, we all have to restock incense/car freshener/etc everywhere else. Even dog shit dries out.
Or, even the ability swap out the smell cartridge to another configuration - ie if the device can make a nice smelling grassy environment, I don’t see the range of that cartridge/device to also be able to make, say, gunpowder/smoke and some other FPS/Real game expectations.
It’ll be background scent, like a field or relaxing, remembering also that no gaming company is rushing out to add “scent” code to their games. as far as we know.
There is tremendous potential with some form of ‘scent module’. Not sure if any of the current implementations will get it right, but when they do, this will be a billion dollar industry.
One key element that any system needs - longevity. The ‘scent cartridges’ need to last a long time, or the hassle of replacing them will negate any of the benefits.
I had already posted about it but honestly i think this could be pretty sweet. I do imagine that to do it “right” is difficult though. However imagine walking in a forest and you are able to smell the trees, the forest, it would definitely help with “presence.”
Imagine playing a cooking sim and your cooking, forgot about what you were fryin (start doing something else) only to be able to smell something burning on the stove! This would really help to sell the feeling of being there. There is only a matter of time till virtual reality becomes THE reality.
Would only even consider that if it comes with a user configurable white list
But fortunately it’s optional, so people who are into that can go for it.
°:nose:°:+1:
